Attracting Pollinators in Late Summer

Plants and Strategies to Attract Bees, Butterflies, and Other Pollinators

The late summer garden can still be a vibrant hub of activity. For gardeners and nature enthusiasts, this period offers a crucial opportunity to support and attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. These creatures are vital for the health of our ecosystems and the productivity of our gardens. 

The Importance of Pollinators

Pollinators play a pivotal role in the reproduction of many plants, including those that produce fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other insects transfer pollen from one flower to another, facilitating the fertilization process. This not only results in the production of seeds and fruits but also maintains biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. However, pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Creating pollinator-friendly environments can help reverse this trend.

Late Summer Blooms: Key Plants for Pollinators 

To attract and sustain pollinators in late summer, it’s essential to provide a variety of flowering plants that bloom during this period. Here are some top choices: 

1. Echinacea (Coneflower)
   1. Description: Known for their large, daisy-like flowers with a prominent central cone, echinaceas are a favorite among bees and butterflies.
   2. Benefits: These hardy perennials provide nectar and pollen from late summer into early fall, ensuring a food source when other flowers have faded. 
2. Solidago (Goldenrod)
   1. Description: Often unfairly blamed for hay fever, goldenrods are excellent nectar sources for late summer pollinators.
   2. Benefits: They support a wide range of insects, including bees, butterflies, and beetles, with their bright yellow blooms. 
3. Helianthus (Sunflower)
   1. Description: These towering plants with their cheerful yellow flowers are not only beautiful but also highly attractive to a variety of pollinators.
   2. Benefits: Sunflowers provide both nectar and pollen, and their seeds are a bonus food source for birds.
4. Sedum (Stonecrop)
   1. Description: Sedums are succulents with clusters of star-shaped flowers that bloom in late summer.
   2. Benefits: They are particularly attractive to bees and butterflies, offering rich nectar supplies.
5. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium)
   1. Description: With its tall stature and clusters of pinkish-purple flowers, Joe-Pye Weed is a magnet for butterflies.
   2. Benefits: This native perennial provides abundant nectar during late summer, supporting migrating monarchs and other butterflies.

Strategies to Enhance Pollinator Habitats 

Providing the right plants is just the beginning. Implementing effective strategies can further enhance the attractiveness of your garden to pollinators. 

1. Diverse Planting
   1. Approach: Plant a variety of flowers with different shapes, colors, and blooming times.
   2. Impact: This ensures that pollinators have access to food throughout the growing season and attracts a broader range of species. 
2. Native Plants
   1. Approach: Incorporate native plants that have co-evolved with local pollinators.
   2. Impact: Native plants are often more attractive and beneficial to local pollinator species compared to exotic plants. 
3. Pesticide Reduction
   1. Approach: Avoid using pesticides, or opt for organic and pollinator-friendly options. 
   2. Impact: Pesticides can be harmful to pollinators, so reducing their use helps create a safer environment. 
4. Water Sources
   1. Approach: Provide shallow water sources, such as bird baths with stones for landing.
   2. Impact: Pollinators need water for hydration, especially during hot weather. 
5. Habitat Features
   1. Approach: Include features like bee hotels, brush piles, and bare patches of soil.
   2. Impact: These features offer nesting and shelter opportunities for various pollinators. 

By focusing on late summer plants and adopting strategies to create a pollinator-friendly environment, gardeners can play a significant role in supporting these essential creatures. The rewards are not only a more vibrant and productive garden but also the satisfaction of contributing to the health and diversity of our natural world.