Contributing to pollination is an important role if it is not possible to have a beehive in your backyard. You would be helping in saving our bees by adding lowers, shrubs and trees into your yard that provide pollination. Not only are you providing a habitat for bees you are also including the butterflies and other pollinators. If you can provide at least 25% of your outdoor living space to pollinator plants, you are doing your part in saving our planet.
From large gardens to small patios, you can make a huge impact by planting a pollinator garden.
Native plants are a distinctive choice as they are already adapted to local soils and climates. They are also the best sources for nectar and pollen for the native pollinators. Most native plants are drought tolerant, flourish without fertilizer and are likely to deter weeds. Incorporating native plants, trees and shrubs into your landscape will promote a local biological diversity providing shelter, food and diversity of wildlife.
Not only do you want to have the plants that bloom during the summer, you need plants that bloom early and very late in the year. Some early bloomers are nepeta (Catmint) and dogwoods. Some later bloomers are goldenrod, asters and certain sedums. Keep in mind the best plants for pollination show their colors from early spring until late fall. Some plants are better for pollinators than others. Choose the types that grow well in your area and be sure you have include the natives. In addition, remember to add year round bloomers like Gaillardia and Hydrangea.
If you are not from the Central Florida area, it would be best research and find pollinator plants for your specific area. In Central Florida the following are just some of the plants that the pollinators will love and can be easily found in nurseries.
Native plant recommendations are: Adam’s Needle, Black-eyed Susan, Blue Curl, Canna Flaccida , Coreopsis (Tickseed), Gaillardia (Indian Blanket Flower), Pickerelweed, Spotted Bee Balm and Stoke’s Aster.
Native vine recommendations are: Confederate(Star) Jasmine*, Coral Honeysuckle, Cross Vine, Passionflower and Trumpet Creeper.
- Carolina(yellow) Jasmine are toxic to honeybees. Stay away from yellow flowers.
Native Shrub and Tree recommendations are : Bottlebrush trees, Red Maple, Ligustrum, Liriope, Saw Palmetto, Southern Magnolia, Spanish Bayonet and Walter’s Viburnum.
Native Herb recommendations are: Basil, Mint and Thyme.
Annuals and perennials can also be added to your pollinator garden. Some of the recommendations are Blue Daze, Cannas, Impatiens, Lantana, Marigolds, Nastutians, Pentas, Portulaca, Purple Coneflowers, Salvia, Shrimp Plant, Sunflowers and Zinnias
Other recommendations: Chaste Tree, Crepe Myrtle and Fox Glove
For more information on these and other pollinator plants, go to Perfect Plants for Pollinators – Gardening Solutions.
For questions, contact us or call (407) 459 4497