Did you know that 75% of all plants require pollination with insects?
And did you know that bats are an important pollinator too? Bats can eat their weight in insects, including mosquitoes, beetles, and moths?
They also play an important role in the pollination process. They love to drink the sweet nectar inside flowers and as they drink and move from flower to flower, they pick up a dusting of pollen and distribute it to other flowers.
Creating the perfect habitat can bring a host of pollinators to your yard. Here are some tips for the best habitat:
- Use plants with bright colored blooms
- Provide nectar and pollen-rich plants
- Select plants with a variety of bloom times to keep the habitat thriving all season
Make sure you also provide the following:
Food
Bees - Flowering plants like Russian Sage, Coneflowers, and Catmint.
Butterflies - Attracted to plants such as petunias, lantana, and milkweed. Earl May offers a variety of wildflower seeds and mixes that are perfect for Midwest gardens. These plants provide nectar and food for our flying friends.
Shelter
Shrubs and grasses are perfect for providing much needed shelter against predators. Don’t forget to check out some of our habitats that are perfect for bats, bees, and butterflies!
Water
Make sure to have a water source. Shallow bowls and bird baths work well.
Integrated Pest Management
Use pollinator safe products and be mindful of environmental effects. Read labels and follow directed usage, including the amounts to apply. When treating for insect pests always consider all methods of pest control.
Alyssum
Annual
Full Sun
8-12" tall, 18-24" wide
Fragrant continuous blooms
Attracts butterflies & bees
Asters
Annual
Full Sun
12-16" tall, 8-12" wide
Late summer to fall blooms
Fast growth rate
Bee Balm
Perennial
Full to Part Sun
10-18" tall, 12-15" wide
Summer blooms
Fast growth rate
Butterfly Bush
Perennial
Full Sun
3-5' tall, 3' wide
Summer to fall blooms
Fast growth rate
Butterfly Milkweed
Perennial
Full Sun
2-3' tall, 2' wide
Summer blooms
Fast growth rate
Cosmos
Annual
Full Sun
10-12" tall, 12-16" wide
Large daisy-like flowers
Fast growth rate
Dahlia
Annual
Full Sun
8-12" tall, 6-8" wide
Large summer blooms
Moderate growth rate
Lantana
Annual
Full Sun
20-24" tall, 20-24" wide
Long blooming time
Easy maintenance
Pentas
Annual
Full Sun
8-10" tall, 24-26" wide
Summer blooms
Moderate growth rate
Russian Sage
Perennial
Full Sun
3' tall, 2-3' wide
Lavender summer to fall blooms
Medium growth rate
Salvia
Perennial
Full Sun
18-24" tall, 18-24" wide
Purple summer to fall blooms
Fast growth rate
Sedum
Perennial
Full Sun
18-24" tall, 18-24" wide
Late summer blooms
Fast growth rate
Verbena
Annual
Full Sun
6-12" tall, 12-18" wide
Spring through fall blooms
Heat tolerant
Zinnia
Annual
Full Sun
9-12" tall, 9-12" wide
Summer blooms; cut flowers
Moderate growth rate