Pollinators We Love

Why Care About Pollinators?

Pollinators – or bees, birds, bats and other animals and insects that spread pollen are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat. They sustain our ecosystems and produce our natural resources by helping plants reproduce through pollination. Without the actions of pollinators, our food supply and surrounding landscapes would collapse.

These creatures travel from plant to plant carrying and transferring pollen – critical to the reproduction of most flowering plants, thus critical to our ecosystem.

Our Favorite Pollinator-Friendly Flowers

Agastache

Made up of over 30 species, this flower is known for its long-lasting flower spikes. They are aromatic and are well loved by hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and other insects. They grow well in well-drained, fertile soil with full sun. They may also be grown in containers as annuals where the soil may not be ideal.

Helianthus

Better known as the Sunflower, Helianthus is a coarse plant with simple, bristly leaves with showy flowers that are daisy-shaped. This flower looks great around borders, wildlife plantings and cutting gardens. Definitely a pollinator-friendly bloom for your garden.

Monarda

Often referred to as ‘Bee Balm’ this perennial herbaceous plant grows tubular flowers and grows anywhere from 8-35 inches tall. This plant has fairly good mildew resistant leaves and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies with its bright petals.

Salvia

This widely dispersed and prolific flower loves the sun. It thrives in dry meadows, rocky slopes, moist grasslands and open woodlands. They have aromatic and woolly leaves with spike-like flowers that come in a breathtaking range of colors. Well loved by hummingbirds and butterflies, this plant is a beautiful addition to any garden or container.