WASHINGTON D.C. — Gardeners across the nation are being urged to strategically select specific flowering plants to actively support declining populations of essential pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By integrating key floral varieties, experts contend homeowners can transform ornamental spaces into critical ecological corridors, providing consistent sources of nectar and pollen essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and global food security.
The call to action centers on creating biodiverse gardens that offer varying bloom shapes, colors, and flowering durations, ensuring a continuous supply of sustenance from spring through autumn. Pollinators are vital for the reproduction of over 75% of the world’s flowering plants and approximately 35% of global food crops, making their well-being a primary agricultural and environmental concern.
Recommended Floral Varieties for Pollinator Support
Several common garden varieties stand out for their exceptional ability to attract a diverse range of beneficial insects and birds.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.), renowned for its aromatic spikes, is highly effective, drawing both bees and butterflies due to its nectar-rich nature. English lavender varieties are particularly attractive to foraging insects. It requires ample sun and well-drained soil.
For attracting hummingbirds alongside various bee species, Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is a top choice. Its tubular blooms—available in red, pink, and purple—are perfectly shaped to accommodate long, narrow beaks and tongues seeking deep nectar stores. Gardeners must ensure moist, rich soil to prevent mildew.
Hardy perennials are crucial for long-term support. Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.) and Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.) provide reliable nectar and pollen across the summer months. Coneflowers’ prominent central cones are heavily laden with pollen, and their drought tolerance makes them ideal for low-maintenance areas. Coreopsis, or “tickseed,” offers extensive blooming periods, often lasting from early summer to fall.
Supporting Specific Species
While many plants attract general pollinators, certain species are crucial for specialized support:
- Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): This plant is non-negotiable for Monarch butterfly conservation, as it is the sole host plant for Monarch larvae. Planting native milkweed ensures the survival of local populations and provides nectar for the adult butterflies.
- Zinnias (Zinnia spp.): The flat, easily accessible structure of these annuals makes them excellent “landing pads” for butterflies, offering readily available nectar across a spectrum of vibrant colors. Continuous deadheading is recommended to prolong the flowering season.
- Salvia (Salvia spp.): Sage varieties are highly favored by hummingbirds and bees, particularly those with spiky, densely packed flowers. Grouping these plants enhances their visibility and efficiency for foraging.
Annuals like Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) and Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) offer both rich nectar and essential seeds for birds later in the season. Sunflowers particularly function as effective nectar highways due to their height and visibility.
Creating an Effective Sanctuary
Ecological success hinges on more than just plant selection. Gardeners are advised to plant flowers in large clusters rather than scattered individuals, which allows pollinators to forage more efficiently and conserve energy. Furthermore, maintaining species diversity ensures that different life stages and different types of pollinators (ground-nesting bees versus honeybees) find suitable supplies.
Allowing some spent flowers, such as coneflowers, to remain standing through winter provides essential seeds for birds and allows for natural self-sowing, further extending the garden’s ecological benefits. By adopting these strategic planting and maintenance practices, gardeners can actively contribute to biodiversity efforts, transforming private gardens into public havens that mitigate environmental pressures on key pollinator species.