Page 94 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2021

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Plant Save These TO
THE Bees of nectar, and many plants that attract pollinators are
Concerned about the declining honey bee
population? Do your part by selecting bee-friendly
plants for your garden. These plants provide plenty
preferred by hummingbirds and butter ies too.
Your garden will be buzzing with excitement in no time!
Monarda
If you plant nothing else, do yourself a favor and add Monarda to your garden. Nicknamed Bee Balm
(and for good reason), this striking perennial is related to the mint
family. Its owers come in a variety of reds, pinks and purples that bloom in mid-summer to early fall.
Lonicera
You might know this one by its common name, Honeysuckle, or by its deleriously good smell. It’s a popular garden plant
with highly perfumed owers that is available either as arching shrubs or twining vines.
Cone ower
Named for its petals that develop like a cone and fall back as they age, the cone ower comes in a variety of colors. Purple cone ower ‘Magnus’ has purple-pink to rosy purple owers and is one of the more common varieties.
Sun ower
Adding this cheerful ower to your garden
is an easy way to attract
not only bees, but birds and butter ies as well.
Cosmos
Want something with a long owering period? Cosmos bloom in summer and fall and are another ower known to attract a variety of backyard critters.
Butter y Bush
While it’s a clear favorite of butter ies, these large, fast-growing bushes
grow lilac owers that are equally irresistible to bees! And having a
few extra butter ies around never hurts.
Dahlia
Known as the divas of the horticulture world, this glamorous ower is sure to turn heads and draw in plenty
of buzzing bees. They bloom
in mid- to late summer and are available in a wide range of colors.
94 | March 2021