Once spring comes to an end, my bulbs are done blooming and my perennial border will soon be buzzing with a multitude of insects and hummingbirds. I depend on them to pollinate some of the plants in my garden, like Ilex verticillata (Winterberry Holly). Read on to learn about some of the plants that I use to attract pollinators.
One of my favorite plants to incorporate into my perennial border is Monarda didyma. Monarda, also known as Bee Balm, works great to attract bumble bees and hummingbirds. If you want to entice the ruby throated hummingbirds here in NC, the red varieties of Monarda work best.
My go to plant for bringing pollinators to my garden is Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii). However, last spring I tried something new. I planted Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) seeds. For the first time, I saw Monarch butterflies throughout the summer and fall. If you want these pollinators to land in your garden, be sure to use the two native species (Asclepias incarnata and Asclepias tuberosa).
As an avid bird watcher, I integrate many plants to attract song birds into my garden. Echinacea purpurea (Purple Cone Flower) is a great choice to invite bees and gold finches. The cone shaped seed heads and the bright yellow birds add drama to my flower bed. Due to its low maintenance and drought tolerance, Echinacea purpurea is a tried and true perennial in the south.
Interested in attracting pollinators to your garden? Contact Bright Leaf Landscaping at (919) 475-1015 or fill out our online contact form.