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PERENNIAL FOCUS
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Bleeding Heart
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A darling of the shade garden, bleeding hearts were loved by Grandma and are just as popular today. Poetically and aptly named, these plants are heavy with pollen-rich flowers that seem to drip from the stems. This variety’s vivid golden foliage can be used for contrast and to brighten darker shade gardens. Heartshaped pink flowers dangle from long wands. Zone: 3–9
Attracts: Native bees, honeybees
Pictured: Gold Heart Bleeding Heart
LUNGWORT
Lungwort blossoms change from pink or red to blue as the flowers age. Younger pink or red flowers have more pollen and nectar. This signals to pollinators that dinner is served while blue blooms are not going to be as rewarding. Cool, huh? Bees, its primary pollinators, see very well into the ultraviolet. In that range of light, the color change is dramatic. Zones 4–8.
Attracts: Bees, night moths
Pictured: Trevi Fountain Lungwort
PEONY
The redolent scent of peonies is a “come hither” lure for pollinators. It lets them know there’s yummy pollen and sweet nectar hidden inside those pretty petals. Early Scout Fernleaf Peony is one of the earliest hybrid peonies to bloom. The open petals with huge clusters of pollen-rich, golden stamens make for easy pickings. Zones 3–8.
Attracts: Bees, moths, hummingbirds
Pictured: Early Scout Fernleaf Peony
Jacobs Ladder
Many pollinators swarm for blooms with bell-shaped flowers that hint at nectar inside. Jacob’s Ladder produces sweet little blue blooms where little bees fit just right. The pictured variety, Variegated Jacob’s Ladder, is particularly interesting. It has cream and green striped variegation that lends a pop of light to the shadier spots in the garden. Zones 4–8.
Attracts: Bees, hummingbirds, hoverflies
Pictured: Variegated Jacob’s Ladder
Lilac
Who can resist a lilac shrub? Not most gardeners, and certainly not bees. It’s like planting perfume. Even better? A lilac that blooms twice a year, like Little Darling Lilac. This blooms heavily to welcome pollinators in spring, and then blooms again in fall. Zones 4–8.
Attracts: Honeybees, leafcutter bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies including Two-tailed Swallowtail and Milbert’s Tortoiseshell.
Pictured: Little Darling Lilac continued on page 12
