***This article written by Angela Mason Foster, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer***

As we move into the quieter pace of fall, it’s the perfect time to think ahead—not just to spring blooms, but to the essential pollinator habitats that support our gardens, farms, and ecosystems year-round. While much of the garden begins to wind down in September and October, these cooler months are prime time to plant native perennials, start a pollinator garden from seed, and lay the groundwork for a thriving habitat that will welcome bees, butterflies, moths, and other beneficial insects next spring and summer.

Pollinator plantings don’t need to be large or complicated. Even a small bed or border of native flowers can provide critical food, shelter, and nesting space for the pollinators that play a vital role in growing much of our food and sustaining biodiversity. With the right timing and plant choices, fall is your opportunity to build that space—and watch it come to life in the seasons ahead.

Planting Native Perennials in Fall

If you’re planting for pollinators, native species are the gold standard. Native plants have co-evolved with our local insects and wildlife, offering the right nectar, pollen, and habitat structure needed to support these species. And fall is one of the very best times to get them in the ground.

By planting in September or October, you give perennials time to establish roots while the soil is still warm. Most will go dormant above ground through winter, then emerge vigorously in spring.

Some excellent native pollinator perennials to plant now in Eastern North Carolina include:

• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) – A late-summer to fall bloomer vital to migrating monarchs and native bees.
• Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.) – Another fall powerhouse, asters provide rich nectar late in the season when few other flowers bloom.
• Liatris (Liatris spicata) – Tall, dramatic spikes that attract butterflies and bees; also known as blazing star.
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – A long bloomer that supports a wide range of pollinators and later feeds birds with its seed heads.
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida) – Hardy, cheerful, and beloved by native bees.

Plant in full sun when possible, and group in clusters to help pollinators forage efficiently. Use compost to amend soil if needed, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. These plants are adapted to thrive in average soils and often prefer less fuss.

Starting a Pollinator Garden from Seed

Fall is also the ideal time to sow native wildflower seeds, especially for species that require cold stratification to germinate. Sowing in late fall mimics natural cycles—seeds lie dormant through winter, then sprout in spring when conditions are right.

To start a pollinator garden from seed:

1. Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil. Most pollinator plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
2. Clear the area of existing vegetation. Mow, rake, or lightly till to expose soil. Avoid disturbing the soil too deeply.
3. Broadcast seed by hand or with a spreader, mixing fine seed with sand or sawdust for even distribution.
4. Press seed into soil with a board or lawn roller. You want good seed-to-soil contact but not deep coverage—many native seeds need light to germinate.
5. Mark the area and keep it clear of foot traffic through winter. Mulching lightly with clean straw can help prevent erosion but is optional.

By spring, you’ll begin to see germination. It may take a full year for your bed to look lush—native seed mixes often produce strong root systems before abundant top growth—but it’s worth the wait.

Caring for Native Plantings Through Winter

Once your native perennials or seeded beds are in place, minimal maintenance is required, but a few fall tasks can help them succeed:

• Water new plantings during dry spells through fall to help establish roots.
• Mulch lightly around transplants to conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature, but don’t overdo it. Many native plants prefer lean conditions.
• Leave seed heads standing over winter. Not only do they add winter interest, but they provide seeds for birds and shelter for overwintering pollinators.

Perhaps most importantly, don’t tidy too much. Hollow stems and leaf litter offer crucial winter shelter for native bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. What may look “messy” to us is habitat to them. Save your major cleanup for early spring.

Add Structure with Native Shrubs

Perennials bring seasonal color and nectar, but native shrubs and small trees offer year-round benefits. Fall is an excellent time to plant these larger, woody species, and many provide both beauty and ecological value.

Great choices for pollinator and wildlife support include:

• American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) – Fall clusters of bright purple berries feed birds; open form makes great cover for small animals.
• Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra) – A native evergreen that supports bees with early spring flowers and offers dense winter habitat.
• Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) – Round, nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds; thrives in wetter areas.
• Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) – Fragrant blooms in midsummer attract a wide array of bees and butterflies.

These shrubs not only support pollinators, but they also anchor your garden design—framing perennial beds, softening borders, and providing privacy or screening.

Start Now for a Better Habitat Later

Creating a pollinator garden doesn’t have to be an all-at-once project. Whether you add a few asters and goldenrod to your perennial bed, start a small wildflower patch from seed, or tuck a beautyberry into your landscape, each action adds up.

And by planting this fall, you’re giving those plants time to settle in and thrive—so that by spring, your garden will be buzzing, fluttering, and full of life.

Suggested Reading:

• Pollinator Gardening for the South by Danesha Seth Carley and Anne Spafford
• Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy
• NC State Extension publication: Creating Pollinator Habitat in Your Yard

If you have questions about your home garden or landscape, reach out to Gene Fox, Consumer Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Email Gene at gene_fox@ncsu.edu or call (252) 946-0111. Master Gardeners are available on the Greenline Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to assist with your horticultural needs. Don’t forget to check out the Beaufort County Master Gardeners Facebook page for additional resources.