Can I attract pollinators in the in USDA zone 7? - Plant Care Guide

Yes, you absolutely can attract pollinators in USDA Zone 7 by thoughtfully selecting a diverse array of plants that provide continuous nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Zone 7, with its mild winters and long growing season, offers an excellent climate for creating thriving pollinator habitats. The key is to choose native plants, vary bloom times, and offer essential resources like water and shelter.

What types of pollinators can I attract in USDA Zone 7?

USDA Zone 7 supports a rich diversity of pollinators, making it an ideal region for creating a vibrant, insect-friendly garden. Knowing which types of pollinators you can attract helps in selecting the right plants and providing the specific resources they need. From familiar bees and butterflies to often-overlooked beetles and flies, a healthy pollinator garden in Zone 7 will be buzzing with life.

Bees (Native Bees and Honey Bees)

Bees are arguably the most important group of pollinators. Zone 7 supports a vast array of native bee species, alongside the non-native honey bee.

• Bumblebees (Bombus spp.):
  • Characteristics: Large, fuzzy, often black and yellow. Can forage in cooler temperatures and "buzz pollinate" (sonication) certain flowers.
  • Attraction: Prefer open-faced flowers with accessible nectar, often blue, purple, or yellow. Examples: Bee Balm, Salvia, Coneflower, Aster.
  • Nesting: Nest underground in abandoned rodent burrows or in dense grass.
• Mason Bees (Osmia spp.):
  • Characteristics: Solitary, metallic blue or green. Excellent early-season pollinators.
  • Attraction: Prefer blue, purple, and white flowers with shallow cups. Examples: Penstemon, Veronica, Clover.
  • Nesting: Nest in hollow stems or pre-drilled holes in wood, packing cells with mud. Provide mason bee houses.
• Leafcutter Bees (Megachile spp.):
  • Characteristics: Solitary, often dark-bodied. Cut neat circles from leaves to line their nests.
  • Attraction: Prefer open, often pink or purple flowers. Examples: Lavender, Sunflowers, Coneflower, Daisy.
  • Nesting: Nest in hollow stems or pre-drilled holes, using leaf pieces.
• Sweat Bees (Halictid bees):
  • Characteristics: Small, often metallic green or copper. Attracted to human sweat.
  • Attraction: Wide range of open, shallow flowers. Examples: Asters, Goldenrod, Coreopsis.
  • Nesting: Often nest in the ground.
• Honey Bees (Apis mellifera):
  • Characteristics: Non-native, but prolific. Yellow and black striped, fuzzy bodies.
  • Attraction: Extremely broad generalists, visit almost any flower that produces nectar/pollen. Prefer yellow, blue, and violet. Examples: Clover, Fruit trees, Herbs, Sedum.
  • Nesting: Large colonies in hives or tree cavities.

Butterflies and Moths

Butterflies are captivating daytime pollinators, while moths take over much of the pollination work at night. Attracting them requires focusing on both nectar sources and host plants for their caterpillars.

• Swallowtail Butterflies (Papilio spp.):
  • Characteristics: Large, colorful, often with "tails" on hindwings. Common types: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtail, Black Swallowtail.
  • Attraction: Tall, showy, fragrant flowers, often pink, red, yellow, or purple. Examples: Butterfly Bush, Milkweed, Phlox, Bee Balm, Zinnia.
  • Host Plants: Provide host plants for caterpillars (e.g., Dill, Parsley, Fennel for Black Swallowtails; Wild Cherry, Tulip Poplar for Tiger Swallowtails; Spicebush for Spicebush Swallowtails).
• Monarch Butterflies (Danaus plexippus):
  • Characteristics: Iconic orange and black migratory butterflies.
  • Attraction: Primarily Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) for nectar and as a host plant for caterpillars. Also other nectar-rich flowers.
  • Host Plant: Milkweed is essential for their survival. Plant native species like Common Milkweed or Butterfly Milkweed. Find native milkweed seeds.
• Moths (Sphinx Moths, Yucca Moths, etc.):
  • Characteristics: Often drab colors, but some (like Sphinx moths) are large and resemble hummingbirds. Nocturnal.
  • Attraction: Pale or white, often trumpet-shaped, highly fragrant flowers that open at night. Examples: Moonflower, Nicotiana, Evening Primrose, Yucca.
  • Host Plants: Diverse, depending on species.

Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are fascinating avian pollinators, known for their rapid wingbeats and preference for certain flower shapes and colors.

• Characteristics: Small, iridescent, fast-flying birds.
• Attraction: Prefer red or orange, tubular flowers with abundant nectar, but will visit other colors. Examples: Bee Balm, Cardinal Flower, Trumpet Vine, Salvia, Honeysuckle, Fuchsia.
• Nesting: Tiny, cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs.
• Find hummingbird-friendly tubular flowers for gardens.

Other Pollinators

Many other insects contribute to pollination, and a diverse garden will naturally attract them.

• Flies (Syrphid Flies/Hoverflies, Carrion Flies):
  • Characteristics: Often mimic bees or wasps. Some are fuzzy.
  • Attraction: Open, shallow flowers, often white or yellow, or those with strong, sometimes unpleasant scents (for carrion flies). Examples: Dill, Parsley, Queen Anne's Lace.
• Beetles:
  • Characteristics: Diverse group. Some feed on pollen, some on petals. Often dull colors.
  • Attraction: Large, bowl-shaped flowers, often white or green. Examples: Magnolias, Spirea, Dahlias, Coneflowers.
• Wasps:
  • Characteristics: Many solitary wasp species are predatory but also visit flowers for nectar.
  • Attraction: Open, shallow flowers. Examples: Yarrow, Goldenrod, Fennel.

What plant choices attract pollinators in USDA Zone 7?

To effectively attract pollinators in USDA Zone 7, your plant choices should prioritize diversity in bloom time, flower shape, and color, while ideally focusing on native species. Native plants are often best adapted to the local climate and soil, and co-evolved with local pollinators, making them highly attractive nectar and pollen sources.

Native Perennials for Zone 7 Pollinators

Native perennials are the backbone of a successful pollinator garden in Zone 7, offering reliable food sources and often requiring less maintenance once established.

• Milkweed (Asclepias spp.):
  • Why: ESSENTIAL for Monarch butterflies as a host plant for caterpillars and nectar source for adults.
  • Varieties: Common Milkweed (A. syriaca), Butterfly Milkweed (A. tuberosa), Swamp Milkweed (A. incarnata). Choose a native variety for your specific region within Zone 7.
  • Blooms: Summer.
  • Find native milkweed seeds.
• Bee Balm (Monarda didyma or Monarda fistulosa):
  • Why: A favorite of hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Produces abundant nectar.
  • Blooms: Summer. Pink, red, purple.
  • Tip: Can spread aggressively, consider native species like Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot).
  • Look for Bee Balm plants.
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea):
  • Why: Attracts a wide range of bees, butterflies, and even beneficial insects. Seeds provide winter food for birds.
  • Blooms: Summer to fall. Purple-pink daisy-like flowers.
  • Tip: Drought-tolerant once established.
  • Browse Purple Coneflower plants.
• Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata):
  • Why: Highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds with its large flower clusters.
  • Blooms: Summer. Pink, purple, white, red.
  • Tip: Prefers good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
  • Find vibrant Garden Phlox.
• Blazing Star / Liatris (Liatris spicata):
  • Why: Vertical flower spikes are a magnet for Monarchs, Swallowtails, and various bees.
  • Blooms: Summer. Purple.
  • Tip: Excellent for sunny, well-drained spots.
  • Explore Liatris spicata.
• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.):
  • Why: A crucial late-season nectar source for bees and butterflies preparing for winter or migration. Often unfairly blamed for allergies (ragweed is the culprit).
  • Blooms: Late summer to fall. Bright yellow plumes.
  • Tip: Choose clumping native varieties to prevent aggressive spreading.
  • Look for native Goldenrod varieties.
• Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.):
  • Why: Provides vital nectar and pollen in late summer and fall, crucial for pollinators.
  • Blooms: Late summer to fall. Purple, blue, pink, white daisy-like flowers.
  • Tip: Many native species are available.
  • Find various Aster plants.
• Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis):
  • Why: A hummingbird favorite with brilliant red, tubular flowers.
  • Blooms: Mid-summer to fall.
  • Tip: Prefers moist to wet soil, often found in rain gardens or near ponds.
  • Browse stunning Cardinal Flower.

Non-Native / Well-Behaved Ornamentals for Pollinators

Some non-native plants are also highly beneficial for pollinators and can be included in a diverse Zone 7 garden, especially if native options are limited or specific aesthetics are desired.

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia):
  • Why: Attracts a wide range of bees and butterflies with its fragrant purple flowers.
  • Blooms: Early to mid-summer, reblooms if deadheaded.
  • Tip: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
  • Find fragrant English Lavender.
• Salvia (Salvia nemorosa and others):
  • Why: Long-blooming, drought-tolerant, and excellent for attracting bees and hummingbirds.
  • Blooms: Spring through fall (with deadheading). Purple, blue, pink, white.
  • Tip: Many varieties exist; choose those that are known to be nectar-rich.
  • Explore various Salvia varieties.
• Sedum (Hylotelephium spp., formerly Sedum, e.g., 'Autumn Joy', 'Pure Joy'):
  • Why: A late-season favorite for bees and butterflies, providing a crucial food source as other flowers fade.
  • Blooms: Late summer to fall. Pink, red, white flower clusters.
  • Tip: Extremely drought-tolerant and low maintenance.
  • Browse popular Sedum varieties.
• Coneflower (Rudbeckia hirta, Black-Eyed Susan):
  • Why: Similar to Echinacea, attracts many bees and butterflies.
  • Blooms: Summer to fall. Yellow petals with dark centers.
  • Tip: Often self-seeds readily.
  • Find classic Black-Eyed Susans.

Trees and Shrubs for Pollinators

Don't forget that trees and shrubs provide significant amounts of early and late-season forage for pollinators, as well as shelter and nesting sites.

• Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.):
  • Why: Early spring blooms provide vital nectar and pollen for early emerging bees. Edible berries for birds.
• Redbud (Cercis canadensis):
  • Why: Showy pink-purple blooms in early spring, excellent for early bees.
• Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis):
  • Why: Unique spherical white flowers in summer are a pollinator magnet. Tolerates wet conditions.
• Viburnum (Native Species):
  • Why: Many native Viburnum species offer spring blooms for pollinators and berries for birds.
• Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia):
  • Why: Large, cone-shaped flowers attractive to pollinators, and provides winter interest.

Annuals to Supplement Perennials

While perennials are the backbone, annuals can fill in gaps, provide continuous color, and offer additional nectar.

• Zinnia: Wide range of colors and sizes, excellent for butterflies.
• Cosmos: Airy flowers attractive to various pollinators.
• Sunflower: Attracts bees and birds.
• Lantana: Heat-tolerant and a butterfly favorite (check for non-invasive varieties).

What general garden practices attract pollinators in USDA Zone 7?

Attracting pollinators in USDA Zone 7 goes beyond just plant selection; it involves adopting garden practices that create a welcoming, safe, and resource-rich environment. A holistic approach that considers food, water, shelter, and pest management will yield the best results for a thriving pollinator garden.

Provide Continuous Bloom

Pollinators need food sources throughout their active season, from early spring to late fall.

• Staggered Bloom Times: Plant a variety of species that bloom at different times of the year. Aim for something in bloom in early spring (when queen bees emerge), throughout summer, and in late fall (for migratory butterflies and bees preparing for winter).
  • Early Spring: Pussy Willow, Crocus, Hellebore, Serviceberry, Redbud.
  • Mid-Spring to Early Summer: Phlox, Salvia, Lavender, Penstemon.
  • Mid-Summer to Late Summer: Bee Balm, Coneflower, Milkweed, Garden Phlox, Liatris.
  • Late Summer to Fall: Goldenrod, Aster, Sedum, Zinnia.
• Mass Planting: Plant flowers in clumps or drifts (at least 3x3 feet) of the same species rather than single plants. This creates a larger, more visible "target" for pollinators and allows them to forage more efficiently.

Offer Diverse Flower Shapes and Colors

Different pollinators are attracted to different flower characteristics, matching their feeding styles and visual perception.

• Flower Shapes:
  • Open, shallow flowers: Good for generalists like flies, beetles, and short-tongued bees (e.g., Daisies, Coneflowers, herbs like Dill/Fennel).
  • Tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers: Attract hummingbirds and long-tongued bees/butterflies (e.g., Bee Balm, Penstemon, Cardinal Flower).
  • Flat clusters/umbels: Provide landing pads and many small nectar sources for butterflies, hoverflies, and small bees (e.g., Yarrow, Sedum, Queen Anne's Lace).
• Flower Colors:
  • Blue, purple, yellow, white: Highly attractive to most bees and many butterflies.
  • Red, orange: Preferred by hummingbirds and some butterflies.
  • Pale/white, fragrant (night-blooming): Attracts moths.

Provide Water Sources

Pollinators, like all living creatures, need water.

• Shallow water source: A bird bath with shallow edges, or a bowl filled with pebbles and water (ensure some pebbles stick out for insects to land on without drowning).
• Mud Puddles: Butterflies often "puddle" in muddy patches to extract salts and minerals. Create a small, damp, muddy area if possible.
• Consider a decorative butterfly puddle for your garden.

Create Shelter and Nesting Sites

A truly pollinator-friendly garden provides not just food, but also safe places to live and raise young.

• Leave patches of bare soil: For ground-nesting bees (the majority of native bees!). Avoid heavy mulching in some areas.
• Leave hollow stems: Allow some perennial stems to remain standing over winter (e.g., Bee Balm, Sunflower) as nesting sites for cavity-nesting bees like Mason bees.
• Brush piles/log piles: Provide shelter for various insects.
• Pollinator houses: Install native bee houses for Mason bees and Leafcutter bees. Ensure they are well-ventilated and cleaned annually.
• Dense plantings: Offers protection from wind and predators.
• Overwintering sites: Leave leaf litter and plant debris in some areas over winter to protect overwintering butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Avoid Pesticides

This is arguably the most crucial practice. Pesticides, even "organic" ones, can harm pollinators.

• Educate yourself: Understand the difference between systemic, contact, and residual pesticides.
• Avoid Neonicotinoids: These are systemic pesticides highly toxic to bees. Avoid buying plants pre-treated with them.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Focus on prevention, manual removal, and biological controls first. Use pesticides only as a last resort, targeted, and when pollinators are not active.
• Accept some damage: A healthy ecosystem includes both pests and beneficial insects. A few chewed leaves are a small price to pay for a thriving pollinator garden.
• If you must use a pest control, opt for very mild options like insecticidal soap for plants when bees are not present.

Embrace Diversity

A monoculture (a garden with only one type of plant) is a biological desert. Diversity in planting attracts diversity in pollinators.

• Variety of species: Plant many different types of flowering plants.
• Varying heights: Offer flowers at different heights.
• Include host plants: Don't just plant for adult pollinators; provide the specific plants their larvae/caterpillars need to eat.
• Food for every life stage: Consider the entire life cycle of the pollinator.

By combining thoughtful plant selection with these beneficial garden practices, you can create a vibrant, healthy ecosystem in your USDA Zone 7 garden that will truly thrive with the buzz and flutter of happy pollinators.