Best pollinating plants

Can I share something really embarrassing here? If you read my “15 mistakes to avoid in the garden” post you likely already know this, but… when we first started gardening, I literally said “growing flowers is pointless”. I thought that just because it didn’t feed me directly, it was a waste of water, time, and space. That was likely one of the most stupid things I have ever said.

Now, we incorporate flowering plants for pollinators into every nook and cranny of the garden that we can! We tuck them into raised garden beds as companion plants with vegetables, around borders in our more wild spaces, under and around trees, and in containers throughout the property. Moreover, we our garden has become a Certified Wildlife Habitat! Check out this article to learn how to make your space more wildlife-friendly – and get certified too if you wish!

We have also created several designated pollinator spaces like our curvaceous stone raised bed “pollinator island” in the backyard garden, the cobble-stone lined “pollinator zones” in the front yard garden, or the terraced corner from the front yard expansion project. Those spaces are loaded with the plants for pollinators you’ll find in the post. I did a tally, and discovered we are currently growing all but four of the plants on the list!

You’ll have to decide which style or way of incorporating plants for pollinators works best for you. This will depend on your climate, space, and the types of plants you choose too. Even if you don’t have a true “garden” space but have access to an outdoor patio or balcony, you too can have a pollinator garden! Many of the plants included on this list do very well in containers.

Read through the list of pollinator-friendly plants below. As you do so, consider your climate and growing space. As much as possible, choose varieties that are native to your area. They’re best suited for your growing conditions and for the local pollinators. I wasn’t able to outline where each plant is native to specifically, so you may need to do a little further digging, but the majority of the plants on the list are native to North America. I did not include invasive plants like butterfly bush.

Many of these are simple to start from seed, though it may be quick and easiest to buy certain ones from a local nursery. Selecting plants for pollinators at a local nursery increases the likelihood that they’re suited well for your area. See related: Top 7 Easy Annual Flowers to Grow From Seed.

Choose a variety of plants for pollinators that bloom at different times throughout the year! This will help provide staggered and continuous food for our pollinator friends as the seasons change.  Another way to accomplish this is by staggering the time you start various annuals over a few months, referred to as succession planting.

Additionally, try to incorporate a mix of flower structure types – some short and stout blooms, some long and tubular. This will help attract different pollinators, as they’ll choose whatever kind of bloom best suits their tongues! In addition to flowers, include plants like milkweed, fennel and dill – the host plants that butterfly larvae feed on.

Last but certainly not least, it is critical that we exercise organic gardening practices and avoid the use of pesticides. Especially in a space dedicated to pollinators! The pollinators will be most healthy and happy in an environment that is as natural as possible. As your little ecosystem gets established and blossoms, pests are often times kept in check naturally by wild birds and beneficial insects!

When I describe the “zones” below, I am referring to the USDA hardiness zones. If you aren’t sure what your zone is, click here to input your zip code and easily find out! The descriptions provided are intended to be an overview of the plant, not a detailed planting and care guide.

The plants for pollinators will also be described as “annual” or “perennial” (or could be both, depending on the zone). An annual plant is one that starts and ends its life cycle in only one season. The original plant will not come back, though it may spread seed, causing its offspring to grow the following year. On the other hand, a perennial will continue to live for many years to come, even if it appears to die back in the winter.

Without further ado, and in no particular order, here are….

1) Calendula ~ Calendula officinalis

Description: Shorter, bushy plants full of orange/yellow, daisy-like flowers that provide both pollen and nectar for pollinators. Note that calendula comes in colors other than the classic orange, like gorgeous Strawberry Blonde flowers. Some of our other favorites include Resina, Orange King, Pink Surprise, and Pacific Beauty.

Did you know that Calendula is technically an herb, and has many medicinal properties? It is cherished by herbalists who use the flower petals to make healing and soothing tinctures, infusions, and salves. The edible flowers also make for a special touch on salads or as a garnish! Their big hooked seeds make for easy seed-saving. Commonly referred to as “pot marigold”, note that calendula is not a marigold. I know, it’s weird and confusing. To read more about growing and using calendula, see this article all about it!

Zones: Annuals, zones 2 – 11

Bloom time: Spring through late fall. They put off continuous blooms up until frost! Deadhead to keep bloom production at peak.

Attracts: Bees & butterflies. In addition to being an excellent plant for pollinators, calendula are an companion plant with veggies because they repel pest insects while attracting beneficials like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies.

Growing Requirements: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or directly outside after the last frost. Fast-growing. Full sun, partial shade in the hottest climates. Adaptable to a variety of soil conditions. Suitable for containers.

Description: Marigolds are annual flowers that range from red to orange to yellow. Like calendula, they’re excellent companion plants. They repel pest insects like cabbage moths. French marigolds are also reported to deter root-knot nematodes in soil. The plant size can vary depending on the variety, ranging from 6 inches tall or up to 4 feet tall! These Tangerine Gem, are adorable petite plants. If your marigolds grow out of control and start to crowd their companion veggies, marigolds tolerate pruning back very well.

Zones: 2 – 11 in warmer months. Zones 10 and higher can enjoy marigolds virtually year-round.

Bloom time: Continuous blooms from late spring up until frost.

Attracts: Butterflies and moths

Growing Requirements: Easy to grow! Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or directly outside after the last frost. Full sun, and warm temperatures preferred. Suitable for a variety of soil types and containers. Maintain soil moist, but not soggy.

Description: The term “salvia” includes a massive group of plants, with something like 800 or 900 different species! Culinary sage is a salvia too. Salvia plants and flowers come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors – ranging from massive 5 foot bushes full of tiny blooms, to a few single tall stalks on a petite compact plant. Some are woody, hardy perennial shrubs and some are more tender annuals. Most salvias produce blooms that drive pollinators wild!

We have at least a dozen different salvia varieties in our garden, but some of the absolute favorites are Hummingbird sage (perennial in zones 8-11), Wild Watermelon Salvia (perennial in zones 7-10), “Mystic Spires Blue” salvia (perennial in zones 7-10), and “Love and Wishes” salvia (perennial in zones 9-11). On my “want” list is also pineapple sage, as a dual-purpose edible herb and all-around awesome plant for pollinators.

Zones: While most varieties enjoy zones 7 – 11 most, particularly as perennials, there are definitely some salvias that are hardy in lower zones! Check out this article that describes some colder-tolerant types, and of course, make sure to check with your local nursery! They will carry what works in your area.

Bloom time: Most prolific spring-fall, though year-round flowers are common in mild climates.

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, but ESPECIALLY hummingbirds. Of all the plants in our garden, the hummers love the salvia most.

Growing Requirements: Most types of salvia prefer full sun, though some can tolerate some shade. For example, hummingbird sage appreciates some shade in the hottest climates. Most are also drought tolerant, so avoid poor draining soil or overwatering.

Description: Easy to grow, sprawling, edible, lovely nasturtium! The peppery arugula-like leaves are edible, as well as the flowers. The blooms come in a variety of colors, and provide pollen and nectar for our garden friends. Readily self-seeds around your garden space. We especially love the hummingbird-magnet tropical beauty Aloha mix, and these pretty variegated Alaska Mix.

Zones: Annuals in zones 4 – 8, possible perennial in zone 9 – 11. Ours live through the winter here!

Bloom time: Early summer through fall in most climates.

Attracts: Bumblebees, hummingbirds, and moths. Aphids also love them, which makes them a good “trap crop”. To prevent the infestation from getting out of control, give the aphids a good hard blast of water.

Growing Requirements: These guys prefer to be direct-sown. Direct sow seeds outdoors after last frost. Low to moderate water. Prefers well draining soil and no standing water. Will grow in sun or shade, but flower more prolifically if they receive at least 6 hours of sun. However, they don’t like extreme heat, so opt for morning sun and afternoon shade in the hottest climates. Will self-seed and spread if the spent flowers are not deadheaded and collected.

Description: Possibly the quintessential plants for pollinators. Tall spikes of lavender blooms over bushy silver/sage green foliage. The size and shape of the blooms and plants vary depending on the variety! Lavender comes in three main types: English, Spanish and French ~ with many varieties within each. We grow a little from each group!

Zones: Perennial in zones 6 – 7 and higher, annual in zones 6 and lower. Plant in spring as an annual. English lavender is said to be hardy down to zone 5, while the others prefer higher zones.

Bloom time: Summer through fall. Potentially year-round in mild climates, particularly when spent blooms are deadheaded.

Attracts: Bees! Repels mosquitoes and flies.

Growing Requirements: Full sun, though it may benefit from some afternoon shade in the hottest climates. Plant in well-draining soil. Add half cactus mix even. The last thing lavender likes is wet feet! Thus, one of the most common lavender care mistakes is overwatering. No need to bother with fertilizer either – it does well in poor to moderate soil. Lavender is slow and can be frustrating to start from seed. We generally buy established plants from a local nursery.

Description: Annual. These dainty daisy-like flowers atop long slender stems, and come in many colors. Additionally, cosmos make great cut flowers. The plant size can vary from 1 to 5 feet tall, depending on the variety you choose! Therefore, taller varieties may need staking for support. Seashell cosmos are SO stunning (shown below) and we also love this Sensation blend.

Zones: Annuals in zones 2 – 8, possible perennial in zone 9 – 11.

Bloom time: Late spring until frost.

Attracts: Birds, bees, butterflies, and moths

Growing Requirements: Easy to direct-sow outdoors. Simply scatter seeds on bare soil in springtime, after the danger of frost has passed, or start indoors the weeks prior. Grows well in beds or containers, and survives even the poorest soil conditions. Drought-tolerant, and prefers warm, dry weather. In the hottest climates, provide partial shade. Avoid fertilizer, as this can result in a lot of greenery but not many blooms.

Description: Verbena is a huge family that includes over 250 species of both annual and perennial plants. Most of them produce flowers that pollinators go wild for! A couple of favorite perennial verbena types in our garden are Verbena bonariensis (Lollipop) and Princess Dark Lavender.

Zones: Most species will grow in zones 5 – 11, but as perennials only in zones 7-11.

Bloom time: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more!

Attracts: Butterflies! Verbena is a central source of nectar for the monarchs in our yard. Supposedly they also attract hummingbirds, though our hummers have other favorites they visit over verbena.

Growing Requirements: Full sun to part shade. Drought tolerant, so provide well-draining soil. Verbena is known to be a bit finicky and slow to start from seed. Depending on the variety, they can take over a month to germinate, so it is suggested to start indoors up to 12 weeks before your last spring frost date. Consequently, this may be one that’s simply easiest to buy started plants from your local nursery. We do. Verbena is susceptible to powdery mildew, so provide plenty of space around it for good air flow and prevention.

Description: There are over 100 species of milkweed with a huge diversity in foliage, flower color, size and appearance! But they all feed monarch butterflies. Check out this article by Monarch Butterfly Garden to find a milkweed native to your area.

Tropical milkweed is a popular option because the monarchs love it, and it is fast and easy to grow. However, tropical milkweed do not die back in winter as other native species do, which can lead to a disruption in the monarchs natural migration pattern. If you choose to grow tropical milkweed, ensure you cut it back for the winter to about 6” and remove foliage no later than Thanksgiving. This also helps prevent the spread of OE, a parasite that inflicts monarchs. To learn about attracting and responsibly raising monarch butterflies, see this post. We are a registered monarch waystation and rear them here!

Zones: Depends on the variety. Find one that will work for you using the link above!

Bloom time: Spring into summer

Attracts: Monarch butterflies. It is the sole food source or “host plant” for monarch caterpillars, and the one place adult monarch butterflies lay their eggs. The butterflies also drink nectar from the flowers. Aphids are also drawn to milkweed. Don’t spray the plants! Just smush the aphids with your fingers and spray them off with water – but watch out for baby monarch cats!

Growing Requirements: Full sun to light shade. With the exception of tropical varieties, most milkweed seeds need “vernalization” (a prolonged period of cold temperatures, such as freezing outside or even in household freezer) to germinate.

Description: Prickly leathery leaves and star-shaped bluish purple flowers.  The edible flowers can serve as a beautiful garnish to any summertime salad or drink! The borage plant is a vigorous, low-maintenance annual plant. In addition to being a great plant for pollinators, the flowers are edible and add a beautiful pop of color to salads or summer drinks. Furthermore, the borage greens are full of nutrients that make them a great addition to compost.

Zones: All zones!

Bloom time: Late spring through summer

Attracts: Bees. Like crazy.

Growing Requirements: Sun to part shade. Direct-sow seeds outside after the last date of frost. Warning: Borage re-seeds itself like crazy! If buy seeds once and plant it, you’ll never have to plant it again! If you do not want it to spread itself, remove the flowers before they go to seed and drop. We let it re-seed and pick out excess plants for the compost. It also makes stellar chop-and-drop mulch for garden beds. We use it on the soil in our cannabis grow bags.

Description: These tall showy, long-lasting spikes full of hundreds of individual blooms are essential in a pollinator garden! Also called “hummingbird mint”, they’re a favorite nectar source for our sweet little bird friends. Agastache is also deer and rabbit resistant, if that is an issue on your homestead. Beautiful blooms come in lavender, dark purple, blue hues, peach, and more. Of the dozens of types of Agastache, our favorite it Anise hyssop or Agastache foeniculum. It smells particularly amazing, is highly attractive to monarch butterflies and bees, and also makes for amazing tea!

Zones: Annual in any zone, perennials in many zones (depends on the variety)

Bloom time: Spring through fall, heaviest in summer

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Growing Requirements: Prefers full sun, or partial afternoon shade in hottest climates. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil. Adding compost in the planting hole is good, but no fertilizer is needed. Agastache is drought-tolerant once established. In colder climates, it will die back in the winter and grow as an annual. However, it self-seeds easily in your garden and will keep coming back each year! Press seeds in the soil surface but do not bury. Germination can take several weeks, so patience is key! Purchasing established plants from a local nursery is also a good option.

Description: These fairly compact plants for pollinators range from 1 to 3 feet high, with dark green fuzzy foliage. The plants produce very fragrant, vanilla-scented flowers that range from blue-purple, lavender, or even white. Some claim they smell more like cherry pie!

Zones: Perennial in zones 9b – 11, annual in all others

Bloom time: Summer through fall

Attracts: Butterflies, hummingbirds

Growing Requirements: Heliotrope prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Compared to other pollinator-friendly plants on this list, these guys aren’t as drought-tolerant. Therefore, in places where summers are very hot, it will benefit from some afternoon shade.

Description: Clusters of small yellow, pink, white, red, or lavender flowers. One of our favorite varieties is “Moonshine” yarrow, which has silvery-sage, fuzzy foliage with yellow and white flowers.  Yarrow is a biodynamic accumulator, meaning it takes up and stores vital nutrients and minerals in its tissues. Therefore, we use the spent, deadheaded flowers as mulch or as an addition to compost. The foliage base of most yarrow varieties stay fairly small, around 2 to 3 feet, but their flowers can exude a floppy and sprawling appearance.

Zones: Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and Moonshine yarrow are both hardy in zones 3 – 10

Bloom time: Late spring through fall.

Attracts: Butterflies and bees. We’ve found ladybugs seem to be attracted to yarrow too!

Growing Requirements: Yarrow does well in poor to moderate soil, as long as it is well-draining. As a drought-tolerant plant, ensure it doesn’t get overwatered. Most varieties thrive in hot, dry conditions, though we have found some types with tender fern-like foliage get wilty and a little fried in hot summer afternoon sun. Partial (afternoon) shade is okay for all varieties  Deadhead and compost or mulch spent flowers.

Description: Yep! This perennial herb is another multi-use all star! Growing oregano provides you delicious culinary seasoning to use fresh or dried, and as long as you allow it to flower, becomes an uber bee-magnet as the season goes on. Its trailing growth habit makes it perfect for sprawling ground cover, in containers, or to trail down the sides of border walls. We love our Italian Oregano patches, though the Greek variety is very popular as well!

Zones: Can be a perennial in all zones, if protected. In zones 7 and lower it will lose its leaves in winter. Cover with mulch or a cold frame for protection at that time. On the other hand, you could keep it in a container to bring indoors during winter. Oregano is an evergreen perennial in zones 8 and higher.

Bloom time: Summer to fall

Attracts: Bees and possibly hummingbirds

Growing Requirements: Full sun, or partial shade in zones 7 and higher. Our fully exposed patch gets a little crispy in the later summer here in zone 9b/10a, and our partially shaded one looks happier. Allow soil to dry out slightly between watering. Provide compost and well-draining soil.

Description: Annual. Tall, stunning, large-headed flowers. Make sure to choose pollen-bearing varieties for the bees! We love branching, multi-headed varieties that extend the life and number of blooms over time that come from one flower stalk. Sunflowers are heliotropic, which means they turn the face of their flower to follow the pattern of the Sun across the sky throughout the day.

I’ve never met a sunflower I didn’t fancy, but some of our favorite varieties include Evening Colors, Sonja, Goldy Double, Lemon Queen, Autumn Beauty, Mammoth, Strawberry Blonde and Mexican Sunflowers (though not a true sunflower). We choose a lot of multi-headed branching types that boast a longer blooming season.

Zones: All zones.

Bloom time: Summer into fall, depending on when they’re planted.

Attracts: Bees and birds

Growing Requirements: Full Sun. Some may require staking for support. Most varieties are drought tolerant, so don’t overdo the water! Direct sow seeds outside after the last frost. For an early start, seeds can be started indoors the weeks prior to frost. If you choose to do so, provide ample light so they don’t get too leggy!

Description: Daisy-like coneflowers of various colors attract and provide pollen for pollinators, and are also a staple in home apothecary gardens! Even though they’ll die back in winter and need a good deadheading, these plants are hardy perennials. Purple coneflower, or Echinacea purpurea, is the most popular and well-known plant for pollinators. However, it comes in many other stunning colors. Check out this colorful coneflower mix!

Zones: 3-10

Bloom time: Midsummer through mid fall.

Attracts: Bees, butterflies and songbirds

Growing Requirements: Prefers full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. Plant in soil rich with compost, but ensure it is well-draining. They’re drought tolerant and enjoy heat!

Description: Zinnas are one of our favorite plants for pollinators, and our monarchs love them even more! Large poofy flowers on tall stems standout as showstoppers in any garden. Furthermore, zinnas come in dozens of sizes and colors. Best of all, they’re very easy to grow, mature quickly, and bloom heavily over many months.

Zones: Annual for all zones. Frost will kill zinnias.

Bloom time: First blooms can appear 60-70 days after sowing seeds. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooms. Additionally, seeds can be planted in succession to stagger blooms.

Attracts: Butterflies and bees. A huge favorite for our monarchs!

Growing Requirements: Prefers full sun, but will tolerate a little shade. Plant in soil rich with compost, but well-draining. Direct sow outside after the last frost. Zinnias are said to not tolerate starting indoors and transplanting well, though we have with no issues. Our zinnia were prone to powdery mildew – until we found these awesome PM-resistant varieties from Johnny’s Seeds. I’m also quite fond of Giant Coral, Purple Prince, Giant Yellow, Queen Red Lime and many more.

Description: I wish these bad boys were native to our area! Showy, tall, fuzzy spears of purple flowers covered in monarch butterflies anyone? Blazing Meadow Star is a known “monarch magnet”. These perennial plants for pollinators can reach over 4 feet tall.

Zones: 3 – 8, native to midwestern prairies

Bloom time: August and September

Attracts: Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds

Growing Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Average water requirements – enjoys occasional deep watering, but do not overwater frequently.  Deer and rabbit resistant.

Description: This is another diverse group that encompasses hundreds of species and options! You should be able to find a perennial penstemon to suit every zone and garden. Penstemon range from less than a foot tall to over 5 feet tall. The nectar-rich flowers also come in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes.

Zones: 3 – 10

Bloom time: Spring through fall, dependent on variety

Attracts: Bees and hummingbirds

Growing Requirements: Mostly full sun, but will benefit from afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Not fussy and do well in poor soil, as long as it is well-draining. Therefore, clay soils aren’t ideal, and sandy loamy soil is best. Deep but infrequent water. Drought-tolerant once established.

Description: Perennial. Pretty daisy-like blooms grow on plants that vary in size and color, depending on the variety. The most common is beautiful purple Aster alpinus, which is native to North America.

Zones: 3 – 11, depending on variety

Bloom time: mid or late summer to fall

Attracts: Butterflies and bees

Growing Requirements: Full sun in locations with cooler summers and moist conditions – which is what they prefer. Choose partial shade in warmer climates. Plant with compost in well-draining soil. Maintain regular moisture. Disease and deer resistant.

Description:  Spears of fluffy golden yellow blooms reach anywhere from 1 to 5 feet tall, averaging around 2 to 3 feet for most modern cultivars. Goldenrod is part of the Aster Family. There are over 100 varieties of goldenrod, and many are native to North America.

Zones: There are varieties suitable for every zone.

Bloom time: Late summer through fall

Attracts: Bees and butterflies, as well as other beneficial insects.

Growing Requirements: Full sun to partial shade. Goldenrod will tolerate poor soil, as long as it has good drainage. It requires very little care or water once established. Warning: These plants for pollinators can get huge, and spread aggressively. Considered invasive outside of its native range.

Description: Fragrant, nectar-filled flowers perch on top of tall stalks in interesting round clusters. Blooms can appear in red, pink, lavender, and more! Bee balm is part of the mint family, but unlike other mints, it stays in clumps and does not rampantly spread by underground rhizomes. This hardy perennial can also be used to make tea. This stunning variety of bee balm is on my “must have” list ~ coming soon to our garden!

Zones: 3 – 9

Bloom time: Late Spring through fall, depending on variety

Attracts: Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds

Growing Requirements: Sun to partial shade. Some shade is preferred in hot climates. Prefers rich, moist, slightly acidic soil.

Description: Round, frilly, tufted flowers that appear in lavender, blues, pink and white. Most varieties are fairly short, averaging around a foot tall. Because they’re compact, these cute plants for pollinators are well-suited for containers and borders. Both annual and perennial varieties exist.

Zones: 3-8, mostly. They do not like overly wet conditions, or hot and humid weather. If you’re in a more mild version of zone 9-10 like we here on the Central Coast, they do just fine!

Bloom time: Late spring through fall, depending on variety

Attracts: Bees – and Butterflies especially!

Growing Requirements: Sun to partial shade. Some shade is preferred in hot climates. Pincushions prefer rich, well-draining soil. Including some compost in their planting hole will keep them happy! Average water is preferred – not too much, but they aren’t necessarily drought-tolerant either.

Description: Last (but not least) on our plants for pollinators list, Bachelor’s Buttons. These annuals are also called cornflowers. Their 2” thistle-like blooms bring interest to the garden, attract butterflies, are edible, and are perfect for cut and dried flower arrangements. Classic colors include blue to purple hues, but also are available in red, white, pink, and others.

Zones: 2 – 11

Bloom time: Late spring to mid-summer. Blooms can be extended into fall with deadheading, which also helps prevent the spread of seed.

Attracts: Butterflies

Growing Requirements: Sun to partial shade, and some shade is preferred in hot climates. Sow indoors early, or direct sow outdoors around the time of last frost. Very little water or fertilizer is needed. Bachelor’s buttons are not fussy plants, although the tallest of plants may need staking for support.

I don’t have a good image of a hummingbird eating from flowers in our garden (yet!) but they are with us every day almost year round. They’ve even been nesting in our yard lately. This post wouldn’t be complete without a photo of these little sweeties! Here is one of our hummer friends, enjoying a rest in our California Sycamore ~ a favorite perching tree for hummingbirds. The littlest branches suit their tiny feets so well!

As you can see, nearly every type of plants for pollinators on this list can be grown in a wide range of zones. Maybe only as annuals instead of perennials, but that is absolutely okay. Add them to containers, raised beds, in-ground… anywhere you can! If you want to take it a step further, consider adding water sources, places to nest, and turning your yard (of any size!) into a Certified Wildlife Habitat – see this article to learn more.

In closing, I hope this list helps you narrow down a handful (or more!) of plants for pollinators you can include in your garden. The pollinators and our planet thank you! Feel free to ask questions, and share this post to spread the pollinator love. Finally, happy plant shopping!

Who should rejoice in the garden: the best insect pollinators

Insect pollinators are the main assistants of a summer resident. It is on them that the harvest of many horticultural and horticultural crops depends.

Very many plants in the plots are cross-pollinated. This means that in order for the crop to ripen, it is necessary that the pollen formed in the stamens, the male reproductive organ of the plant, land on the pistil of the female flower of another plant of the same species.

What are the methods of pollinating plants?

Pollen exchange can be carried out by wind (most grasses, conifers and deciduous trees) or water (usually in aquatic plants). This method of pollination is called abiotic. However, the greatest contribution to the process of plant fertilization is made not by natural phenomena, but by living organisms (the biotic method). Mammals, birds, bats, and according to some sources, even molluscs, can transfer pollen from one flower to another. And yet it is difficult to find creatures among all the representatives of the fauna of our planet that would be as important for plant reproduction as insects.

According to statistics, about 70-80% of flowering plant species in Europe are pollinated by living creatures. Wind participates in pollination of 20%, and water accounts for less than 1% of the total number of species.

Bees

These insects can be called champions. Bees are a very important element of any flower ecosystem. Approximately 21 thousand species of these insects live on our planet. Bees living in colonies are called social, and those who lead a solitary lifestyle are called solitary. Both those and others feed on nectar and pollen. The main difference lies in the fact that most often bees, which belong to solitary species, do not produce honey and have a narrow specialization. They collect nectar only from certain plants, while the menu of their colonial relatives is much more diverse.

The ancient ancestors of modern bees - burrowing wasps - were carnivores. The basis of their diet was insects that fed on pollen. However, over time, as a result of evolution, the species has undergone significant changes and completely switched to plant products.

Bumblebees

Bumblebees and bees have a lot in common. This is not only a diet based on the same nectar and pollen, but also a way of life. These social insects build their nests (bombidaria) in the soil, hollow trees, or abandoned nests of birds and rodents. However, unlike bees, bumblebee colonies live only one year.

In the spring, the queen finds a suitable place and, covering it with moss and dry blades of grass, creates the first round wax cell. She lays several eggs in it, immediately places a small supply of flower pollen. Having sealed the first cell, the uterus proceeds to create the second and subsequent ones. By the time she makes her last clutch, the larvae from the first ones will have time to turn into pupae, and then into small worker bumblebees, which will immediately begin to collect food for larvae from later cells.

There are no combs in the bumblebee's nest. Honey is stored in old wax cells from which adults have already hatched.

Toward the end of summer, males and large females hatch in the nest, which will become queens in the future. In autumn, the nest dies out almost completely. Only young queens survive. Having survived the winter in the ground, in moss or in straw, the next spring they form their own families. Bumblebees are less aggressive than wasps and even bees, so their presence rarely becomes burdensome.

Wasps

Just like bees, wasps build honeycombs. However, they do not use wax as a building material, but wood. They add a little saliva to the scraped wood, resulting in a substance that is somewhat reminiscent of wrapping paper. Some species of wasps living in the tropics build their nests not from wood, but from clay, lime, or even dung.

Among the wasps, there are both social and solitary species. Some of them are predators, they feed and feed their larvae on smaller insects. At the same time, among wasps there are those that feed on pollen and nectar of flowering plants.

Not all types of wasps are predatory

The wasp needs bright colors to protect itself from birds and other predators. It is enough for an animal to "get back" from this insect once in order to bypass it in the future. The wasp sting, unlike the bee sting, very rarely gets stuck in the skin, which gives the insect the opportunity to stab the enemy several times in a row. It is not surprising that, despite all the benefits that these insects bring to summer residents, and this is not only the pollination of fruit and vegetable crops, but also the destruction of pests, most gardeners prefer to stay away from wasps. If single individuals that accidentally flew into the site are perceived favorably by its owners, then even the most zealous animal rights activists will not be happy with the appearance of a whole wasp nest.

Butterflies

1-swallowtail, 2-urticaria, 3-raspberry

Among all pollinating insects, butterflies occupy an honorable second place. They play an important role in the transport of pollen from plants with deep nectaries. Without the participation of butterflies, their reproduction would be simply impossible. And yet, among the butterflies, there are species that can greatly harm your garden and vegetable garden. Cabbage, whitefish, leaflet, scoop ... This series can be continued almost indefinitely. In fairness, it should be noted that it is not the butterflies themselves that pose a danger to the crop, but their caterpillars. Fruit trees and crops with large fleshy leaves are especially hard hit by them.

The good news is that pest moths make up only 2% of the population. The remaining 98% will not affect your harvest in any way. Among them are hives, raspberries, burdocks, and even admirals and swallowtails. The latter, although they are found in the middle lane, rarely get to summer cottages.

Beetles and other insects

1-ladybug, 2-ground beetle, 3-earwig

Formally, a variety of insects can participate in the pollination of plant flowers. To transfer pollen to another plant, they just need to crawl onto a flower or even just touch it during the flight. From this point of view, absolutely all insects living in your garden are pollinators. Most of the beneficial beetles that serve your yard, such as ladybugs, ground beetles, and earwigs, are predatory, but some of them also like to feast on nectar.

You will benefit greatly from being around insect pollinators. If you are definitely not sure about the "reliability" of one of the six-legged guests of your site, refer to our photo guide:

Little workers of a big harvest - about the role of pollinators in plant life.

Cherry blossoms - as if drenched, and the cat wept at the fruits. Many people are familiar with this situation. Not only with cherries, this happens periodically with many fruit trees. Or a zucchini, for example: it has blossomed, and the ovaries begin to rot. It would seem - where is the cherry, and where is the zucchini? It turns out that the common cause is the lack of pollination. Although plants have been “shaking off” this issue for millions of years, there are still failures. This article will be about this important process, its participants, and how to help "outsiders".

What kind of pollination is there?

At first, the plants did not rely on anyone in the important process of fertilization. One has only to look at the conservative ferns in this matter in order to feel the complexity of the procedure. The gymnosperms are somewhat more advanced, but this event also takes a rather long time for them.

Angiosperms decided to live in a new way and got themselves stamens-pistils. The process got more fun. At first, as usual, chaotically, and then more and more specialized. An example of extremes in this matter is the pollination of figs by blastophage wasps inside the fruit. And figs can no longer reproduce without wasps, and wasps without figs, too.

There are two types of pollination: self-pollination, when all hope is only for oneself, and cross-pollination, which requires an intermediary. Self-pollination is more reliable, and cross-pollination is more progressive, since it gives a huge advantage due to the expansion of genetic material. Gardeners know that first-generation hybrids (F1), obtained by cross-pollination of different varieties, are superior in many respects to “pure” varieties.

Self-pollination is possible in plants with bisexual flowers, such in nature 75%. These are, for example, tomatoes, peanuts, peas. But this is not the best option, rather a spare.

Plants struggle with self-pollination. They also want progress. Some - non-simultaneous ripening of stamens and pistils (apple and pear), others - different heights of stamens and pistils (lungwort, buckwheat), others - self-sterility (cherry, red clover), fourth - heterosexuality (sea buckthorn, actinidia).

Self-cross pollination, despite being advanced, is tied to an intermediary. It can be the wind (cereals, conifers, birch, hazelnuts, alder), or it can be insects, birds and even bats. Insect pollinated - the majority.

To ensure that mature pollen is not wasted, flowering plants have "developed" many ways to attract insects and ensure pollination. Bright flowers, sticky pollen, attractive smell, sweet nectar, comfortable landing sites. Most of the time, these methods work.

Some plants have taken the path of cooperation with specific insects. For example, clover - it can be pollinated only by long-proboscis insects: bumblebees and some species of bees. The mass death of bees in recent years and the decline in the population of bumblebees have shown that this was not a good idea.

Who helps the plants?

The existence of the vast majority of flowering plants (almost 90% of species) is no longer possible without insect pollinators. At the same time, a significant proportion of intermediary work is performed by bees. It turns out that honey and bee products on a global scale are by-products in the activity of bees. The most significant work of buzzing workers is pollination and provision of crops.

Bee pollination, by the way, is the cheapest method of increasing yields, incomparable in efficiency with any agrotechnical methods. In addition, bees contribute to productivity not only in terms of obtaining the products people need, but, most importantly, they provide biological diversity.

We are talking about those bees that are in apiaries, and about a huge number of wild species, both solitary and social. In general, there are about 21 thousand species and 520 genera distributed on all continents except Antarctica. Bumblebees are part of the true bee family. Wasps are not included, but are also good pollinators.

Many plants are pollinated by butterflies, often those with nectaries located at the base of a long, narrow corolla tube or spur (honeysuckle, buddleia). Diurnal butterflies prefer bright colors - red, orange, purple. Moths pollinate sweet-smelling light flowers late in the evening and at night (scented tobacco, for example).

We have hawk moths attacking Avon's blooming and perfumed 'Today' from Avon late at night. They hover over the flowers. An enchanting sight at dusk, accompanied by a dizzying aroma.

Pest butterflies make up only 2% of the population, the rest (or rather, their children) do not eat anything significant.

Beetles are good at pollinating large flowers, such as rose hips, lilies, or small ones in inflorescences, like dogwood, elderberry, umbrella. The sense of smell in beetles is better developed than vision, so plants attract them with sweet smells - fruity, spicy or the smell of fermentation. But the color of plants pollinated by beetles is dim.

By the way, bees see differently than we do. They do not perceive red as red, they distinguish white, yellow, blue well. On such flowers, bees are most often found. I have a working bright yellow suit, and on the site the bees often fly up to me on the subject: what can I profit from such a big and yellow one?

Ants make their contribution to the pollination of umbrella plants, which they gladly climb for sweet nectar. They also pollinate cucurbits well - there is also sweet nectar, and you don’t need to climb high.

Also, flies, leafhoppers and many other little things take part in pollination, which we do not even pay attention to. But the palm is with the bees.

Read also our article The best annual honey plants.

Boundary conditions and force majeure

If the flowers have blossomed, this does not mean that there will be a harvest. The most significant factor is the weather during flowering. For example, hazelnuts in the Kuban and Crimea bloom very early: in late January or early February. Its northern sister, hazel, blooms in April. There is only one principle, in nature everything is provided. At daytime temperatures above +12 ° C in dry weather, male catkins grow at an incredible speed, anthers crack from dry air and throw up to 4 million grains of pollen into the wind each (!) Earring.

"Polling" lasts 1-2 weeks, while the female flowers are open for more than two weeks and, it seems, must be pollinated. But the weather is cunning and insidious, even meteorologists guarantee relative accuracy only for five days. There may be heavy rains. Or snow, for example. What happened to us this year. Wet weather for two weeks will negate all efforts of the nut aimed at demographic records.

The spring of this year in the Kuban generally demonstrates sophisticated treachery: since the beginning of March, the temperature has been +22 °С in the shade for more than a week. Apricots in an emergency order began to drive the juices on the tree and opened the flowers. As soon as the flowers opened, the night temperature dropped to -7 °C. We are no longer waiting for apricots, open flowers can only withstand -1.5 ° C. For most fruit trees with open flowers, temperatures of -2 ° C are critical, in buds -3 ° C, the ovary will withstand -1 ° C.

These are not all possible troubles. In wet and cold weather (below +12 degrees), bees will not fly during flowering: the energy costs of flying and collecting nectar or pollen are not justified. Accordingly, there will be very few pollinated flowers. But they will, because flies, thrips, white-eyes still roam the flowers at this time, although not as efficiently as bees.

The sun and unexpected spring heat during flowering are even worse: at high temperatures, wind and dry air, the stigmas of the pistils dry up near the flowers, pollen grains germinate poorly and the ovary is formed with defects or not formed at all.

Plants, of course, made sure about 1-2-3-day weather troubles: in pome fruits, the susceptibility to fertilization is extended for 9-10 days, for stone fruits - for 5-6 days, for berries - for 6-7 days. So there is a chance.

It goes without saying that a cross-pollination garden should have at least 2-3 simultaneously flowering plants of each species. If not, you need to graft other varieties into the crowns of trees, plant pollinators or encourage your neighbors to plant gardens.

Pollination of vegetables

Vegetables are even more interesting: low night temperatures (below +12 °C) during the flowering period of our favorite Solanaceae greatly reduce the viability of pollen. High temperatures (above +40 °C, which is not uncommon in greenhouses) lead to a complete loss of pollen viability. The lack of air movement also reduces the pollination of Solanaceae. And this despite the fact that nightshade self-pollinated!

The situation is more difficult for monoecious gourds: the pollen from the male flower must be dragged to the female one, and then insects are indispensable. It’s good that there are parthenocarpic cucumbers, but what about zucchini and pumpkins? In cool and damp weather, you can often see how a small ovary of a pumpkin or squash rots. This is evidence of insufficient pollination. Bees and bumblebees do not fly in this weather, and ants, which also pollinate pumpkin, dragged unripe pollen.

Read also our article How I became a beekeeper.

How can we help plants pollinate?

The most important thing is to attract bees and bumblebees to the plot. It is better to have your own bees, but if circumstances do not allow, you can use strangers and wild ones. The main thing is that they get used to flying to the site. Most of the beautifully flowering spring plants that please the gardener's eye are not interesting to bees. But there is a rumble above the weedy lamb, and bees with bumblebees sit on almost every flower.

Dandelions, again good as bait. Also white clover. For red clover, not all bees have enough proboscis length. But bumblebees fly well on it. By the way, when white clover blooms, our bees even ignore phacelia. Umbelliferae are attractive to all insects. Let carrots, parsley, cilantro, celery, parsnips and lovage bear fruit - you can also collect seeds. Angelica can be entered into a flower garden. Perennial onions, both edible and ornamental, are remarkably good at attracting pollinators.

Spraying with insecticides at the beginning and during flowering is absolutely unacceptable!

If there are no herbaceous honey plants and the bees ignore the garden, you can spray it with drugs that attract them - "Ovary" or "Perfume". Well, since the first thing bees react to is color, you can attach something round, bright yellow in the crown of a tree or bush. The bees, if they have already flown, will definitely examine the surroundings.

You can't fight the weather, you can only slightly weaken its negative influence. The smoke in the garden during the flowering period is capable of raising the temperature by a degree or two and preserving the generative organs of plants. Rainfall too. You can spill the earth under the trees abundantly late in the evening - the resulting fog will also somewhat improve the situation. If the plants are small, then it is better to think of nothing better than covering materials.

Ventilation should be arranged in the greenhouse in hot weather, this is important for self-pollinating plants. It's a good idea to occasionally shake the stems of flowering tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants to make pollination more active.

If the situation with the setting of gourds is depressing, you can “work like a bee”: pick a male flower and poke a female one. For a guarantee, it is better to pollinate with two or three male flowers. A flower among all this pollen will choose a leader.

Dear readers! Ideally, when flowers are pollinated by insects, they have long cooperated and adapted to this. Little creatures that people constantly harass in one way or another do a great job of preserving the green flowering world.

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