To attract a variety of pollinators to your garden in Victoria, BC, incorporating a diverse selection of flowers is key. Here are seven flowers known for their exceptional ability to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making them excellent choices for your garden:

1. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus): With their daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and maroon, cosmos are not only beautiful but also highly attractive to bees and butterflies. They're easy to grow from seed and bloom throughout the summer into fall.
2. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): Sunflowers are a magnet for bees while their seeds, later in the season, attract birds. They thrive in full sun and can grow in a variety of soil types, making them versatile additions to any garden.
3. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea): The bell-shaped flowers of foxglove are particularly appealing to bees. Foxgloves prefer partial shade and well-drained soil, and while they are biennials, they often self-seed and come back year after year.
4. Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Lavender's fragrant blooms are irresistible to bees and butterflies. It requires full sun and well-drained, somewhat sandy soil, making it perfect for Victoria's climate.
5. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans): Zinnias offer a long blooming season and come in a vibrant array of colors. They are particularly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds and are easy to grow, making them perfect for sunny spots.
6. Catmint (Nepeta spp.): With its lavender-blue flowers and aromatic foliage, catmint is a favorite of bees and butterflies. It's drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaped areas.
7. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica): The bright, cup-shaped flowers of the California poppy attract a wide range of pollinators. As the official state flower of California, it's well-adapted to similar climates like Victoria's and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

Incorporating these flowers into your garden not only ensures a vibrant and colourful display but also supports the health of local pollinator populations, contributing to a thriving ecosystem in your own backyard.