Pollinators Pack

For those who want to help protect the pollinators. The plants in this selection have been specifically selected for their high nectar and pollen production. These plants once mature can feed a large number of insects, especially butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. This gives them the energy to increase their numbers while offering the grower the enjoyment of watching the butterflies and appreciating the flowers. Plants have been selected that flower at different times of the year so that nectar and pollen is available for the maximum amount of time. If planted in one section of a garden they can be enjoyed all year around then, cleared up by mowing the stalks down either at the end of the year or more helpfully in spring before the new shoots arise as this allows the insects to overwinter and increase their numbers. Little other work is needed unless you want to. This gives the garden owner more time as less mowing in needed and less emissions from the lawn mower are required.
Note. These plants are chosen to feed mature insects with nectar and pollen not to provide food for their larva. While some do provide that it is impossible to determine which plants will be used as larva food in each area of the country. If you want to provide food for larva stages you need to determine which specific plants are needed and grow those. However ALL insects also need food in the form of nectar and pollen to have the strength to reproduce this never comes just from the plant their larva feed on. This is what this selection is for.

Pack contains:

 

Anise Hyssop Agastache foeniculum
Tall beautiful plant with spikes of blue flowers that bloom for a long period of time. Its a perennial but will flower in the first year from seed although not as prolifically as in following years. Flowering begins in mid spring to early summer and can last for two months or more. If plants are dead headed flowering can be prolonged. Flowers are very desirable to many kinds of butterflies and if grown in groups these are often festooned with the lovely insects. Plants are very aromatic and not eaten by other wildlife. They are also herbal and can be used in teas, salads or just to enjoy the aroma. more

Catnip Nepeta cataria
Its not just for cats! Catnip has amazing flowers that are adored by all kinds of pollinators. Honey bees and butterflies are especially attracted to catnip. Catnip is a short lived perennial that begins flowering in its first year. Easy to grow from seed and rapidly grows to flowering size. The great thing about it is that after its flowered it can be cut down almost to the ground and it will regrow and flower again, attracting more pollinators. Depending on your zone this can be repeated many times during the season and can keep producing flowers right up until frost knocks it down for the winter. Leaves can also be snipped off for herbal usage or to keep the cat happy. If only a few plants are grown protect from cats or they will destroy them. Other wildlife does not eat it. Long before it became the realm of cats Catnip was used to treat digestive system disorders, help reduce fevers, as well as colds, flu and fevers. Its also a powerful nervine a used to treat restlessness and nervousness even in children. Is a diuretic so may increase and frequency of urination. more

Garlic Chives Allium tuberosum
These are a must for anyone wanting to attract pollinators. Short plants with groups of white star shaped flowers that are truly bee and butterfly magnates. Tough perennial flowers in first year from seed and comes back every year. Flowers in early to mid fall when most summer plants have finished so these give a much needed boost to insects looking for energy and pollen to store for winter. Flowers are beautiful and the following seed heads are very decorative and can be used in dried flower arrangements. Whole plant is edible including the flowers. Can be used instead of salad onions although it is slightly stronger. Grown in groups they can be very dramatic. more

Coneflower Purple Echinacea purpurea
One of American most beautiful native plants. Coneflowers are desirable for many different kinds of pollinators especially bumble bees and most importantly sweat bees, tiny bees that have a very small home range so growing these plants can certainly encourage good pollinators. Tough perennial plants that bloom often for several months once established. Very easy to grow from seed will often flower in the first year after that the plants just increase in size and number of blooms. Echinacea is also a strong immune stimulant helping to fend off colds and other infections so having some on hand is always useful. Plants can be mown to the ground in fall or early spring. more

Culvers Root Veronicastrum virginicum
Beautiful tough native American perennial hardy to zone 3. Produces tall spikes of white flowers from early summer that last about a month. Spikes can reach 6 feet (1.8m) in height and are very good nectar producers and attract a multitude of insects most especially Monarch butterflies. Needs full sun and some water for best results. Tough tap roots make it hard to transplant so choose location carefully. Plants can live for decades so this is a plant you can grow for the ages. Needs little maintenance once established just cut it down once a year and enjoy the flowers. more

Late Figwort Scrophularia marilandica
One of the best nectar producing plants of North America. This native plant is a must for pollinator lovers as it produces high nectar for long periods of time, butterflies, humming birds and all kinds of insects flock to it. If that's not enough this plant likes shade! So often its hard to find plants that thrive in shade well this perennial is one of them. Very easy to grow it will flower in the first year from seed, but comes into its own in the second year. In the right location this can grow to over 7 feet (2.1m) and produce masses of tiny amphora shaped flowers. They are not very showy but they begin flowering in mid summer and will continue until late fall still offering nectar when most other plants have stopped flowering. Grows equally well on moist soils and well drained one but cannot take waterlogged soils. Fairly drought tolerant once established. Just cut it down once a year ant the work is done. Seeds need light to germinate but is easy to grow from seed. Leaves are very bitter this plant is often used to help detoxify the body and treat swollen lymph nodes and poor circulation. more

Siberian Motherwort Leonurus sibiricus
A MUST have plant for anyone series about helping pollinators. Fast growing annual that flowers quickly from seed. Can reach 8 feet (2.6m) with lots of small pink flowers scattered across the branches. Bees and butterflies adore this plant especially bumblebees, many of which are now in very low numbers so anything that can be done to encourage them is excellent. Sow in early spring then continue sowing throughout the year, will produce flowers continuously from late spring until hard frost kills plant. Will easily withstand light frosts thus providing nectar and pollen late into the year. Birds love the seeds and these can be collected and used as bird food for winter feeding. Plants will reseed and grow the following year. more

Mountain Mint Pycnanthemum pilosum
Native American mint grows in clumps of tall stalks that produce masses of white to light pink flowers in fall when many other plants have stopped flowering. Pollinators love it but wildlife don't eat it due to the strong minty aroma. Can be used in place of other mints in cooking and digestive issues and it does not spread out like other mints staying in clumps. It will self seed however but spread is slower and can easily be removed. Can also take some shade so ideal for garden edges. more

Tickseed Sunflower Bidens aristosa / Bidens polylepis
Blooms much later than most of the other flowers thus offering much needed pollen in later summer early autumn when pollinators need to stock up before winter or any migrations they are embarking on. Has beautiful bright yellow sunflower or daisy like flowers on much branching stems so produces multitudes of flowers. Likes full sun but will also grow in semi shade. Does need some water so beside a rain garden, wet area, ditch or just use a soaker hose and you will be rewarded with masses of blooms that attract bees and butterflies. more

Yarrow Achillea millefolium
Yarrow is tough. In ideal conditions it can grow to about 3 feet (1m) but mow it down and it will grow low too. Its very hardy once established and very drought tolerant. If allowed to grow up and flower it attracts a multitude of pollinators and butterflies. the great thing is these will be different from the ones attracted to most of the other flowers in this collection which gives a much wider range of insects and different butterflies to look at. Yarrow has been used for centuries to help stop blood flow. Get a cut while outside. Grab some yarrow, apply to wound to help it stop bleeding. Its other major uses are for treating colds, fevers, and pain reduction, especially good for menstrual pain. more