Pollinator Perennials: The Ultimate Guide to Attracting Bees and Butterflies to Your Garden

As gardeners, it's important to create an environment that is not only beautiful but also beneficial to the environment. One way to do this is by planting pollinator perennials. These plants are specifically chosen because they attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden. Not only do they add color and texture to your landscape, but they're also essential for the health of our ecosystems. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about pollinator perennials, from what they are to how to care for them.

What Are Pollinator Perennials?

Pollinator perennials are plants that are specifically chosen for their ability to attract and support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and more. These perennial flowers provide nectar and pollen for these insects and birds, which in turn helps them to complete their life cycles and pollinate other plants.

Why Are Pollinator Perennials Important?

Pollinators are essential for the health of our ecosystems. They help to pollinate over 75% of the world's flowering plants and are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat. Unfortunately, many pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and disease. Planting pollinator perennials in your garden helps to provide a safe haven for these important insects and birds.

Benefits of Pollinator Perennials

In addition to supporting pollinators, there are many other benefits to planting pollinator perennials in your garden. These include:

• Adding color and texture to your landscape
• Reducing the amount of lawn that needs to be mowed
• Attracting beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings
• Providing habitat for other wildlife such as birds
• Improving soil health by increasing microbial activity

How to Choose Pollinator Perennials

When choosing pollinator perennials for your garden, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Native Plants

One of the most important things to consider when choosing pollinator perennials is whether or not they are native to your area. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, which makes them more resilient and better able to support local wildlife. They're also less likely to become invasive and compete with native species.

Bloom Time

Another thing to consider is the bloom time of the plants. It's important to choose a variety of plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season. This ensures that there is always a source of nectar and pollen available for pollinators.

Plant Size

Finally, consider the size of the plants you're choosing. Be sure to choose plants that will fit well in your garden and won't overcrowd other plants.

Top 10 Pollinator Perennials

There are many different pollinator perennials to choose from, but here are ten of our favorites:

1. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

The purple coneflower is a hardy perennial that produces beautiful, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink and purple. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and is a favorite of bees and butterflies.

2. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

The black-eyed Susan is a cheerful perennial that produces bright yellow flowers with dark centers. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and is attractive to both bees and butterflies.

3. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Bee balm, also known as wild bergamot, is a showy perennial that produces clusters of tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and is a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies.

4. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

Joe-Pye weed is a tall, stately perennial that produces clusters of pink or purple flowers. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and is attractive to a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths.

5. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

Milkweed is an essential plant for monarch butterflies, whose larvae feed exclusively on its leaves. It produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, orange, and white. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and is attractive to a wide variety of pollinators.

6. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly weed is a type of milkweed that produces clusters of vibrant orange flowers. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and is a favorite of monarch butterflies.

7. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Goldenrod is a hardy perennial that produces clusters of bright yellow flowers. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and is attractive to bees and butterflies.

8. Liatris (Liatris spp.)

Liatris, also known as blazing star, is a tall, spiky perennial that produces clusters of small, purple flowers. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and is attractive to bees and butterflies.

9. Aster (Aster spp.)

Asters are a diverse group of perennials that produce daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. They bloom from late summer to early fall and are attractive to a wide variety of pollinators.

10. Sedum (Sedum spp.)

Sedums are succulent perennials that produce clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They bloom from late summer to early fall and are attractive to bees and butterflies.

How to Care for Pollinator Perennials

Once you've chosen your pollinator perennials, it's important to take good care of them to ensure they thrive in your garden.

Watering

Most pollinator perennials prefer well-drained soil, but they also need consistent moisture. Water your plants deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is particularly hot and dry.

Fertilizing

Pollinator perennials generally don't require a lot of fertilizer, but a light application of compost or a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help to promote healthy growth.

Pruning

Deadheading spent flowers can help to encourage your plants to produce more blooms throughout the season. Cut back any dead or damaged stems in the fall to prepare your plants for winter.

Overwintering

Most pollinator perennials are hardy and can survive the winter in most regions. In colder climates, it's a good idea to mulch around the base of your plants to protect them from freezing temperatures.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between annuals and perennials?

Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one season. They grow, flower, and produce seeds before dying off at the end of the growing season. Perennials, on the other hand, live for multiple years and come back year after year.

2. Can I plant pollinator perennials in containers?

Yes, you can plant pollinator perennials in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system. Just be sure to water your plants regularly and provide them with plenty of sunlight.

3. How do I attract hummingbirds to my garden?

Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored flowers that are tubular in shape. Planting bee balm, trumpet vine, and salvia are great ways to attract these beautiful birds to your garden.

4. Do I need to use pesticides on my pollinator perennials?

It's best to avoid using pesticides on pollinator perennials whenever possible. Pesticides can harm beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, as well as other wildlife in your garden.

5. How can I tell if a plant is a pollinator perennial?

Look for plants that are labeled as "pollinator-friendly" or "attracts bees and butterflies." You can also ask your local nursery or gardening center for recommendations on which plants are best for attracting pollinators.

Planting pollinator perennials in your garden is an easy way to support the health of our ecosystems while also adding beauty and color to your landscape. By choosing native plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season, you can create a haven for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. With a little care and attention, your pollinator perennials will thrive year after year.