PERENNIAL FOCUS

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Bleeding Heart

A darling of the shade garden, bleeding hearts were loved by Grandma and are just as popular today. Poetically and aptly named, these plants are heavy with pollen-rich flowers that seem to drip from the stems. This variety’s vivid golden foliage can be used for contrast and to brighten darker shade gardens. Heartshaped pink flowers dangle from long wands. Zone: 3–9

Attracts: Native bees, honeybees

Pictured: Gold Heart Bleeding Heart

LUNGWORT

Lungwort blossoms change from pink or red to blue as the flowers age. Younger pink or red flowers have more pollen and nectar. This signals to pollinators that dinner is served while blue blooms are not going to be as rewarding. Cool, huh? Bees, its primary pollinators, see very well into the ultraviolet. In that range of light, the color change is dramatic. Zones 4–8.

Attracts: Bees, night moths

Pictured: Trevi Fountain Lungwort

PEONY

The redolent scent of peonies is a “come hither” lure for pollinators. It lets them know there’s yummy pollen and sweet nectar hidden inside those pretty petals. Early Scout Fernleaf Peony is one of the earliest hybrid peonies to bloom. The open petals with huge clusters of pollen-rich, golden stamens make for easy pickings. Zones 3–8.

Attracts: Bees, moths, hummingbirds

Pictured: Early Scout Fernleaf Peony

Jacobs Ladder

Many pollinators swarm for blooms with bell-shaped flowers that hint at nectar inside. Jacob’s Ladder produces sweet little blue blooms where little bees fit just right. The pictured variety, Variegated Jacob’s Ladder, is particularly interesting. It has cream and green striped variegation that lends a pop of light to the shadier spots in the garden. Zones 4–8.

Attracts: Bees, hummingbirds, hoverflies

Pictured: Variegated Jacob’s Ladder

Lilac

Who can resist a lilac shrub? Not most gardeners, and certainly not bees. It’s like planting perfume. Even better? A lilac that blooms twice a year, like Little Darling Lilac. This blooms heavily to welcome pollinators in spring, and then blooms again in fall. Zones 4–8.

Attracts: Honeybees, leafcutter bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies including Two-tailed Swallowtail and Milbert’s Tortoiseshell.

Pictured: Little Darling Lilac continued on page 12