Perfect Pollinators

Published on
April 4, 2022 at 9:53:00 AM PDT April 4, 2022 at 9:53:00 AM PDTth, April 4, 2022 at 9:53:00 AM PDT

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.


Why are pollinators so important? Because pollinators are responsible for every 3rd bite of food we eat. So, the next time you’re getting ready to eat, you can thank the butterflies, and the bees, and yes, even the bats, for helping with our food supply!


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