Planting for Pollinators: Creating a Bee and Butterfly-Friendly Garden in Southern California

Southern California's diverse climate supports a rich array of pollinators, from buzzing bees to fluttering butterflies and even hummingbirds. Creating a garden that caters to their needs not only adds beauty and vibrancy to your landscape but also plays a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems. Mid-May is a fantastic time to establish pollinator-friendly plants that will thrive in the warming weather. Here's how you can create a haven for these essential creatures in your Southern California garden:  

Why Plant for Pollinators?

Pollinators are vital for the reproduction of countless plants, including many of the fruits, vegetables, and flowers we rely on. Habitat loss, pesticide use, and other environmental factors have led to declines in pollinator populations. By creating pollinator-friendly gardens, we can provide them with essential food sources and shelter, helping to support their survival and the health of our local environment.  

Key Elements of a Pollinator-Friendly Garden:

• Plant a Diversity of Flowers: Different pollinators are attracted to different flower shapes, sizes, and colors. Offer a variety to attract a wider range of species. Aim for a succession of blooms throughout the growing season, providing a continuous food source.  

• Choose Native Plants: Native plants are often best adapted to the local climate and soil conditions and have co-evolved with native pollinators. They provide the specific nutrients and resources that local bees and butterflies need.  

• Plant in Clumps: Instead of scattering single plants, plant in groups of the same species. This makes it easier for pollinators to find and forage efficiently.
• Provide a Water Source: Bees and butterflies need water too! A shallow dish with pebbles or marbles for them to land on can prevent them from drowning.  

• Avoid Pesticides: Many pesticides are harmful to pollinators. Opt for organic gardening practices to protect these beneficial insects.  

• Offer Shelter: Leave some leaf litter or dead stems in place to provide overwintering habitat for some pollinators. Consider adding bee houses or butterfly houses.  

• Provide Sunny Spots: Many pollinators are attracted to sunny locations where flowers bloom abundantly.  

What to Plant Now in Southern California (Mid-May):

Given the current time in Southern California, focus on establishing plants that thrive in the late spring and summer heat. Here are some excellent choices for attracting bees and butterflies:

For Bees:

• California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum): A California native that attracts a wide variety of bees and butterflies. It's also drought-tolerant.
• Sages (Salvia species): Many sages, both native and non-native, are highly attractive to bees. Consider Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii), White Sage (Salvia apiana), and culinary sage (Salvia officinalis).  

• Lavender (Lavandula species): Beloved by bees for its fragrant purple flowers.  

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, formerly Rosmarinus officinalis): Another fragrant herb with flowers that attract bees.
• Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus): Their bright yellow faces are magnets for bees.  

• Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus): Easy-to-grow annuals that provide long-lasting blooms for bees.
• Bee Balm (Monarda species): As the name suggests, bees love these colorful, shaggy flowers.
• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Flat-topped clusters of flowers provide landing pads for bees.  

For Butterflies:

• Milkweed (Asclepias species): Crucial host plant for Monarch butterflies. Choose native milkweed varieties like Narrow-leaf Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis) or Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa).  

• California Lilac (Ceanothus species): Many varieties bloom in spring and attract a variety of butterflies.  

• Passion Flower (Passiflora species): Host plant for Gulf Fritillary butterflies and attracts other butterflies with its unique blooms.
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Host plant for Anise Swallowtail butterflies.  

• Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Another host plant for Anise Swallowtails.
• Zinnias (Zinnia elegans): Brightly colored flowers that attract a variety of butterflies.  

• Pentas (Pentas lanceolata): Clusters of star-shaped flowers that are butterfly magnets.  

• Lantana (Lantana camara): While sometimes considered invasive in certain areas, many cultivated varieties are attractive to butterflies. Choose carefully.

For Hummingbirds (also pollinators!):

• California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum): Bright orange-red tubular flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds.  

• Salvia (especially red tubular varieties): Hummingbirds are attracted to red, tubular flowers like Scarlet Sage (Salvia splendens) and Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea).  

• Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans): Orange trumpet-shaped flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds. (Be mindful that it can be vigorous).  

Getting Started:

1. Observe your yard: Note sunny and shady spots, and consider your soil type.
2. Plan your layout: Decide where you want to plant your pollinator-friendly flowers.
3. Choose your plants: Select a variety of species that attract different pollinators and bloom at different times. Prioritize native options.
4. Prepare your soil: Amend with compost for healthy growth.
5. Plant carefully: Follow the recommended spacing for each plant.
6. Water regularly: Especially when plants are establishing.
7. Avoid pesticides!

By incorporating these pollinator-friendly plants and practices into your Southern California garden this May, you'll be creating a beautiful and vital habitat for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant environment. Happy planting!