Pollinators of the Year

TEXT AND PHOTOS Lauren Muller

Lauren Muller is the Conservation Outreach Coordinator for the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Muller is passionate about preserving the integrity of local plant and insect diversity in our natural and urban areas through habitat restoration and creating more ecologically relevant landscapes.

ABOVE FROM LEFT Carolina Lupine (Thermopsis villosa) Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) T he start of 2021 marks the inaugural year for the Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year (GPPY) program. And with this new year comes hope for a return to normalcy, hope for new opportunities, but also hope for the diminutive but ever-important pollinator. A year ago, the 2021 GPPY winners were announced as a call to arms for Georgia’s robust green industry to participate in this new program by growing the four winning plants: Conradina, Sweet Pepperbush, Downy Goldenrod and Butterfly Weed. Plants are annually chosen for the following four categories: Spring Bloomer, Summer Bloomer, Fall Bloomer, and Georgia Native and are proven to be top performers in the landscape while also provide valuable resources for critically important pollinators. The latter function is one that has become an increasingly significant consideration as we select plants for urban and suburban landscapes, which can harbor diverse insect populations. Once again, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the selection committee of accomplished horticulturists, entomologists and conservation experts proudly share the

winners for 2022—a year in advance to align with the timelines of our important green industry partners. These four species have been carefully selected based on ecological value, consumer appeal, and ease of propagation.

SPRING BLOOMER Carolina Lupine (Thermopsis villosa) is a shrub-like perennial that reaches three to four feet tall. This plant puts on a stunning display in late spring as spikes of cheery yellow flowers emerge turretlike from the mounding gray-green foliage. The flowers provide pollen and nectar to many native bees while solitary leafcutter bees us the leaves to line their nests. The Carolina Lupine is excellent for planting en masse as a background or center of perennial flower beds.

SUMMER BLOOMER Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) is a two- to three-feet tall fragrant perennial wildflower that blooms throughout the summer months. Clusters of tiny white flowers provide an ample landing pad for an astounding array of pollinators, a true delight for the insect observer. It grows easily in full sun and in a variety of soil conditions. There are 5 common species of Pycnanthemum native to Georgia FROM LEFT Blue Mist (Conoclinium coelestinum) Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera

sempervirens) that grow in a variety of habitats and all are excellent for supporting pollinating insects.

FALL BLOOMER Blue Mist (Conoclinium coelestinum) is short in stature but not short on blooms. This low growing and spreading perennial wildflower blooms from late summer into the fall, creating a mist-like swath of pale blue to purple flowers. Perhaps even more charming than the plant itself is the white to pale blue pollen collected by the small bees that enjoy the flowers.

GEORGIA NATIVE Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a native twining vine that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. This vine comes alive in mid-spring as its bright coral flowers put on their annual show. The nectar is a treat for hummingbirds; in the fall, many birds feed on the bright red fruit. Look no further for a high impact wildlife plant—this species also serves as the larval host for the Snowberry Clearwing Moth. Click here to learn more about the program and nominate your favorite pollinator plants. You can also reach out to conservation staff at garden@uga.edu for help sourcing and promoting winning plants.