A week in June is set aside to celebrate those hard workers that make our food supply possible. They work with no pay, are reliable and sometimes are barely noticed. Of course, we are talking about those ever so important creatures called pollinators! This year, National Pollinator Week is June 21-27.
Pollinators are often considered to be just bees or butterflies, but we also consider ladybugs, wasps, moths, and hummingbirds as important pollinators in South Dakota. Each of these pollinators can be seen at varying times in the garden and doing their important work of pollinating our plants while collecting nectar for themselves. Gardeners, who know the importance of pollinators in your yard, are always striving to plant flowers that are perfect for that job.
As you search the garden center for the perfect pollinators, look for plants that will be flowering at all times of the season. You will have to plant several types of flowers to do this, so plan on having gardens of mixed varieties.ย Different colors of flowers are necessary as not all pollinators are attracted to the same color flowers. Different textures of leaf and flowers as well as fragrance are also items to check off your plant requirement list.
There are plants in every category that will work as pollinators, including annuals, herbs, and perennials. Here is a short list of plants that we love to use as pollinators!
Herbs
- Dill
- Chives
- Fennel
Annuals
- Lantana
- Fuchsia
- Sunflower
- Zinnia
Perennials
- Catmint
- Salvia
- Monarda
- Butterfly Flower
Shrubs
- Bloomerang Lilac
- Hydrangeas
- Spirea
If you have any questions, stop in and see one of our friendly experts. We love to help.
