Pollinator Plants That Pack a Punch!

By Abby Lapides

They’re creepy, they’re crawly and they’re in danger.

Biodiversity loss, especially insect diversity, is a major challenge that we are facing right now. Globally, most countries have committed to 30x30 – to preserve 30% of all terrestrial and marine habitat by 2030. While global cooperative conservation is essential to address this existential issue, we can contribute by creating insect habitats at home. Only have a small yard? Don’t worry, a 10x10’ plot or even containers can help feed many insects. Because we can’t turn every inch of St. Louis into an insect habitat, pick long-blooming nectar and pollen-rich plants to feed pollinators. See some of my favorite plants below, not just for their ecological worth, but for their exceptional ornamental value.

With large clusters of pollen-rich flowers, one of the best plants for shade is the Missouri native smooth Hydrangea, Hydrangea arborescens. While the native is subtly pretty, the cultivar ‘Haas Halo’ adds spectacular presence with its oversized lacecap flower heads. The prestigious Mt. Cuba Center called ‘Haas Halo’ “… the perfect combination of horticulture excellence and pollinator value.” When blooming the plant turns into a busy hub of insects harvesting its vital pollen. If ‘Haas Halo’ isn’t available any smooth Hydrangea will do, even the mophead types, but the lacecap varieties will feed more pollinators.

‘Prelude catmint, Nepeta, stuns with deep indigo-violet flowers that bloom for months from spring into summer. Open tubular flowers bloom in loose spikes on fragrant foliage. When blooming expect to see many cute little bee bums hanging out of these tasty flowers. Deer and rabbit resistant and drought tolerant once established. A great choice for spots that need a lot of flowers without much effort. To get another stunning flush of flowers shear back after blooming to encourage new growth. cont’d on next page cont’d from previous page still thriving and blooming as strong as ever, over 30 years ago.

Top-ranking in horticultural and ecological evaluations ‘Jeana’ Phlox (see the front cover) shines as one of the best perennials for attracting butterflies to the garden. Large clusters of romantic pink flowers bloom summer through fall. When evaluated in comparison trials it was the favorite of butterflies, far outpacing the rest in visits, even the Missouri native. With almost completely pristine foliage and loads of flowers, ‘Jeana’ will wow you and feed those hungry butterflies.

On top of flowers add in host plants for butterflies and create spaces for wild bees to inhabit. Adding long-blooming annuals like zinnias, salvias or pentas will keep your garden blooming and feeding those pollinators when the hardy plants take their breaks. Avoid spraying any insecticide or if necessary, use one that will wash off quickly like insecticidal soap and only spray the unwelcome critters.

An old-time favorite Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ is still one of the best for creating pollinator habitats in dry, rocky locations. Large flat pink flower clusters bloom late summer into fall. Usually flowering in Missouri when Monarch butterflies are at their peak, expect to see them along with skippers and bees mingling on these showy flowers. This hardy succulent thrives in sunny, dry, well-drained areas. Without aging myself too much, my mother planted many ‘Autumn Joy’ plants at her house the year I was born, and they are

Consider mowing less and keeping your lawn height taller. Or, if you’re feeling bold, replace your turfgrass with flowers. Turfgrass is basically little better than astroturf as habitats for most insects. The plants we try hard to remove for our lawns – clover, violets and dandelions—are excellent food sources for many pollinators. And they’re basically free and low maintenance, so ditch those herbicides and embrace the tapestry lawn!

If every person planted even just one small insect-friendly garden and stopped using harmful chemicals in their yard it would go a long way to help give our multi-legged friends a hand in their fight for survival. A happy world -and garden- is one that is full of insect life!

March

Featuring Guest Speaker Bevin Cohen!

Bevin Cohen is an award winning author, herbalist, owner of Small House Farm in Michigan and host of the popular Seeds & Weeds podcast. Bevin will conduct two programs, including:

• Making Herbal Teas, Tinctures & Oils

• Saving and Sharing Seeds

Like Midwestern Herb and Garden Show on Facebook for an updated list of speakers and schedule!