At first glance, you’d think that a lilac bush—with its massive clusters of fragrant blooms—would be an absolute paradise for pollinators. But surprisingly, that’s not really the case. For most of our buzzing friends, the common lilac is actually pretty low on the “must-visit” list.
Butterfly Bush vs. Common Lilac: What’s the Difference?
You might be wondering, “Wait, don’t people always associate lilacs with butterflies? Isn’t there literally a plant called a Butterfly Bush?” You’re absolutely right! The Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) is a magnet for insects. However, despite the similar name and look, it isn’t actually a lilac at all. It’s not even related to the Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) or other lilac varieties. They’re two completely different plants.
That said, planting a Butterfly Bush is a fantastic idea because every pollinator-friendly plant makes a difference. Sadly, many of our favorite insects, like bumblebees and butterflies, are facing steep population declines. The reason is pretty straightforward: they’re running out of food.
More and more, traditional wildflower meadows are being replaced by perfectly manicured lawns and highly bred ornamental plants. While those fancy flowers might look great to us, they often offer zero nutrition for insects, leaving them hungry in a “food desert” of green grass.
How to Mix Lilacs with Pollinator-Friendly Plants
Now, don’t worry—you don’t have to rip out your favorite lilac bush! You can still enjoy those gorgeous spring blooms even if they aren’t a top-tier food source. The reason insects tend to skip them is that lilac flowers contain bitter substances that actually make lilacs slightly toxic. Even the nectar has a bitter kick, which is definitely not what a sweet-loving bee is looking for.
If you want a garden that’s both beautiful and eco-friendly, the trick is to pair your lilacs with plants that insects actually crave. Here are some great neighbors for your lilac that will keep the pollinators happy:
- Butterfly Bush (as the name suggests, butterflies go crazy for it!)
- Wildflower mixes (you can grab a “pollinator blend” seed packet at any garden center)
- Blackberry bushes (a win-win: food for them and snacks for you!)
- Lavender (it smells amazing and has a super long blooming season)
- Marjoram and Thyme (delicious herbs that bees absolutely love)
- Cornelian Cherry (you can even harvest the fruit for yourself)
- Hawthorn (another great shrub with edible berries)
- Fruit trees (apple, cherry, or peach trees are pollinator magnets)
- Bee Blossom/Gaura (these have a huge blooming window from June all the way to October)
- Foxglove, Lupines, Globe Thistle, and Anise Hyssop
- …and so many more!
