Plants and Their Pollinators:
CREATING PERFECT PAIRINGS WHEN YOU GARDEN EVELYN PRESLEY, PRESENTER PRINCIPAL, SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING EAGLE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Topics To Be Discussed
What is pollination? Why is pollination important? Who are our pollinators? A definition of Pollinator Syndrome The pollinators for discussion today What plants do each pollinator prefer? Planning How To Plant For Pollinators Image from: www.gardeningknowhow.com Container Gardening for Pollinators What Is Pollination?
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anthers of one flower to the stigmas of the same or another flower. Why Is Pollination Important?
Pollination makes it possible for the plant to reproduce. Flowers that are not pollinated do not produce fruits. Self-pollination can produce seeds and fruit. Not unlike human inbreeding, plant inbreeding can create negative traits, along with a tendency to be unable to evolve in the event that the plants’ environment changes. Cross-pollination refers to the movement of pollen between flowers from plant to plant; the resulting melding of genes creates a healthier plant community. Who Are Our Pollinators?
Wind; this process is known as anemophily pollination Water; one form of this process is known as hydrophily pollination These two pollinators are abiotic pollinators. Organisms (humans and animals, including insects, both accidentally and intentionally). Entomophilous pollination is insect pollination. Zoophilous pollination is that performed by vertebrates; humans fall into this pollination category. These pollinators are biotic pollinators. Pollinator Syndrome By Definition/Benefits To Plants
Plants and pollinators have co-evolved physical characteristics that make them more likely to interact successfully. The plants benefit from attracting a particular type of pollinator to its flower, ensuring that its pollen will be carried to another flower of the same species and hopefully resulting in successful reproduction. From: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators /What_is_Pollination/syndromes.shtm#traits Image from: coloradomountaingardener.blogspot.com Pollinator Syndrome By Definition/Benefits To Pollinators
The pollinator benefits from its adaptation to a particular flower type by ensuring that it will be able to find and access important food resources – nectar and pollen. Such relationships are considered mutualistic. Image from: www.flickr.com
From: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/What_is_Pollination/syndromes.shtm#traits Pollinator Syndrome By Definition
Animals, wind, and water can all be vectors for pollen. The flower type, shape, color, odor, nectar and structure vary by the type of pollinator that visits them. Such characteristics are considered pollination syndromes and can be used to predict the type of pollinator that will aid the flower in successful reproduction. Image from: www.sandiegoseedcompany.com
From: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/What_is_Pollination/syndromes.shtm#traits Pollinators For Discussion Today
Bees Beetles Birds Butterflies
Image from: www.granthaminstitute.com Bees
What do Bees see? How do they pollinate? Bee enjoying Lantana spp. What flower shapes Image from: tonyparsley.wordpress.com do they prefer? Do Bees have a sense of smell? What Do Bees See?
Like us, bees are trichromatic. Whereas we base our color combinations on red, blue, and green, bees base all their colors on UV, blue, and green. The colors bees see are blue-green, blue, violet, and ultraviolet, with research showing our purple followed by our violet then our blue as their favorites. If deprived of UV light, bees lose interest in foraging, and remain in the hive until forced out by severe food shortages. Just as color-blind people do not see red or green, and therefore experience the world of color differently, bees also perceive the world in colors entirely different from ours. Bees do not see red and have a hard time distinguishing it from surrounding green leaf backgrounds.
From: https://beelore.com/2011/06/25/bees-dont-see-red/ Image from: www.youtube.com What Do Bees See?, cont’d.
Bees not only see flowers in different colors than we do, bees also see ultra- violet light patterns, invisible to us, at the center that are a different color than the rest of the flower. From a bee’s-eye-view, the UV colors and patterns in a flower’s petals dramatically announce the flower’s stash of nectar and pollen. These UV patterns serve as a landing zone, guiding the bees to the nectar source.
From: https://beelore.com/2011/06/25/bees-dont-see-red/ Image from: www.sciencenewsforstudents.org What Do Bees See?, cont’d.
The flowers of plants pollinated by insects usually have patterns of yellow, blue, and ultraviolet that evoke a strong response in the insect eye. They usually have a darkly colored pattern near the center of the flower, called the nectar guide, which orients the insect toward the proper pollinating location. Bees show a strong preference for flowers with intricate shapes and colorations. Intricate radial patterns seem to be the most attractive; in fact, bees cannot be trained to prefer a simple to an intricate pattern. Some orchids take advantage of the sexual behavior of bees, the flowers being nearly perfect mimics of the female bees. A male bee attempting to copulate with the flower acquires the pollen capsules and transfers them to Bee pollinating an orchid another flower. Image from: www.youtube.com
From: https://www.britannica.com/science/coloration-biology/Control-of-coloration#ref391362 As A Human Would See It
Here is a picture of Arnica angustifolia ‘Vahl’. Photographs of Flowers Taken With Ultraviolet Filters (Depicts Landing Patterns)
And here is a picture of the same flower as a bee might see it – with an ultraviolet “bullseye” pattern to attract the bee. The color of these UV flowers is dependent on the filter used by the photographer, and is representative of the color perceived by the bee.
From: https://beelore.com/2011/06/25/bees-dont-see-red/ For more examples visit: http://www.naturfotograf.com/UV_TRIP_MAR.html Bees: How Cool Is That?
Check out this bee with the hind-leg pollen baskets swollen with golden pollen grains. The bees use this pollen, along with gathered nectar, to feed their young. Pollen is a complete and nutritious food that contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Image from: www.earthrangers.com
Information from: www.statebystategardening.com What Flower Shapes Do Bees Prefer?
Shallow, with landing platform, and tubular
Columbine, or Aquilegia spp. Image from: www.hunker.com Image from: http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/site/articles/the_importance_of_pollination How Do Bees Pollinate?
When a bee collects nectar and pollen from the flower of a plant, some pollen from the stamens—the male reproductive organ of the flower—sticks to the hairs of her body. When she visits the next flower, some of this pollen is rubbed off onto the stigma, or tip of the pistil—the female reproductive organ of the flower. When this happens,
fertilization is possible, and a fruit, Image from: dalantech.deviantart.com carrying seeds, can develop.
From: https://bees.techno-science.ca/english/bees/pollination/default.php How Do Bees Pollinate?
Buzz pollination, or sonication, is a technique used by some bees to release pollen from a flower by vibrating their wing muscles. The resonant vibration dislodges the pollen from the anthers. Bumble bees excel at buzz pollination.
Information from: http://statebystategardening.com/state.php/site/articles/the_importance_of_pollination/
Image from: https://www.coolkidfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/bumble.bee_.jpg
More information on sonication: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4841848/ Bees Have A Sense Of Smell
Bees prefer flowers that have a fresh, mild, pleasant fragrance They also enjoy scented pollen “Honey bees use their antennae to detect odor. According to research by the National Institutes of Health, published in the "Genome Research" journal, honey bees have 170 odor receptors, or chemoreceptors, in their antennae. This is high for an insect -- fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) have 62 receptors and mosquitos (Anopheles gambiae) have 79. The honey bee’s sense of smell is so sensitive that it can detect the trace of a scent in flight. This ability equips the bee to effectively and efficiently locate pollen-rich flowers. Once the scent is detected on the antennae, the bee’s hyper-sensitive olfactory path processes the information, enabling the bee to determine the relevance of the scent to her search for pollen. As well as for finding food, honey bees use their sense of smell to locate other bees.”
From: https://animals.mom.me/honey-bees-smell-feel-taste-11598.html Which Foods Depend On Bees?
Many of the foods and crops we rely on Cantaloupe Horseradish Sunflowers need or, at the very least, benefit from bee Cauliflower Kale Sweet Potatoes pollination. Here’s a list of some of those Celery Lettuce Turnip crops: Cherries Mustard Watermelon Chestnuts Onions Alfalfa Chives Parsley Almonds Information from: https://bees.techno- Clover Peaches science.ca/english/bees/pollination/food- Apples Cranberries Pears depends-on-bees.php Asparagus Cucumber Plums Beans Currants Pumpkins Beets Eggplant Radishes Blackberries Flax Raspberries Blueberries Garlic Rhubarb Brussel Sprouts Gooseberries Squash Buckwheat Grapes Strawberries Cabbage Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
Anise Hyssop 'Blue Fortune'
Agastache 'Blue Fortune', commonly known as Anise hyssop, has large, deep green foliage that sends up sturdy spikes covered with tiny, tubular, violet-blue flowers. This plant pairs well with the many daisy-like flowers on the list. It grows 1-3 feet tall and wide. It blooms from July through September.
Name: Agastache x 'Blue Fortune'
Growing conditions: Full sun to part shade
Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide
Zones: 5-9
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/flowers-that-attract-bees/ Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
Arkansas Bluestar Named for the tiny, blue, star-shape blooms that form in masses, this plant was recognized a few years ago as the Perennial Plant of the Year. It blooms in late spring and early summer in sunny areas. It has feathery foliage in the summer, which complements many annuals and perennials. In the fall, its leaves turn a beautiful golden-yellow. Name: Amsonia hubrechtii Growing conditions: Sun to light shade Size: 3 feet tall; 4 feet wide Zones: 5-9
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/flowers-that-attract-bees/ Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
Beardtongue
Penstemon, commonly called Beardtongue, will attract not only bees but other pollinators such as hummingbirds. The plant is available in a variety of colors -- pink, red, white, lavender -- and features tube-shape flowers that flare out, reminiscent of tiny bells. The top lip forms two lobes and the lower lip has three lobes. It gets its common name, beardtongue, from the fuzzy stamen that resembles a tongue extending from an open mouth.
Name: Penstemon spp.
Growing conditions: Sun to part shade
Size: 6 inches to 8 feet tall; 1-2 feet wide
Zones: 3-9
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/flowers-that-attract-bees/ Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
Bee Balm
Monarda, commonly called bee balm, lives up to its name when it comes to a favorite of bees. Its crown- shape blooms appear in mid to late summer and is a nice addition to a perennial border. Varieties are available in shades of red, blue, violet, white or pink. The foliage is dark green.
Name: Monarda spp.
Growing conditions: Full sun
Size: 2-4 feet tall; 1-1/2-3 feet wide
Zones: 4-9
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/flowers-that-attract-bees/ Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
Black-eyed Susan Black-eyed Susan blooms always add a cheery note to the landscape. If a flower were used to describe happiness, this would be it. They can be the starring attraction paired with ornamental grasses, or they can complement a mix of other plants such as Sedum 'Autumn Joy', Nepeta 'Walker's Low' Catmint, or just about any other plant on the list. Their daisy- like blooms are in showoff mode from summer into early autumn. They are lovely as a cut flower for summer bouquets. There are some cultivars available with salmon or red blooms. Name: Rudbeckia hirta Growing conditions: Sun to part sun Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide Zones: 3-7
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/flowers-that-attract-bees/ Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
Blazing Star Liatris spicata, commonly known as Blazing Star, evokes fireworks starting their ascent into the sky. It makes a dramatic statement with its unusual erect spires of deep pink to purple-pink, sometimes white flowers. It has grasslike foliage at its base. It can grow 1-8 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. Place this one in the back of your border behind smaller plants. Name: Liatris spicata Growing conditions: Full sun Size: 1-8 feet tall; 1-2 feet wide Zones: 3-9
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/flowers-that-attract-bees/ Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
Catmint 'Walker's Low' Nepeta 'Walker's Low' catmint presents mounds of lavender blue flowers and grayish green leaves. It is beautiful paired with roses and also is lovely edging a perennial border. Its striking foliage accents yellow plants such as coreopsis or black-eyed Susan. It deserves a spot in an herb garden as well. Bees love it and so do other pollinators, such as butterflies and hummingbirds. It blooms throughout the summer. It performs so well that it was awarded the Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year several years ago. Name: Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ Growing conditions: Full sun Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide Zones: 3-8
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/flowers-that-attract-bees/ Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
False Indigo Baptisia, commonly known as False Indigo, is a perennial that is low-maintenance and stands up to heat and dry conditions. It blooms March through early May, depending on species and region. The flower spikes can be 12-24 inches tall, boasting pea-shape flowers. After the flowers die back, the plant has a shrublike appearance. Look for Baptisia alba for white blooms or Baptisia australis for blue blooms. Name: Baptisia spp. Growing conditions: Full sun to part shade Size: 3-4 feet tall; 3-4 feet wide Zones: 3-9
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/flowers-that-attract-bees/ Annual/Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
Herbs: Chives, Oregano, Mint, Rosemary, Thyme Herbs are a favorite of bees, whether they are in a designated herb garden or are planted with other perennials in your landscape. While catmint gets a spot of its own on our list, we're grouping herbs such as chives, oregano, mint, rosemary, and thyme as other herbs to consider. Bees love them, and you will, too, for both landscape value and culinary purposes. Name: Allium schoenoprasum (Chives), Origanum vulgare (Oregano), Mentha (Mint), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Thymus (Thyme) Growing conditions: Full sun Size: 6 inches (thyme), 1 foot (chives, oregano, mint), 3 feet (rosemary) Zones: 3-10, overwintering may be necessary in colder zones depending on variety
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/flowers-that-attract-bees/ Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
Lanceleaf Blanketflower Gaillardia aestivalis, commonly known as Blanketflower, evokes a beautiful Southwest sunset with its blooms that have tinges of yellow, orange, and red. It gets its name from the colors often seen in blankets woven by Southwest Indians. Blanketflower blooms from May through October and is a lovely accent to the purples of coneflowers and the blues of agastache and other plants on our list. Name: Gaillardia aestivalis Growing conditions: Full sun Size: 1-3 feet tall; 6 inches to 2 feet wide Zones: 3-11
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/flowers-that-attract-bees/ Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as Purple Coneflower, is a mainstay in perennial gardens that attract bees. Its daisy-like blooms make pretty cut flowers, and it tolerates tough conditions like summer heat and dry stretches. Now available as cultivars in purple, lavender, pink, and white with gold to brownish centers. Name: Echinacea purpurea Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade Size: 1-3 feet tall; 2-3 feet wide Zones: 4-10
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/flowers-that-attract-bees/ Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
Stonecrop 'Autumn Joy' Formerly Sedum 'Autumn Joy‘, commonly known as Stonecrop, is a bee magnet. It's a favorite of butterflies as well. A mass planting with ornamental grasses creates both beauty and a bee haven in your landscape. It also is pretty in border plantings. It blooms from August into late fall and is drought tolerant. The blooms start as a dusty pink and change to a coppery look in the fall. This plant is often referred to as a stonecrop and is right at home in a rock garden as well as a perennial garden. Name: Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’ Growing conditions: Full sun to part shade Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide Zones: 3-8
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/flowers-that-attract-bees/ Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
Stoke's Aster Stoke's Aster has evergreen foliage and cornflower flowerheads, in lavender, blue, pink, white, or yellow. Place in a sunny or lightly shaded border. This makes a nice cutting flower. A late-blooming dwarf variety, 'Peachie's Pick‘ Stokes Aster, grows just a foot high and wide and shows off with intense cornflower-blue flowers in July and August. It works well as a edging for walkways or perennial borders. Name: Stokesia laevis Growing conditions: Sun or part shade Size: 1-3 feet tall; 1-1/2 feet wide Zones: 5-9
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/flowers-that-attract-bees Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
Threadleaf Coreopsis
Coreopsis verticillata, commonly known as Threadleaf Coreopsis, has daisy-like flowers on fine, threadlike foliage. Its cheery yellow blooms are like tiny orbs of sunshine in your garden. They are a lovely complement to many other plants, particularly those with lavender or purple hues. This easy-to-care-for plant grows in a variety of conditions and tolerates dry soil and heat. Its cousin, the tickseed or lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) is another good choice. Name: Coreopsis verticillata Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade Size: 6 inches to 4 feet tall; 1-3 feet wide Zones: 3-9
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/flowers-that-attract-bees/ Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
Trailing Verbena Verbena canadensis, commonly known as Trailing or clump verbena, is a low-spreading form that produces striking blooms from spring through late summer and even to early frost. 'Homestead Purple' has large dark purple flower clusters and is a lovely plant at the front edge of a perennial border. There are numerous cultivars available in pink, red, purple, and white. Name: Verbena canadensis Growing conditions: Full sun Size: 8-18 inches Zone: 6-10 Note: This is a tender perennial in Missouri
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/flowers-that-attract-bees/ Pictured is Lanai Lavender Star Verbena Can’t Beat Blues For Bees
1.Scilla siberica – Siberian squill – spring bulb (fabulous blue pollen!) 2.Muscari armeniacum – Grape hyacinth – spring bulb 3.Pulmonaria longifolia – Lungwort – perennial 4.Myosotis sylvatica – Forget-me-not – biennial 5.Lupinus perennis – Wild blue lupine – perennial 6.Anchusa azurea ‘Dropmore’ – Italian bugloss – perennial 7.Echium vulgare – Blue bugloss – biennial 8.Veronica spicata ‘Darwin’s Blue’ – Spike speedwell – perennial 9.Echinops ritro ‘Veitch’s Blue’ – Globe thistle – perennial 10.Eryngium planum – Sea holly – perennial 11.Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ – anise sage – annual (bees nectar-rob it) 12.Nigella damascena – Love-in-a-mist – annual 13.Borago officinalis – Borage – annual 14.Centaurea cyanus – Cornflower – annual 15.Perovskia atriplicifolia – Russian sage – perennial 16.Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Summer Sorbet’ – blue mist bush – shrub (all caryopteris selections are fabulous bee plants) From: http://www.thepaintboxgarden.com/tag/honey-bee-blossoms/ Beetles
What do Beetles see? How do they pollinate? What flower shapes do they prefer?
Do Beetles have a Image from: www.flickr.com
sense of smell? Image from: www.dreamstime.com What Do Beetles See?
Beetles have compound eyes, which means the two big shiny eyes on the head are actually made out of many smaller parts. Sometimes the two eyes are each divided in half so that it looks like there are four eyes.
From: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beetle Beetles cannot see very well, so they communicate using pheromones, sounds or vibrations.
From: https://pestworldforkids.org/pest-guide/beetles/ Research has shown that beetles are capable of color-vision. From: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/animals/beetles.shtm White, to dull white or green From: www.fs.fed.us Image from: www.fs.fed.us How Do Beetles Pollinate?
Beetles were among the first insects to visit flowers (some 200 million years ago) and they remain essential pollinators today. In fact, Beetles help pollinate about 90 percent of plants worldwide, according to the University of Missouri Extension. There are more than 30,000 species of Beetles in the U.S., and worldwide there are more than 900,000 living species, according to the Smithsonian Institute. From: https://www.si.edu/spotlight/buginfo/bugnos They are especially important pollinators for ancient species such as magnolias and spicebush. Beetles will eat their way through petals and other floral parts. They even defecate within flowers, earning them the nickname “mess and soil” pollinators. Image from: www.morning-earth.org
From: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/animals/beetles.shtm How Do Beetles Pollinate?
Some species of Beetles are in it for the pollen and the nectar; some of the flowers they visit will have both. They will eat through the petals and other flower parts, roll around in the pollen, and even defecate before moving on to another flower, carrying pollen with them. This has earned them the nickname, “mess and soil By Julie Anne Workman - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, pollinators”. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20546568 What Flower Shapes Do Beetles Prefer?
Bowl-shaped with sexual organs exposed Open during the day Moderate nectar producers May be large solitary flowers (i.e. Magnolias, Pond Lilies) May be clusters of small flowers (Goldenrods, Spirea)
From: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/animals/beetles.shtml
Image from: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/animals/beetles.shtml Photo by Beatriz Moisset 2002. Beetle on Goldenrod Beetles Have A Sense Of Smell
Strongly fruity or even foul Beetles rely on their sense of smell for feeding and finding a place to lay their eggs. Scents associated with beetle pollination are often spicy (Malus, or Crabapple), sweet (Chimonanthus, or Wintersweet, Japanese Allspice), or fermented (Calycanthus, or Carolina Allspice).
From: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/animals/beetles.shtml Calycanthus floridus, or Carolina Allspice Image from: commons.Wikimedia.org Why Include Beetles In A Pollinator Presentation?
Beetles were pollinating plants millions of years before bees even evolved. While they are not a primary pollinator for most food plants today besides a few obscure crops like macadamia nuts and pawpaws, beetles assist in the pollination of a large number of crops. There are hundreds of types of beetles, big and small, so almost any type of flower is fair game.
From: https://modernfarmer.com/2017/06/non-bee-pollinators-how-to-attract- A small beetle helping to pollinate an Aster flower. them/ Photo: Garret Nuzzo-Jones / Flickr Flowers That Attract Beetles
Beetles pollinate tree peonies, herbaceous peonies and hybrids of the two types. Peonies (Paeonia sp.) are unique in that they secrete nectar not only from their flowers but also from their leaves or stems. These “extrafloral nectaries” on the peony plants attract beetles because the nectar is even easier to access.
From: https://modernfarmer.com/2017/06/non-bee-pollinators-how- to-attract-them/
Rose chafers, or Macrodactylus subspinosis Hold Up There…Not Quite So Unique
The Oxford Academic Annals of Botany had this to say: Plants in over one hundred families in habitats worldwide bear extrafloral nectaries (EFNs). EFNs display a remarkable diversity of evolutionary origins, as well as diverse morphology and location on the plant. They secrete extrafloral nectar, a carbohydrate-rich food that attracts ants and other arthropods, many of which protect the plant in return. By fostering ecologically important protective mutualisms, EFNs play a significant role in structuring both plant and animal communities. And yet researchers are only now beginning to appreciate their importance and the range of ecological, evolutionary and morphological diversity that EFNs exhibit.
From: https://academic.oup.com/aob/article/111/6/1243/153869 The Oxford Academic Annals of Botany, cont’d.
Within the vast repertoire of plant defence mechanisms, extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) attract aggressive arthropods that protect developing leaves, shoots and flowers from herbivores. Plants in over one hundred families bear EFNs; EFN-bearing species occur in a wide range of habitats and climates and latitudes worldwide, from tropical forests to deserts. EFNs display a remarkable diversity in morphology (the form of living organisms, and the relationships between their structures), density and location on plants, and have diverse ecological functions. They commonly attract ants, as the nectar secreted by EFNs is a valuable, carbohydrate-rich food resource. Other arthropods – some, but not all of which protect the plant from herbivores – also feed on extrafloral nectar. By fostering ecologically important protection mutualisms, EFNs potentially boost the success of certain plant species, thus shaping plant community composition. They are equally important in structuring communities of arthropods, including herbivores, predators and parasitoids. From: https://academic.oup.com/aob/article/111/6/1243/153869 Flowers That Attract Beetles
Lindera benzoin, or Spicebush, also the host plant for Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly larvae
Image from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spicebush_swallowtail_c Spicebush aterpillar_(Papilio_troilus).jpg Image from: butterfly-blades.blogspot.com Image from: www.finegardening.com Flowers That Attract Beetles
Solidago spp., or Goldenrod Solidago rigida is a Missouri native Pictured from left to right are a long- horned beetle (locust borer, Megacyllene robiniae – pollen eater), a fly (nectar feeder) and bee (nectar and pollen feeder).
Information and Image from: https://naturallycuriouswithmaryholland.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/goldenrod- visitors/ Flowers That Attract Beetles
Magnolia grandiflora, or Southern Magnolia Magnolia spp.
From: https://modernfarmer.com/2017/06/non-bee-pollinators- how-to-attract-them/
Magnolia and June Bug or Phyllophaga spp. Image from: www.flickr.com, Tim Heinse Birds
What do Birds see? How do they pollinate? What flower shapes do they prefer? Do Birds have a sense of smell?
The malachite sunbird (Nectarinia famosa) is a small nectarivorous bird found from the highlands of Ethiopia southwards to South Africa. They pollinate many flowering plants, particularly those with long corolla tubes, in the Fynbos. By Steve Garvie from Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland - Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11357756 Birds That Pollinate
Hummingbirds, spiderhunters, sunbirds, honeycreepers and honeyeaters are the most common pollinator bird species.
From: https://www.birds.com/blog/the- important-role-of-birds-in-pollination/ Since none of the bird pollinators I found are common to Missouri other than the Ruby- throated Hummingbird, Streaked Spiderhunter, from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Red-legged Honeycreeper, from the Hummingbird will Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand southern Mexico south to be my focus today. and Vietnam. In India, it is found in Peru, Bolivia and central Brazil, the Eastern Indian states. Trinidad and Tobago, and on Cuba. Image from: birdforum.net Image from: en.Wikipedia.org What Do Hummingbirds See?
Hummingbird-pollinated flowers appear in warm colors like red, yellow and orange. Unlike in insect- pollinated flowers, whose main goal is to attract as much attention as possible, it is believed that these colors hide the flowers from bees to reduce competition. Hummingbirds don't seem to have a color preference, but these bright colors make the plants easier for birds to see from a distance.
From: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/characteristics-hummingbirdpollinated- flowers-61255.html
Fuchsia Image from: wwwflickr.com What Do Hummingbirds See?
Hummingbirds see in near ultra-violet, or UV. Hummingbirds do see all other colors that humans see; it’s just that the warm colors of orange, yellow and red stand out more to them than others because of where they fall on the color spectrum. Don’t worry if you have a green, brown, or blue feeder - hummingbirds are extremely curious and wherever there is nectar they will find it! In addition, hummingbirds prefer flowers with a sucrose (nectar) content of 25%, no less than 15%. Hummingbird pollinated flowers typically have just the right amount of sucrose, while the insect pollinated flowers produce more fructose and glucose, two sugars that appeal more to insects – not hummingbirds. From: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/characteristics-hummingbirdpollinated-flowers- 61255.html Image from: https://www.perkypet.com/articles/what-do-hummingbirds-see How Do Hummingbirds Pollinate?
Hummingbird-pollinated flowers tend to have significantly more pollen than insect-pollinated flowers. Although hummingbirds carry pollen on their bodies for longer periods, they visit individual flowers fewer times. Hummingbird-pollinated flowers produce a larger quantity of nectar at one time when compared with their insect-pollinated counterparts, making frequent visits unnecessary. Depositing more pollen onto hummingbirds ensures that when one of these birds visits a compatible flower nearby, it will not run short of genetic material.
From: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/characteristics-hummingbirdpollinated-flowers-61255.html
Have long stamens that deposit the pollen on the Image from: www.audobon.org forehead of the unsuspecting
From: birdhttps://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/hummingbirds What Flower Shapes Do Hummingbirds Prefer?
The most distinctive feature of a hummingbird-pollinated flower is its shape. These flowers have long, narrow central tubes designed to force a hummingbird to stick its long beak inside, brushing its head or body against the flowers' reproductive organs. These flowers often droop or hang pendulously and have modified petals that accommodate the hovering feeding activity of the bird. You will rarely see large landing areas or elongated petals on hummingbird-pollinated flowers.
From: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/characteristics-hummingbirdpollinated-flowers- 61255.html Hummingbirds Have Little Sense of Smell
Flowers visited by hummingbirds tend to be scentless or have very mild odors. Because these plants are attracting birds with a poor sense of smell, scent is not vital. Strong perfume in plants is designed to announce the presence of nectar to insect pollinators, but since hummingbird-pollinated plants don't benefit from insect visits, this extra step would be useless.
From: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/characteristics-hummingbirdpollinated-flowers- 61255.html Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird visiting Salvia Image from: www.nationalzoo.si.edu Perennials That Attract Hummingbirds
Asclepias spp. (Some Asclepias species are native to us)
Pictured are Asclepias tuberosa and Asclepias incarnata, both natives
From: bybio.wordpress.com From: naturegardenlife.com Perennials That Attract Hummingbirds
Beardtongue (Penstemon spp.)/ Native species digitalis Bee Balm (Monarda spp)/Native didyma, fistulosa, clinopodia Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spp./Native From: bloggardenharvestsupply.com From: theselfsufficientliving.com spectabilis, cucullaria Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis/Is a native)
From: https://www.thespruce.com/flowers-that-attract- hummingbirds-386421
From: blog.delawarenaturesociety.org From: www.thelensflare.com Perennials That Attract Hummingbirds
Columbine (Aquilegia spp.) From: www.hummingworlds.com Native canadensis Coneflower (Echinacea spp./Native purpurea, paradoxa, pallida From: www.birdsandblooms.com Coral Bells (Heuchera spp./Native americana, richardsonii, villosa, sanguinea Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) From: https://www.pfplants.com/wp- From: backyardville.com Native fulva content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_6216.jpg Perennials That Attract Hummingbirds
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea is a Biennial) Hollyhock (Alcea rosea is a Biennial) Honeysuckle Vine From: (Lonicera sempervirens) From: rateeveryanimal.com willowhousechronicles.wordpress.com Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans/this is a native)
From: https://www.thespruce.com/flowers -that- attract-hummingbirds-386421 From: From: audubon.org https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7349/9288022138_1d7c633b00_b.jpg Anyone Recognize This Perennial?
This is another perennial with blooms that people oftentimes dismiss out of hand…but pollinators like this hummingbird love!!! Hosta spp. This incredible group of perennials features more than 8,000 named cultivars. There’s definitely a hosta to please every single gardener. The many different Hosta varieties originally came from roughly 40 hosta species native to China, Japan and the islands of South Korea.
From: https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/hosta-plant- varieties From: peterllewlyn.com Why Research Is A Challenge…
Foxgloves: The scientific genus name Digitalis refers to the fact that foxglove flowers are just about the right size for slipping your fingers into, as the Latin translation of digitalis is "measuring a finger's breadth." It is easy to remember this name origin since fingers are often refered to as "digits.“ From: www.thespruce.com/tall-toxic-foxglove-plants-2132588
The history of foxglove plants is a strange study in language. Foxglove’s Latin name, Digitalis, comes from the word digitus, meaning “finger,” and believe it or not that has nothing to do with gloves. The foxglove gets its name from the old Anglo-Saxon word “foxes-glew,” which means “fox music.” This is apparently because the flowers resemble an ancient hanging bell of the same name. The Latin name was given by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 because, much more straightforwardly, he thought the flowers looked like the fingertips of gloves. From: https://blog.gardeningknowhow.com/tbt/foxglove-plant-history/
Digitalis Etymology Just like Fuchsia, the word 'foxglove' was named after Leonhard Fuchs in 1542. Fuchs is a German word meaning 'fox'. The term digitalis is a Latin word for finger. It was obtained from the Latin word 'digitus'. The shape of flowers inspired the name. When fully developed, the flowers can fit a finger. According to an ancient myth, foxes used the flowers as paw gloves to quietly hunt their prey. The flowers are believed to have covered their woody dens on hillsides. The plant is also known as a witch's glove because it's toxic. Historically, the plant genus was known as foxes glofa/glofe. The name 'foxes glew' and 'folks' glove' were proposed in 1863 and 1847, respectively. The former means 'fairy music' and the latter 'fairy'. From: https://greenvalleysupply.com/blogs/green-valley-supplys-gardening-encyclopedia/digitalis A Few More Perennials That Attract Hummingbirds
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia spp.) Larkspur From: www.alamy.com (Delphinium From: www.pinterest.com elatum) From: www.pinterest.com Lupine (Lupinus x hybrida best in St. Louis); Image is Lupinus texensis
From: www.prairiemoon.com Shrubs That Attract Hummingbirds
Bluebeard, or Carypoteris Butterfly Bush, or Buddleia davidii Crapemyrtle, or Lagerstroemia indica Hydrangea Mockorange, or Philadelphus coronarius From: sheknows.com Mountain Laurel/Kalmia latifolia: Evergreen, part shade Plumleaf Azalea (Rhododendron prunifolium) Potentilla, or Potentilla fruiticosa Rose of Sharon, or Hibiscus syriacus Spirea, or Spiraea Plumleaf Azalea From: Summersweet, or Clethra alnifolia http://usinggeorgianativeplants.blogs pot.com/2015_07_01_archive.html Viburnum Weigela, or Weigela florida
From: https://www.thespruce.com/flowers-that-attract-hummingbirds- From: https://sicloot.com/blog/2013/05/arboretum- 386421 nests-hummingbirds/ Ruby-Throat at a Weigela praecox Annuals That Attract Hummingbirds
Begonia spp. From: sciencing.com (Angel Wing with Juvenile Male) Canna spp.
Cleome spp. From: nameberry.com From: www.gardenexperiment .com Annuals That Attract Hummingbirds
Fuchsia spp. Geranium spp. Impatiens spp. From: burritospecial.wordpress.com
From: www.pinterest.com From: commons.Wikimedia.org Lantana spp.
From: https://www.thespruce.com/flowers- that-attract-hummingbirds-386421
From: flowergardens.com Annuals That Attract Hummingbirds
Petunia spp. Salvia spp. Scarlet Creeper
Vine, or From: blackgold.bz Ipomoea From: patsblogminnysmusings.com hederifolia From: mnn.com Zinnia spp.
From: ourbeautifulworldanduniverse.com A Maintenance Tip To Encourage Hummers…Etc.
Remove faded flowers throughout the season. Hummingbirds recognize that wilted flowers have no more nectar and will avoid plants with many faded blooms in favor of better feeding locations. Removing the faded flowers can also encourage the plants to produce additional blooms to generate more nectar for the birds to sip. Image from: www.gclandscape.com From: https://www.thespruce.com/flowers-that-attract-hummingbirds-386421 Advice From A Hummingbird Expert
What is a hummingbird habitat? A hummingbird habitat consists of flowers, shrubs and trees that produce nectar and, ideally, a mist-type water feature. Nectar is a liquid rich in sugar that attracts various pollinators, such as bees, moths and hummingbirds. A hummingbird habitat is different from a garden because a habitat provides a place for the tiny birds to feed, hide from predators, nest and raise their young, according to Bill Hilton, Jr. Hilton says he has banded about 4,500 hummingbirds in York, South Carolina, since he started Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project in 1984. This nonprofit venture promotes study of the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) throughout the species' summer breeding range in North America. That range includes 38 states east of the Great Plains and extends into Canada across the southern provinces from Alberta to British Columbia and as far north as Nova Scotia. Hilton is also the only scientist studying ruby-throat behavior on the species' wintering grounds in Central America, where he's banded another 1,000 individuals. Ruby-throats have the greatest summer-winter range of any hummingbird species and are the only hummer species that breeds east of the Great Plains, according to Hilton.
From: https://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/how-to-attract-hummingbirds-to-your-yard Advice From A Hummingbird Expert
Hilton has also compiled a top 10 list of exotics plants, not all of which are cold-hardy, that attract hummingbirds. Here's his list of exotics, ranked in order of preference: Pineapple sage, Salvia elegans Giant blue sage, Salvia guaranitica Cypress vine, Ipomoea quamoclit Shrimp plant, Justicia brandegeana Mimosa, or silktree, Albizia julibrissin Shrub verbena, Lantana camara Butterfly bush, Buddleja davidii. also spelled Buddleia Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus Common foxglove, Digitalis purpurea
Cigar plant, Cuphea ignea From: https://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming- gardening/stories/how-to-attract-hummingbirds-to-your-yard From: https://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/how-to-attract- hummingbirds-to-your-yard Butterflies
What do Butterflies see? How do they pollinate? What flower shapes do they prefer? Do Butterflies have a sense of smell?
Image from: www.earthrangers.com What Do Butterflies See?
Butterflies have immobile, compound eyes that can see a vast array of color, but are somewhat near-sighted. Their color vision allows them to pick out the colors we're familiar with, such as red, blue and white, but also gives many butterflies the ability to detect ultraviolet light. Plants have developed ways to communicate their nectar availability to butterflies using this light spectrum, which is undetectable to the human eye. (Butterflies use these nectar From: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/flower-colors-butterflies-like-pollinate- 60735.html guides, just as bees do.) See: http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/03/butterfly-has-extreme-color-vision What Do Butterflies See?
Butterflies have shown an amazing range of color preference between the various species, but as a general rule, flowers that are white, pink, purple, red, yellow and orange attract the most butterflies. Blue to green flowers are universally the least favorite flower color. Some evidence indicates that butterflies may learn which color flowers tend to produce their favorite types of nectar, using color as a visual cue when hunting for these plants.
From: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/flower-colors-butterflies-like-pollinate-60735.html Unlike bees, butterflies can see red.
From: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/animals/butterflies.shtml Image from: openwalls.com How Do Butterflies Pollinate?
Butterflies are very active during the day and visit a variety of wildflowers. Butterflies are less efficient than bees at moving pollen between plants. Highly perched on their long thin legs, they do not pick up much pollen on their bodies and lack specialized structures for collecting it.
From: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/animals/butterflies.shtml
Image from: quotesgram.com How Do Butterflies Pollinate?
While the shape of a butterfly’s body prevents it from pollinating some plants as well as other insects, they have certain characteristics that make them perfect for some flowers. One such flower is the firecracker plant. The flowers of this plant are very slender and tubular and hang at a variety of angles. Because of this, most insects Image from: are unable to maneuver to the plant and cannot reach https://www.butterfliesandmoth inside its petals. The orange barred sulfur butterfly, on the s.org/species/Phoebis-philea other hand, is perfectly designed to reach inside the flower. Ultimately the orange barred sulfur butterfly will Orange Barred Sulfur get pollen on its legs and body that is then transported Butterfly to other flowers. Without the pollination from butterflies, and the Firecracker Plant this plant—along with many others—may not exist. Russelia equisetiformis From: todayhttps://www.bugsdirect.com/pages/how-do-butterflies-pollinate-flowers What Flower Shapes Do Butterflies Prefer?
Butterflies land in the garden primarily in search of nectar and other food sources. The flowers where they tend to feed are composed of many smaller flowers formed together into an umbrella shape or those with extra large petals. Flowers with short, narrow nectar tubes and strong fragrances are among the favorites of butterflies, independent of color, because they often have the best and most abundant nectar. Ideal butterfly flowers produce nectar that is high in amino acids and contains about 20 percent sugar.
From: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/flower-colors-butterflies-like-pollinate-60735.html Butterflies probe for nectar, their flight fuel, and typically favor the flat, clustered flowers that provide a landing pad and abundant rewards. Image from: www.publicdomainpictures.net
From: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/animals/butterflies.shtml Do Butterflies Have A Sense Of Smell?
Butterflies have good vision but a weak sense of smell. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/animals/butterflies.shtml
Their sense of smell is not located in their nose (they do not have one), but is located in their antennae and even their feet!
Prefer flowers with faint, but fresh odors
From: https://www.keepinginsects.com/butterfly/general/
The butterfly body is covered in chemoreceptors (Specialized sensory nerve cells or sense organs that
respond to chemical stimuli). On the butterfly tarsus Image from: www.pexels.com (foot) contact chemoreceptors can sense the presence of dissolved sugars like those found in flower nectar.
From: www.quora.com/How-do-butterflies-taste-their-food Attracting Butterflies to the Garden
Above all else, a wide variety of flowers that bloom throughout the growing season will bring butterflies from far afield. Color blocks are easier for them to detect while in flight, so grouping a single color of each flower species you intend to grow acts like a giant sign advertising ample nectar. In order to keep the butterflies coming, though, you must be very selective about the use of insecticides or you risk killing the butterflies before they can pollinate your flowers. An unintended, but common consequence of butterfly gardening is the appearance of caterpillars who hatch after their parents have met, fed and laid their eggs in a garden filled with flowers.
Image from: gardeningsolutionz.co.nz From: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/flower-colors-butterflies-like-pollinate-60735.html Plants That Attract Butterflies And Caterpillars
The following information and list is from The Old Farmer’s Almanac, at https://www.almanac.com/content /plants-attract-butterflies# For caterpillars, consider plants like violets, milkweed, and asters. For butterflies, Joe-Pye weed, Ironweed, yellow Coneflowers, Goldenrod, and brightly- hued Asters are nectar-filled favorites.
Image from: www.statebystategardening.com Plants That Attract Butterflies And Caterpillars
Common Name Latin Name • Allium Allium
• Aromatic Aster Symphotrichum oblongifolium
• Bee Balm Monarda
• Black Cherry Prunus serotina
• Blue Wild Indigo Baptisia australis
• Blueberry Bushes Vaccinium corybosum, Vaccomoium angustifolium
• Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis Queen Butterfly on Buttonbush Image from: www.pinterest.com • Butterfly Bush Buddleia Plants That Attract Butterflies And Caterpillars
Catmint Nepeta
Clove Pink Dianthus
Cornflower Centaurea
Daylily Hemerocallis
False Indigo Baptisia
Fleabane Erigeron
Floss flower Ageratum
Globe Thistle Echinops
Goldenrod Solidago
Flossflower Image from: www.desertmuseum.org Plants That Attract Butterflies And Caterpillars
Grey Dogwood Cornus racemosa
Helen’s Flower Helenium
Hollyhock Alcea
Hoptree Ptelea trifoliate
Joe-Pye Weeds Eupatoriadelphus fistulosus, Eupatoriadelphus maculates, Eupatorium purpureum
Helen’s Flower/Helenium Image from: www.specialperennials.com Plants That Attract Butterflies And Caterpillars
Lavender Lavendula Lilac Syringa Lupine Lupinus Lychnis Lychnis Mallow Malva Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa Mint Mentha New York Ironweed Vernonia noveboracensis Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius Northern Spicebush Lindera benzoin Monarch and Lilac Image from: Nadine Birge, www.redbubble.com Plants That Attract Butterflies And Caterpillars
Pansy Viola Image from: www.flickr.com Phlox Phlox Pipevine Aristolochia macrophylla Privet Ligustrum Purple Coneflower Echinacea Image from: www.tweetbirdnews.blogspot.com Rock cress Arabis Sage Salvia Sea Holly Eryngium Plants That Attract Butterflies And Caterpillars
Shasta Daisy Chrysanthemum Image from: www.omnilexica.com Snapdragon Antirrhinum
Stonecrop Sedum
Sweet Alyssum Lobularia
Tickseed Coreopsis
Tuliptree Liriodendron tulipifera
Trumpet Vine Campsis radicans
Zinnia Zinnia
Image from: www.raisingbutterflies.org And To Repeat…
Monarch Butterflies, a From: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/532621093400925970/ breeding resident, can only lay their eggs on Asclepias species. Swamp Milkweed, or Asclepias incarnata, Butterfly Weed, or Asclepias tuberosa, are the two most commonly recognized here in the St. Louis area.
Image from: www.planetnatural.com Planning How To Plant For Pollinators: Purposefully Picking Placement, Progression, Pots, Plants, Plus Soil
Image from: https://savvygardening.com/pruning-a-rose-of-sharon/ Placement In Your Environment
Where will you be planting Full Sun……….At least 6 hours direct in the place you call home? sunlight Front yard, side yard, back Partial Sun……3 to 6 hours, minimum of 3 yard, patio pots…no matter Part Shade……3 to 6 hours, relief from the where, be sure to take into afternoon sun consideration the number of hours that your plants will Dappled Sun….Indirect sun through tree receive sunlight. leaves Full Shade……..Less than 3 hours, with Read the tags in your purchases carefully, and if indirect sun for balance of unsure, ask an expert. the day Progression: Plan To Plant For All Season Long
Early season pollinator plants: Pollinators coming out of dormancy need nourishment early in the year and there is not usually very much in the native landscape available to them. Chives, and other early blooming Alliums, are perfect for early season pollen. Lenten Rose (Helleborus spp.), Crocus (Crocus spp.) and many Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) are also good for late winter/early spring foraging.
From: https://www.burpee.com/gardenadvicecenter/about/pollinators-and-our-gardens--- birds-bees-butterflies-and-more/article9000004.html The glorious hellebore ‘Painted Doubles’ is one of many outstanding selections in the Winter Jewel™ Series from Terra Nova Nurseries. Image from: blackgold.bz Progression: Plan To Plant For All Season Long
Late spring into early summer: The number of plants available that bloom at this time gives lots of varieties, so pick what works for you. Good options include Lavender (Lavandula spp.), Catmint (Nepeta spp.), Pansy (Viola spp.), Tall Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata), Poppies (Papaver and Stylophorum spp.) and Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.). For more shady areas try False Spirea (Astilbe spp.), Columbine (Aquilegia spp.) and Hydrangeas.
From: https://www.burpee.com/gardenadvicecenter/about/pollinators-and-our-gardens-- -birds-bees-butterflies-and-more/article9000004.html Bloomstruck Endless Summer Hydrangea Image from: www.bylands.com Progression: Plan To Plant For All Season Long
Summer: As the summer progresses the options increase even more and include edibles as well as ornamental blooms in the garden. Borage (Borago officinalis), Raspberries (Rubus spp.) and summer vegetables all provide pollen for insects. In the flower garden Zinnia, (Zinnia spp.), Salvia (Salvia spp.), Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.), Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.), Bee Balm (Monarda spp.), Spider Plant (Cleome spp.) and Cosmos (Cosmos spp.) are all colorful and varied which provide nutrients for a wide variety of insects.
From: https://www.burpee.com/gardenadvicecenter/about/pollinators-and-our-gardens---birds-bees-butterflies-and- more/article9000004.html Zinnia Image from: monarchbutterflygarden.net Progression: Plan To Plant For All Season Long
End of Summer/Fall: By the end of summer the garden is slowing down and many pollinators are preparing for winter. Late season pollen can be the difference between life and death for some of these insects particularly if their shelter is disrupted during fall cleanup of the garden. Late season Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) makes a great addition to your pollination garden along with Stonecrop (Hylotelephium spp.), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.), and Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium spp.) By providing varied and colorful flowers all summer long you supplement what nature can provide for the pollinators, enabling more to survive in the landscape and helping to restore natural Stonecrop and Bumblebee populations. Image from: http://greensideup.ie/how-we-can- help-bees-and-pollinators-in-the-garden/ From: https://www.burpee.com/gardenadvicecenter/about/pollinators-and-our-gardens---birds-bees-butterflies-and- more/article9000004.html Pots: Consider Containers Carefully
Traditional terracotta or clay work well, but realize they are open and porous, For Shade: so I soak the pot itself when watering my patio plantings, to prevent the pot from wicking all the moisture away from Lobelia in the soil…and the plant roots. blue, Red and White When it comes to plastic or glazed Impatiens…a ceramic, consider the pot's color. good look for Reserve dark colors, which get exceptionally hot in direct sun, for heat a patriotic lovers such as peppers and Gazania. theme!! Synthetic pots - usually made of lightweight, high-end fiberglass and resin - are great for root systems, easier on you to move, but more expensive. Image from: pinterest.com Prepare A Plan To Plant
Plant in a soil specifically designed for containers; use a soil amended with a water-retaining gel if planting in full sun. Plant “Water Buddies” together/SunPatiens won’t pair well with Haworth’s Aeonium Succulent (Aeonium haworthii). Plant “Sun Buddies” together/Don’t plant shade- loving Caladiums with sun-loving Petunias. Aggressive with Passive? Marigolds (Calendula officinalis) are slow growing; don’t plant too close to a “bully” like Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas). Not unlike when landscaping in the ground, use a “common thread” in each one of your containers, so as to tie your look together. Image from: irastar.com Mulch Containers Once, Water Less
Containers are enclosed systems, and big, aggressive plants often become rootbound by midsummer, every drop of water being greedily sucked up by parched moisture lovers.
The stress from repeated periods of dryness can quickly lead to a lackluster look in tropical species (the majority of trending annuals and edibles). Savvy gardeners can often avoid twice-a-day watering, though, by harnessing the moisture-retaining advantages of mulch. Once reserved only for perennial beds and strawberry fields, organic mulches such as cedar and straw can also help keep the soil in your containers moist by decreasing evaporation into our dry, hot summer air. More consistently moist soil, which is what tropical species love, will result in better summer performance and a less exhausting watering schedule.
Make sure to stick to untreated, organic mulches, and avoid treated inorganics such as rock and rubber, which can dry the soil by heating in the sun and/or leech nasty chemicals down to the roots. A layer of mulch a few centimeters thick is all you need.
From: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/life/tried+true+recipe+container+garden+success/9881377/story.html Container Gardening For Pollinators
Upright Summer Snapdragon (Angelonia augustifolia), Lantana (Lantana camara), Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia spp.), Purple Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Blackie’)
Image from: www.couponcravings.com Container Gardening For Pollinators
Because nectar is what pollinators are really after, this sweet-tasting container packed with blue, pink, and red cornflowers (Centurea cyanus), Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas), blanket flower (Gaillardea spp.), and baby's breath (Gypsophila spp.) provide a perfect banquet for bees.
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/container/plans- ideas/containers-for-pollinators/ Container Gardening For Pollinators
Dark Purple, Light Purple and White Upright Angelonia, top Coleus, rear upper right Zinnia ‘Profusion’ Series in Orange and Gold, center Caladium on right, middle right Pink Verbena on right Fuchsia MiniPetunia, bottom left White Bacopa, bottom left Blue Scaevola, bottom middle
Image from: bartonsgreenhouse.com Container Gardening For Pollinators
A vibrant mix of salvias and verbenas are sure to lure hummingbirds. Here, Salvia 'Mystic Spires', red and purple verbena (Verbena canadensis), and coral and raspberry autumn sage (Salvia greggii) add a pop of inviting color to the landscape.
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/container/plans- ideas/containers-for-pollinators/ Container Gardening For Pollinators
Butterfly favorites such as Delphinium, 'Queen Victoria' Salvia, red Verbena, and Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.) provide food and respite for fluttering wings. In general, butterflies favor brightly colored flowers in red, orange, yellow, pink, purple, and blue. They prefer flowers with "landing pads," such as Coreopsis, where they can perch while they eat.
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/container/plans-ideas/containers-for- pollinators/ Container Gardening For Pollinators
You can help boost butterfly populations by planting "host" plants to provide food for caterpillars. Herbs like parsley and dill are magnets for many species of egg-laying females. Here, this repurposed galvanized washtub with drainage holes contains (from right to left) Flat-leaf Parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum), Garden Verbena (Verbena x hybrida spp.), white Coneflower (Echinacea spp.), Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), Stonecrop (Hylotelephium/Sedum spp.), Curly Parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. crispum), and Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.).
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/container/plans-ideas/containers-for- pollinators/ Container Gardening For Pollinators
Dill is a favorite host plant of the Eastern Black Swallowtail, a butterfly found throughout much of North America. Simple to start from
seed, Dill pairs well Eastern Black Swallowtail image from: with Salvia, Dianthus, www.cambridgeincolor.com and Calibrachoa.
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/container/plans- ideas/containers-for-pollinators/ Container Gardening For Pollinators
Using the largest container you can find, like this washtub, will allow you to please the most palates. Buddleia, Rudbeckia, Calibrachoa, Ageratum, and Aster offer something for everyone in this dramatic display.
From: https://www.bhg.com/gardening/container/plans- ideas/containers-for-pollinators/ Container Gardening For Pollinators
Left: Full Sun Geranium, Bacopa, Alternanthera
Image from: www.pinterest.com
Right: Part Sun/Shade Begonia, Fuchsia, Coleus, Trailing Coleus, Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Image from: www.whiteflowerfarm.com Container Gardening For Pollinators
In this colorful container garden we see Coneflower (Echinacea spp.), Blanketflower (Gaillardia spp.), Vervain/Verbena (Verbena spp.), Egyptian Star Flower (Pentas lanceolata), Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata), Salvia (Salvia spp.), Scaevola (Scaevola aemula), Aster (Aster spp.), Balloon plant (Platycodon grandiflorus), Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.), Common Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium spp.)
From: https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/please-pollinators-with-a-bee-neficial-container- garden-pictures https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/please-pollinators-with-a-bee-neficial-container-garden-pictures A Hummingbird Buffet Container Gardening For Pollinators
Plant flowers in tiers and use plants that grow to different heights. Some hummingbirds prefer taller stems, while others want to be closer to the ground, and providing layered vegetation gives the birds more options to choose from. If the plants are all the same height, consider creating a sloping garden or using flower boxes to add tiers. Tall purple and red Salvia in the background, Lantana in the middle, and a trailing Verbena in the foreground. Image from: www.diynetwork.com Container Gardening For Pollinators
Caladium, Torenia, New Guinea Impatiens, Variegated Vinca Vine, Dracaena This container is for Shade.
Image from: www.thescrapshoppeblog.com Container Gardening For Pollinators
Begonia Coleus Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’
Image from: powerflowers.com Container Gardening For Pollinatars
Kimberly Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata) Alocasia Coleus Pink Double Begonia Purple Torenia White Bacopa This container is great for Shade.
From: www.gardenlandsca peideas.org Container Gardening For Pollinators
Black Foliage Tropical Red Impatiens Blue Torenia
This container is for Shade.
From: www.gardenlandscapeideas.org Container Gardening For Pollinators
Leopard Plant (Ligularia spp.), Begonia (Begonia spp.), Spiderwort (Tradescantia spp.), Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia spp.), Plantain Lily (Hosta spp.)
This container is great for Shade. Container Gardening For Pollinators
In recent years, the growth in From: threedogsinagarden.blogspot.ca the number of Coleus that are available to us has exploded. Pinching the flowers off results in a tighter mass of leaves, but left alone to flower, the blooms attract hummingbirds! Container Image from: laportadacanada.com Gardening For Pollinators Petunias Geraniums Verbena
Full Sun Hanging Baskets Are Pollinator Magnets, Too
This hanging basket of Mini Petunias is a Hummingbird Buffet, along with other pollinators.
Image from: www.groupon.co.uk The Pollinator Partnership offers 31 different planting guides tailored to specific ecoregions in the United States. Each guide is chock-full of native plant and pollinator information. To get the guide specific to your ecoregion: Some Great Resources 1. Visit the Pollinator Partnership Web site: http://www.pollinator.org. 2. Click on Planting Guides. 3. Enter your 5-digit zip code. You’ll find the Selecting Plants for Pollinators guide that fits your region. Check out the charts that list which native plants grow best in your area so that you can attract more hummingbirds to your garden. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/documents/AttractingHummingbirdsFS- 1046April2015.pdf https://www.birds.com/blog/the-important-role-of-birds-in-pollination/ A Monarch Butterfly specific website: https://www.xerces.org/wp- content/uploads/2016/10/Midwest_Monarch_Plant_List_spread.pdf Plants And Their Pollinators
Thank you for coming! Please contact me with any questions. Evelyn Presley Principal, Sustainable Landscaping Services Eagle Environmental Management, LLC
Image from: http://balconycontainergardening.com/wildlife/439-garden-pollinators Which Plants to Choose? Deciding which plants to choose can be confusing. Bees are naturally drawn to flowers in the yellow, white or blue-purple color range while butterflies can't resist blooms that are shades of pink, purple, red, yellow and orange. Thanks to their long slender beaks, hummingbirds prefer flowers with a vase-like shape, like foxglove, while night pollinators — bats and moths — prefer white or heavily scented blooms they can easily detect in the dark. https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/please-pollinators-with-a-bee- neficial-container-garden-pictures
Read about mutualistic relationships later: https://www.thoughtco.com/mutualism-symbiotic-relationships-4109634 Bees Don’t See Red! June 25, 2011 by beelore What colors creatures see has long interested scientists, and aside from us, more is known about what colors bees see than any other living thing. Like us, bees are trichromatic. Whereas we base our color combinations on red, blue, and green, bees base all their colors on UV, blue , and green. Just as color blind people do not see red or green, and therefore experience the world of color differently, bees also perceive the world in colors entirely different from ours. Bees do not see red and have a hard time distinguishing it from surrounding green leaf backgrounds. Bees that frequent red flowers either perceive them in color they can see, or the red flower is not being lost against a green background. Even though bees don’t see red, they can see other reddish wavelengths such as orange and yellow. The light spectrum bees see is from 600 – 300 nm. (The abbreviation 'nm' stands for Nanometer (.000000001 (10^-9) of a meter) - a unit of measurement and in the case of Ultra Violet Light or UVA, it is used to indicate wavelength. Ultraviolet light is just beyond the range of visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum. There are different wavelengths of Ultraviolet rays.) From: https://beelore.com/2011/06/25/bees-dont-see-red/ •Hummingbirds •Tubular and have petals that are recurved to be out of the way •Have tubes, funnels, cups •Strong supports for perching •Brightly colored: red, yellow, or orange •Odorless (birds have a poor sense of smell) •Open during the day •Prolific nectar producers with nectar deeply From: https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7349/9288022138_1d7 hidden c633b00_b.jpg •Modest pollen producers that are designed to dust the bird’s head/back with pollen as the bird forages for nectar •From: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/an imals/birds.shtml From: briskpost.com Hummingbird Habitat Needs
Like all birds, hummingbirds can only survive in an area that meets their basic needs for food, including both insects and abundant nectar, as well as fresh water, shelter and safe nesting sites. With more than 325 hummingbird species in the world, these tiny birds face a lot of competition for appropriate habitats, but many hummingbirds have evolved to take advantage of only small portions of individual habitats with their bill shape and length, overall size, wing shape and flight behavior. In this way, many different species of hummingbirds can coexist in the same rich habitats. This window box liner overflows with flowers that hummingbirds can’t resist, including lantana, verbena, pentas, ‘Victoria Blue’ salvia and ‘Summer Jewel Red’ salvia. These flowers showcase the types of blooms that make a hummer’s visit worthwhile: lots of individual blossoms arranged in a spike or rounded flower head. Tube-shaped flowers are hummingbird favorites, including salvia, monarda, penstemon, cigar plant and lobelia. From: https://www.diynetwork.com/made-and-remade/make-it/make-a-hummingbird-theater
Plant flowers in tiers and use plants that grow to different heights. Some hummingbirds prefer taller stems, while others want to be closer to the ground, and providing layered vegetation gives the birds more options to choose from. The colors bees see are blue-green, blue, violet, and ultraviolet, with research showing our purple followed by our violet then our blue as their favorites. Mixing ultraviolet wavelengths with the wavelengths of colors they can and can’t see, gives bees a world of color different from our own. If deprived of UV light, bees lose interest in foraging, and remain in the hive until forced out by severe food shortages. Bees not only see flowers in different colors than we do, bees also see ultra-violet light patterns, invisible to us, at the center that are a different color than the rest of the flower. From a bee’s-eye-view, the UV colors and patterns in a flower’s petals dramatically announce the flower’s stash of nectar and pollen. These UV patterns serve as a landing zone, guiding the bees to the nectar source. From: www.gardensinthecity.ca