Pollinator Gardening

These are the parts of a flower.
Walker Massey, Clemson University

In 2007, the U.S. Senate designated a week in June as National Pollinator Week to increase the general public’s awareness of the importance of pollinators to food production. What is pollination? Pollination is the movement of pollen from the male flower part (anther) to the female flower part (stigma) on the same plant or between two plants of the same species. Proper pollination is critical for the development of many fruits and crops.

Approximately one third of the food that ends up on a plate is there because of pollinators. When pollination is mentioned, most people think of honey bees but there are so many other insects that help get the job done such as native bees, beetles, flies, wasps and butterflies.

A Monarch butterfly, bumble bee & honey bee on a Sunflower (Helianthus annuus).
Millie Davenport, ©2015 HGIC, Clemson Extension

A honey bee pollinating a Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea).
Millie Davenport, ©2015 HGIC, Clemson Extension

Of these, bees are a very important group for pollination because they deliberately harvest pollen to feed their offspring; they visit similar flower species per foraging trip and accidentally transfer pollen along the way.

A small pollinator garden with Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba) and Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculm).
Millie Davenport, ©2015 HGIC, Clemson Extension

Planting a pollinator garden will encourage the presence of native pollinators. Like all living things, pollinators need food, shelter, and water. Start by selecting a sunny area in the landscape and evaluating the area for existing nest sites, nectar sources and habitat. Then add plant species to the area that will increase nectar and pollen sources for pollinator insects through the spring, summer and fall months.

See the chart below for plant suggestions. Creating a diverse habitat that consists of multiple plant species will attract multiple species of insects. Start with 8 to 10 plant species to attract a greater diversity of pollinators. If possible, group the same plant species in at least 3 feet wide masses for a greater visual impact; this will also make the flowers easier for insects to find and navigate more efficiently as they gather nectar and pollen. If pollination is desired for an edible crop in the landscape, consider planting the pollinator garden nearby. Foraging distance varies among bee species. In general, larger species (i.e. bumble bees) travel further distances than smaller bee species (i.e. sweat bees).

This is an example of a mason bee nest box.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2015 HGIC, Clemson Extension

Next, create nesting and overwintering sites. This can be accomplished by simply leaving un-mulched areas with well-drained soil and full sun to be used by solitary ground nesting bees. Wood nesting bee species prefer rotting logs, stumps or twigs with pithy centers.

These areas can be replicated by supplying nest boxes made using untreated lumber. Drill holes 3∕32” to 3∕8” in diameter on ¾” centers. The holes should be smooth on the inside and closed at one end. Tunnel depth for holes less than ¼” wide should be 3- 4 inches deep and holes greater than ¼” wide should be 5 – 6 inches deep. Place nest boxes three to six feet high in a sheltered area on a building, against a fence or in a tree where it will receive morning sun.

Lastly, reduce pesticide use in surrounding area. If any pesticide, organic or synthetic, is deemed necessary then choose the least toxic option and apply it in the evening when pollinators are less active.

Native Plants for Attracting Pollinators.

Warm Season Annuals for Attracting Pollinators

Document last updated 2/23 by Millie Davenport.

Originally published 12/15