Use these plants for a successful pollinator garden
Creating a successful pollinator garden that meets the needs of pollinators in all stages of their lives requires shelter, habitat, water and most importantly, food. Pollinators require flowers for pollen and nectar; providing plants that feed pollinators by producing pollen and nectar help your garden and pollinator populations to thrive. Using native plants in your garden is a great way to have success. Native plants are plants that have co-evolved with the insects in a particular region and are best suited to meet the needs of the pollinators in that area for food and nectar. Native plants are also suited to western Pennsylvania gardens and require less maintenance, which can be appealing to a gardener!
Since 2013, Penn State Extension Master Gardeners have been active conducting pollinator trials to determine which native plants are visited by the most pollinators (https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/lancaster/pollinator-friendly-garden-certification/pollinator-trial-results-2013); (https://extension.psu.edu/best-plants-for-pollinators) .
Among the native plants studied, 10 species were found to be the top pollinator attracting species: clustered mountain mint, stiff goldenrod, rattlesnake master, gray goldenrod, thoroughwort, dwarf blazing star, coastal plain Joe Pye weed, swamp milkweed, wild bergamot and smooth aster. Several of these species are more adapted to areas of Pennsylvania outside of our northwestern region (e.g. coastal plain Joe Pye weed), many are found within Butler County, and for others there are similar species adapted to our area and excellent pollinator plants. Five of the top 10 native species are discussed here.
Clustered mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum) topped the list at No. 1. Also known as short toothed mountain mint, this plant grows to about three feet tall. This plant prefers full sun but grows well in part shade. Any soil type and moisture amount support mountain mint growth. Clustered mountain mint is suitable for inclusion in pollinator and rain gardens. Pollinators visiting mountain mint include many types of bees, wasps, beetles, and small butterflies. Mountain mint will spread but is not an aggressive spreader.
While native goldenrods (Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida); Gray Goldenrods (S. nemoralis) made the Penn State Extension list as number 2 and 4, there are many species of goldenrods. Some species are native and some have origins in Canada and Europe. In addition to Stiff and Gray goldenrods, the best goldenrod pollinator plants are zigzag and showy goldenrod. Another suggested goldenrod is one that is a beautiful cultivar of rough goldenrod (Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’) and is suggested for consideration on the Penn State Pollinator Friendly Garden Application. The cultivar produces flower sprays that resemble fireworks and is a beautiful choice for a pollinator garden. Goldenrods generally grow to a height of three to five feet and require full sun. They grow in a variety of soil types. Goldenrods attract butterflies and bees and are a great late season nectar source for migrating monarch butterflies.
Another interesting plant that made the list is Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum). In Butler County, Common Joe Pye weed is a mid- to late-summer blooming plant that forms beautiful purplish pink flower clusters that attract many butterflies, bees, and moths. Joe Pye weed prefers full to partial sun and moist soil. This plant can reach heights of seven feet. Joe Pye weed stands out in the pollinator garden and rain garden. A smaller cultivar, Little Joe, (Eupatorium dubium) grows to a height of 24-30 inches and is better suited for smaller gardens. Little Joe also is drought tolerant.
Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), another top pollinator plant (No. 8), is also a host plant to the beautiful monarch butterfly. Swamp milkweed, common milkweed and butterfly weed are all in the Asclepias family. Monarch butterfly populations are facing a deep decline, and one way to help increase their population is to plant milkweed in your pollinator gardens. Swamp milkweed prefers moist soil and full sun. Common milkweed prefers full sun and will grow in a variety of soils. Butterfly weed requires full sun and moist soil for the first year then can tolerate drier conditions. Swamp milkweed and butterfly weed are not as aggressive as common milkweed.
Although No. 9 on the list, Monarda, or wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), is probably the most versatile and easiest pollinator plant to grow. A member of the mint family, Monarda prefers full sun and moist fertile soil, but will tolerate a variety of soils, including clay. Wild bergamot can tolerate drought as well as moist environments, making it appealing for low water gardens and rain gardens. Monarda attract a wide variety of butterflies and bees, hummingbirds, and hummingbird clearwing moths. Monarda spreads but is not invasive. Other species of Monarda include spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata) and Oswego tea (Monarda didyma), both of which are excellent pollinator plants.
When planning for your garden, consider planting one or more of these native plants that support our pollinator populations. Learn more about the native plant and pollinator trials conducted by Penn State Extension Master Gardeners (https://extension.psu.edu/penn-state-master-gardener-pollinator-preferences).
If you have questions about native plants and pollinators, call the Master Gardener Garden Hotline at 724 287 4761 Ext 7 or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu
For more information on creating a garden for pollinators, check out these Penn State Extension web sites. Penn State also offers an opportunity to have your pollinator garden certified as “Pollinator Friendly.”
https://extension.psu.edu/trees-lawns-and-landscaping/home-gardening/pollination-and-bees
https://extension.psu.edu/insects-pests-and-diseases/pollinators/identification-and-biology
https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/outreach/pollinator-certification.
———
Diane Walczak is with the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Butler County.
