Bloom, Set, Match
There are plenty of unfussy pollinators that will sip nectar or scoop pollen from any plant they can find. But there are also some flower traits that generally appeal to particular types of pollinators (grouped together, they’re often called “pollinator syndromes”). Flower shape, fragrance, color and bloom time are all important in attracting the right pollinator and aiding in successful plant reproduction. Here are some common floral traits associated with certain types of pollinators.
ILLUSTRATIONS Samantha N. Peters
HUMMINGBIRDS
Red and orange blooms
Funnel- or trumpet-shaped flowers
Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans) flower
FLIES
Putrid smells
Challenging, complex flowers in dark brown, red or purple
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
BUTTERFLIES
Often purple and red blooms
Faint-but-fresh scents
A broad place to land
Gregg’s mistflower (Conoclinium greggii) flower
BEES
Bright, highly visible flowers in white, yellow or blue
Ultraviolet patterns on petals
Mealy blue sage (Salvia farinacea)
MOTHS
Pale flowers in white, yellow and pink tones
Sweet scents
Night blooms
Datura (Datura wrightii)
BEETLES
Bowl-shaped flowers in white or green
Sweet, fruity, often pungent fragrances
Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
BATS
White and greenish flowers
Strong and musty night smells
Organpipe cactus (Stenocereus thurberi)
To demonstrate these features, Center horticulturists planted a new Theme Garden; learn more about supporting native bees here.