As the seasons shift, it’s the perfect time to explore what your yard needs most. Let’s dive into some timely tips to help your outdoor space thrive.
Biodiversity is the heartbeat of a garden, and pollinator plants are key to encouraging it. These plants attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects, playing a crucial role in our ecosystem. They help in the pollination process, which leads to the production of fruits and seeds, enhancing the overall productivity of your garden.
However, not all pollinator plants can survive the heat in Gilbert, Arizona. The city’s climate, characterized by intensely hot summers and mild winters, dictates the type of plants that can thrive. So, it’s important to choose plants that not only attract pollinators but also withstand Gilbert’s heat. Let’s dive into the top 7 heat-loving pollinator plants for your Gilbert garden.
Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata)
The Desert Marigold, with its bright yellow flowers and silvery-gray foliage, is a hardy plant that thrives in Gilbert’s heat. It’s a perennial shrub that can reach up to 2 feet in height and width, making it a fantastic addition to your garden’s landscape.
Plant Desert Marigold in well-drained soil and full sun. This plant is drought-tolerant and requires minimal water once established, making it a low-maintenance option for your garden. Regular pruning helps to maintain its shape and encourage more blooms.
How Desert Marigold Attracts Pollinators
The vibrant yellow flowers of the Desert Marigold are a magnet for bees and butterflies. The plant’s long blooming period, from spring to fall, provides a steady source of nectar for these pollinators.
Globe Mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua)
Native to the Sonoran Desert, the Globe Mallow is well-adapted to the hot and dry conditions of Gilbert. The plant features cup-shaped orange flowers that bloom throughout the year, adding a splash of color to your garden.
For successful growth, plant Globe Mallow in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a drought-tolerant plant, so minimal watering is needed. Prune in late summer to promote a more compact growth and prevent it from becoming leggy.
Pollinators Attracted to Globe Mallow
Globe Mallow is a favorite among butterflies and hummingbirds, thanks to its bright flowers and year-round blooming schedule. Its nectar-rich blossoms also attract bees, contributing to your garden’s biodiversity.
Mexican Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)
The Mexican Bird of Paradise is a showstopper with its vibrant red, orange, and yellow flowers. This resilient plant can survive the extreme heat of Gilbert, growing up to 10 feet tall.
Plant Mexican Bird of Paradise in full sun and provide regular water until it’s well established. Once mature, it can withstand drought conditions. Prune in early spring to maintain its shape and encourage more blooms.
Pollinators That Mexican Bird of Paradise Supports
The stunning flowers of the Mexican Bird of Paradise attract a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies. It’s a wonderful addition to your garden, not only for its beauty but also for its role in supporting pollination.
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
The Desert Willow is a small tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It features trumpet-shaped flowers that come in shades of pink and purple, providing a delightful contrast to its light green foliage.
Desert Willow thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a drought-tolerant tree, so it can survive with minimal watering. Prune it in late winter to encourage a more tree-like shape and enhance its flowering potential.
Pollinators That Are Drawn to Desert Willow
The fragrant flowers of the Desert Willow are a big draw for butterflies and hummingbirds. The tree’s long blooming period, from late spring to fall, ensures a steady supply of nectar for these pollinators.
Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla)
The Fairy Duster is a charming shrub with feather-like flowers that resemble tiny dusters. It’s a hardy plant that can withstand the harsh climate of Gilbert, making it a staple in many local gardens.
Plant Fairy Duster in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s a drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal watering. Prune in early spring to maintain its shape and encourage more blooms.
How Fairy Duster Attracts Pollinators
The fluffy flowers of the Fairy Duster are a source of nectar for bees and hummingbirds. The plant’s long blooming period, from spring to fall, provides a continuous food source for these pollinators.
Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)
The Red Yucca is a succulent that thrives in Gilbert’s heat. It features slender, arching leaves and tall spikes of red or coral-colored flowers that bloom from spring to summer.
Red Yucca prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s highly drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for low-water gardens. Prune the flower stalks after blooming to promote a neat appearance.
Pollinators That Benefit from Red Yucca
The tubular flowers of the Red Yucca are a favorite among hummingbirds. Its nectar-rich blooms also attract butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any pollinator garden.
These top 7 pollinator plants not only withstand Gilbert’s heat but also play a significant role in attracting and supporting a variety of pollinators. Incorporating these plants into your garden creates a vibrant, resilient, and biodiverse landscape — one that offers both visual appeal and long-term ecological benefits for the Southeast Valley.