Planting Pollinator-Friendly Gardens: Tips from USU Extension

Want a beautiful garden that does wonderful things? Planting pollinator-friendly gardens will make your yard the buzz of the neighborhood.

What if our landscapes could be both eye-catching and support a biodiversity of local pollinators such as bees, butterflies, beetles and more? We don’t often think about pollinators as we plant, but they should be a consideration. Intermountain West urbanization has diminished resources such as pollen and nectar, as well as habitat. These are relied upon, especially by the diverse species of native bees that are found only in the West. Following some simple guidelines can help support pollinators while creating a landscape that will be the buzz of the neighborhood.

‘BEE’ SUNNY Plants that produce blooms often need to be placed in a sunny location. Full sun equates to 6-8 hours of sunlight throughout the day. Part-sun and shade plants are available, but the resources available for pollinators
are often diminished.

‘BEE’ ACCESSIBLE Choose plants that are easy for pollinators to access. Flat, daisy-like blooms support bees, butterflies, flies and beetles. Blooms that are tubular in shape, such as honeysuckle, support pollinators with long mouthparts like hummingbirds and moths. Avoid difficult-to-access plants
with multiple layers of petals.

‘BEE’ LOCAL Incorporate native plants into the landscape when available. Native plants, such as Penstemon and Gaillardia, often support native pollinators best. See our plant list for more planting options.

‘BEE’ INVITING A shallow dish filled with river rocks and topped off with water will attract thirsty pollinators. Provide nesting sites such as areas of bare ground without mulch as well as open cavities like those of a bee hotel. Wait to cut back perennials in the spring instead of fall to help provide needed overwintering habitat.

‘BEE’ ABUNDANT Incorporate plants that bloom spring, summer and fall to provide resources year-round. Avoid planting a single plant; instead plant in groups of three to five to provide ample resources

See For Yourself

Located in the USU Botanical Center in Kaysville, the Pollinator Garden was installed in 2021 by USU Master Gardener volunteers to showcase a variety of flowers that provide nectar, habitat and other resources to pollinators throughout the seasons. Unique planter boxes and art focus on bees and other pollinators. 

Did You Know?

• Utah has roughly 1,200 species of native bees (25% of all North American species).

• Pollinators can be bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, wasps, hummingbirds, bats and many others.

• One of every three bites of food you eat relies on pollination for production and 90% of flowers rely on pollination for reproduction.  

Buzz Worthy

Insect-celebrating products for your pollinator-friendly garden.

Get a full list of plants for pollinator-friendly gardens.