Christiana Huss, Urban Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator
July is the season of heat advisories and high humidity. It can be difficult to find the motivation to venture outside and garden. But insects have different ideas of a good time. Bees, butterflies, beetles, and flies are busy taking advantage of summer blooms. Here, I’ll share some flowers that are blooming in July feeding the active insects in the pollinator garden.
Passionflower, my favorite multi-purpose native!
Passionflowers, also called maypop, bloom on a perennial vine. These vines are the only host plant for the Gulf Fritillary caterpillar. In the fall, this plant grows passion fruits, which can be enjoyed by humans and wildlife alike. Passionflower is a hardy plant. It can tolerate drought, shade, sun, cold winters, and deer. Be aware that it is so easy to grow that it can get out of control. Only plant a passionflower if you really love them!
Blanket flower, a low country garden staple.
Blanket flowers are perfectly adapted for coastal gardens. I often see them growing in empty lots or along beach dunes. They can tolerate salt and drought and love our sandy, well-drained soil. Blanket flowers are short-lived but reseed readily.
Scarlet rose mallow, a true garden showstopper.
Photos of scarlet rose mallow don’t do it justice. This hibiscus is bright and huge! Their hot pink color attracts both hummingbirds and nectar-feeding insects. Solitary bees will use the hollow stems for nesting. This flower prefers wetter soil than the previously described blooms, making it a great choice for boggy areas or rain gardens.
Coneflower, a pollinator restaurant.
Purple or yellow coneflowers are garden favorites for pollinators. A hairstreak butterfly and a bee are shown here. In the fall, the seeds of the coneflower are a popular food for songbirds. Coneflowers are easy to care for once they are established. Although they prefer full sun, they will grow well in partial shade and can tolerate some drought. There are many species of coneflower native to South Carolina so find one that is adapted to your specific area. Removing dead flowers can encourage the plant to put out new blooms. But don’t forget to leave a few at the end of the season for the winter songbirds to enjoy!
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