Bees can find nectar on Russian sage. For a beautiful, beneficial combo that will benefit bees, combine it with pollen sources like this coneflower.
Is Russian sage good for pollinators?
One of the greatest flowers for bees and other regional pollinators may be Russian sage. Additionally, it can withstand dryness, making it ideal for desert settings. The blossoms, which are blue and purple, cover the entire plant as it develops into a big bush. If you examine a Russian sage plant more attentively, you will notice that it is humming with activity. For us, it has a wonderful scent as well!
Do butterflies and bees enjoy Russian sage?
Portland, Oregon
If you want to attract pollinators to your garden, think about adding some floral power to your environment.
Gail Langellotto, the state coordinator for the Oregon State University Extension Service’s Master Gardener program, stated that “floral abundance is one of the strongest strategies to increase bee diversity in gardens.” Additionally, bees find nectar and pollen in warm, sunny locations more easily.
She claimed that a spectacular flower arrangement might entice both birds and butterflies. But which varieties of flowers ought you to pick? The following are Langellotto’s suggestions:
- Bees that take nectar on this evergreen plant include bumblebees, carpenter bees, digger bees, and both large and little leafcutting bees.
- Rhododendron of the Pacific or Coast: Home to the larvae of the brown elfin and gray hairstreak butterflies. This evergreen shrub’s nectar is gathered by Western tiger swallowtail butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Pacific Northwest native.
- Blueblossom: Home to the larvae of the California tortoiseshell, echo blue, and pale swallowtail butterflies. The nectar of this evergreen shrub is collected by bumblebees, carpenter bees, honey bees, digger bees, and a variety of small native bees.
- The spring azure, brown elfin, and Lorquin’s admiral butterflies’ larval host is the ocean spray. The nectar of this deciduous shrub is collected by bumblebees and a variety of small native bees.
- Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies gather the nectar of the serviceberry, a deciduous shrub. Weiddemeyer’s admiral butterflies’ larval host. Pacific Northwest native.
- Russian sage: This perennial garden plant is pollinated by honey bees, tiny carpenter bees, and leafcutter bees. Hummingbirds are also drawn to the nectar.
- Red-flowering currant: A crucial source of nectar for butterflies in the early season. Hummingbirds are also attracted to nectar. Native to the Pacific Northwest, a perennial.
- Zinnias: A variety of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees get the nectar from these flowers. annual plant for gardens.
- Sunflower: The pollen and nectar of this annual flower are collected by longhorn bees, sweat bees, leafcutter bees, and bumblebees.
- Salal is the host plant for spring azure butterflies’ larvae. This groundcover’s nectar is gathered by bees. Pacific Northwest native.
- Bees of all types, including honey bees, bumblebees, carder bees, and mason bees, gather nectar and pollen from catmint.
- On this perennial wildflower known as milkweed, monarch butterflies lay their eggs after gathering nectar and pollen. Hummingbirds are also attracted to nectar. Pacific Northwest native.
Langellotto advised using a range of plants, particularly plants indigenous to the Pacific Northwest, to draw in a variety of pollinators.
She added that because native plants are absolutely necessary for butterfly larvae to reproduce, they make excellent hosts for them. “For instance, there is a need for more native milkweed to be planted by gardeners, as it serves as a host plant for migratory monarch butterflies. Monarchs cannot finish their entire cycle without milkweed.”
She advised considering adding some attractive exotics to a pollinator-friendly garden in addition to native species like milkweed. According to Langellotto, some of the most alluring garden plants for bees include the exotic plants catmint and Russian sage, which have been the subject of numerous studies around the nation.
Adult bees are discovered to consume a significant amount of the nectar and pollen of exotic ornamental plants, contrary to what was previously believed, according to Langellotto.
Langellotto cautioned avoiding applying systemic pesticides and broad-spectrum insecticides for pollinator gardening, especially on plants that are in bloom. “Systemic” denotes the ability of the chemical to enter a plant and circulate inside its tissues. Broad-spectrum insecticides, such as systemic insecticides, have the potential to hurt or kill a range of “good” insects in addition to the intended target pest, according to the expert. Systemic insecticides can kill or hurt insects for months or years after being mixed with water and applied to the soil near the base of the plant being treated, according to Langellotto.
“Ask your neighborhood OSU Extension office for solutions if you are experiencing an insect problem. Many plants may tolerate little insect damage and still thrive. Sometimes, all it takes is for us to lower our standards and accept minor damage “explained Langellotto.
More evidence-based guidance on this subject can be found in the OSU Extension article How to Reduce Bee Poisoning from Pesticides. Visit OSU Extension In Your Community to locate the OSU Extension office closest to you.
Enhancing Urban and Suburban Landscapes to Protect Pollinators, a new publication that will be available in 2020, offers specific plant lists, garden plans, and suggestions for creating pollinator habitat.
Do you want to know more about this subject? View further materials from OSU Extension here:
What kind of bees find Russian sage to be attractive?
The herbaceous perennial Frikart’s aster, Asterfrikartii ‘Mnch, blooms all summer long. Its lavender-blue daisies go well with plants that have silver foliage. It is a veritable butterfly magnet that also draws numerous local bee species and feeds them pollen and nectar. Its flowering season can be extended by deadheading spent flowers.
Ray Hartman’s California lilac, Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’
California lilacs, or Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman,’ are a huge collection of natural shrubs that provide early spring pollinators with a great amount of pollen. ‘Ray Hartman’ is an upright, substantial shrub that can be taught to grow into a small tree. In March, it blooms with clear blue flowers. It tolerates summer irrigation and has a longer lifespan than some other California lilacs.
Western redbud, Cercis occidentalis
Cercis occidentalis, a species of western redbud, is a native of the foothills of the Californian valley floor. It produces magenta-pink, pea-shaped flowers in the spring, which are well-liked by a range of local bees. You are doing an excellent job promoting diversity in your pollinator garden if you can spot curious scoops on the margins of the plant’s leaves, which indicates that a population of leafcutter bees is nearby.
California poppy, Eschscholzia californica
Eschscholzia californica, the California poppy, is technically an annual but will “perennial-ize” by sprouting the following year from its roots and lower stems or by re-seeding. Look for sweat bees scurrying around the flower’s base and pollen-coating themselves.
Blanket flower, Gaillardiagrandiflora
The blanket flower, Gaillardiagrandiflora, is a vibrant daisy-like blossom that attracts lots of local bees. They draw long-horned bees like Melissodes to the Valley, who are easily seen gathering nectar and pollen from the vibrant orange and yellow flowers. In dense soils, this plant might not survive very long.
Goodwin Creek lavender, Lavandulaginginsii ‘Goodwin Creek Grey’
A hardy and long-blooming hybrid lavender called Goodwin Creek lavender, or Lavandulaginginsii ‘Goodwin Creek Grey,’ can be utilized to provide your pollinator planting winter structure. It is well-liked by huge carpenter bees and a variety of other smaller bees for its nectar because it blooms early and lasts into the summer. It can be pruned to maintain a compact form, to enhance branching, or to give it more shape.
Catmint, Nepetafassenii
The hardy, herbaceous, and spreading perennial catmint, Nepeta fassenii, flowers from spring until early summer. After it blooms once, trim it back to encourage subsequent blooms. Many different types of bees in our area seek out catmint for its nectar, including leafcutter bees, digger bees, and blue orchard bees, while some of the smaller bees also use it for pollen.
Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Little Spire’
Perovskia atriplicifolia “Little Spire,” a type of Russian sage This upright deciduous perennial, which is strong and heat tolerant and thrives in hard conditions, is frequented by numerous varieties of native bees in addition to honey bees. Late in the summer, this cultivar will reward you with vertical spikes of eye-catching purple blossoms. In the winter, trim it back to the ground.
Germander sage, Salvia chamaedryoides
Beautiful dark blue flowers of the germander sage, Salvia chamaedryoides, bloom from late spring to early summer and once more in the fall. A variety of bee species use it as their main source of nectar. The most noticeable carder bees are likely the males since they establish territories near flowering patches and swarm other bees that invade their territory. Early summer deadheading will encourage the blooms (and bees) to return in the fall.
Cascade Creek goldenrod, Solidago californica ‘Cascade Creek’
Goldenrod known as “Cascade Creek” or Solidago californica blooms from summer to October. Small bees and butterflies are drawn to its yellow flower spikes in the shape of flames. With other low-water plants in a native garden, this tough and drought-tolerant shrub is ideal. After flowering, cut flower spikes to the ground to promote reblooming. This plant will become a tiny mat of green leaves throughout the winter.
Are bees attracted to sage plants?
With its deep, anchoring taproot, annual borage (Borago officinalis) thrives in poor soil. Honey bees can find nectar in the starry blue summer flowers that grow atop its leafy, 2- to 3-foot-high foliage mounds. With its clusters of summer blossoms, the perennial oregano (Origanum spp.), a relative of mint, draws honey bees. Syrian marjoram (O. syriacum) and sweet marjoram (O. majorana), which are endemic to the Mediterranean, are used to flavor food there. Rosemary, a native of the Mediterranean region (Rosmarinus officinalis), comes in upright, mounding, and trailing varieties. Native thyme species from the Mediterranean region come in both erect and ground-covering variants. The mint family also includes almost 900 species of sage (Salvia spp. ), many of which, including culinary sage (S. officinalis), draw honey bees.
Is Russian sage a wasp magnet?
The commencement of the high country’s perennial blooming season coincides with the mountain monsoon. The majority of perennial flowers not only grow fresh buds and blooms, but they also draw a constant stream of ravenous insects.
When bugs destroy flowers, frustrated gardeners must decide whether to use chemical insecticides, natural poultices, or vengeful machete chops as a response. Planting flowers that insects find repulsive will help you win the fight even if you lose this season’s struggle with bugs. Because of their soapy fluid, succulent leaves, hairy foliage, and other natural defenses, these flowers naturally deter insects, giving you more time to spend weeding, picking bouquets, or simply unwinding in the garden.
Lavender
One of the most popular plants for making perfume can be grown if you have a spot with full light and well-drained soil. Lavender aroma is abundant in the leaf and flowers, making it ideal for potpourri, bouquets, and culinary usage.
Catmint
Whether or not you like cats, if pests are a problem in your perennial garden, you should include the renowned Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’. This blue-blooming hummingbird magnet not only repels insects, but also rabbits and deer, who avoid it. In a rose garden, consider creating a lovely carpet of various plants.
Red-eyed Cranesbill
This wilder relative of classic geraniums—not to be confused with annual geraniums—is a fantastic choice for pest control. This perennial bloomer produces flowers all summer long and has fragrant foliage. Plant it in medium soil in partial shade.
Daylily: Local gardeners collect daylilies like they do roses since there are so many perennial colors to select from. Bugs detest the flavor, regardless of the food’s color or aroma. Daylilies are ideal for xeriscapes, are pest and animal proof, and grow even better than decorative grasses in local gardens, therefore every garden should have at least one.
Rogue Sage
This plant is essential for the hot, sunny border because it draws beneficial pollinators while providing nothing for pest browsing bugs. Even javelina don’t like this blooming. This is partly because to a mixture of a reviving herbal scent and stiff, fuzzy foliage. Early summer through fall, plants with minimal deadheading and no additional irrigation needs will delight gardeners with their waving blue wands of leaves. Pull up new runners in the spring to control Russian sage.
Tobacco Daisy
It’s amazing that the cheery annual Melampodium divaricatum hasn’t already established itself as a local favorite alongside marigolds and zinnias. This flower grows quickly from seeds and has one-inch yellow flowers that last the entire growing season. These plants easily self-seed, so there is no need to save seed for the flowers of the following season. The lush green plants only require regular watering and a spot in full sunlight.
Dianthus
The strong clove aroma of cottage pinks seems to repel insects just as much as we do. Dianthus was created for success in rock gardens because this spring-flowering plant requires a harsh environment with good drainage.
The thick, strappy leaf of the African lily, also referred to as the lily of the Nile, is excellent in repelling insects. This blue-flowered plant thrives in the warmer areas of the garden and is a true zone 8 perennial.
Moose Sage
This spring bloomer’s earthy sage scent seems to appeal to everyone’s sense of smell. Its foot-tall stems are covered in dark blue blooms. It is a common wildflower that spreads carelessly to resemble a meadow because it is so simple to grow. If you prune the old flowers, they will bloom again in the summer. A favorite of mine.
Rosemary
Although gardeners enjoy this evergreen herb, harmful insects are attracted to it in the opposite way. There are two types of rosemary: the hip-high upright kind and the ground cover version. Both are equally animal proof, both are used in the kitchen, and both keep garden insects away. a trustworthy perennial that belongs in every garden.
What is drawn to Russian sage?
- Russian sage is a striking undiscovered cut flower that draws butterflies and bees.
- Perfectly complements other low-water plants like lavender, sedum, and ornamental grasses. It also gets along well with succulents with bold leaves like big agaves and aloes.
- In addition to xeriscapes, hillsides, and rock landscapes, Russian sage blends in with deer-frequented, Mediterranean-themed gardens.
What is the benefit of Russian sage?
People relied on homemade treatments for a range of maladies even before the fight over universal healthcare, insurance corporations, and Big Pharma. In actuality, numerous societies continue to successfully use plants and herbs for therapeutic purposes. You can utilize the herbs to treat your illnesses if you maintain a garden or have planter boxes where you can grow typical ornamental garden herbs. These herbs are a few to try:
Russian Sage
Russian sage is a perennial plant with purple blossoms that not only looks lovely in a garden but also provides a number of health advantages. Sage leaves can be used to make a medicinal tea that can aid with indigestion and stomach aches by steeping the leaves in boiling water for 15 to 30 minutes.
Russian sage tea can also be used to reduce fever. Herbalists advise letting the tea cool before soaking it up with a towel and applying it to the forehead as a compress. This practice has been proved to benefit persons who have fevers due to the sage essence being absorbed by the skin and the calming sensation of the perfume. Additionally, you can place the sage leaves right in boiling water and breathe in the fragrant steam to unclog nasal airways and relieve bronchial congestion brought on by colds and flus.
Wild Thyme
Similar to how sage was popularized by the Simon & Garfunkel song “Scarborough Fair” in 1968, thyme is an evergreen bush. Thyme has been utilized as a medicine for thousands of years, despite the fact that it may be used in cooking. Thyme is an antioxidant, promotes heart health and blood flow, and can be used as a natural cough suppressant. Tea and thyme essential oil have been shown to be effective in treating acute bronchitis, and thyme is a rich source of vitamins A and C, which support a healthy immune system. Thyme also contains antifungal characteristics, making it a natural disinfectant for areas with little to no mold growth. Simply combine some water and thyme essential oil in a spray bottle and mist mold with it.
Lavender
Similar to Russian sage, lavender is a purple flowering plant that gives any garden personality. The calming qualities of lavender are highly praised, and lavender essential oil is frequently used as a sleep aid. To unwind and help you relax before bed, try adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to your pillow or bathwater. Lavender tea is a great choice for a nightcap because studies have shown that it has favorable impacts on mental health, such as reducing emotions of tension and worry. Lavender’s calming properties also make it the perfect remedy for soothing skin after being bitten by insects like spiders and mosquitoes. For rapid relief, simply break the lavender plant’s leaves and apply the oils onto the skin’s troubled area.
Peppermint
Another great plant to have in the garden is peppermint, which may give pastries a flavor boost. However, peppermint occasionally has the capacity to benefit your health. Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and upset stomach are both treated by peppermint. An anti-spasmodic found in peppermint, methanol is best effective when crushed up into a pill that is taken. In addition to calming an upset stomach, peppermint tea can strengthen your immune system.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, a herb with a lemon smell and a member of the same plant family as mint, has long been utilized by herbalists to elevate mood and cognitive function. However, it can also help with insomnia and calm down an upset stomach, such as nausea. Making a cup of lemon balm tea before bed has been proved to help with sleep difficulties, especially in kids. Lemon balm in your garden for the evenings your grandchildren stay with you could be beneficial for everybody!
As you can see, popular garden herbs offer a variety of medical uses. However, before trying anything new, be sure the herb you want to plant and use is safe and doesn’t have any potential drawbacks by speaking with your doctor.
Author Hilary Young is committed to promoting better, more meaningful lifestyles for senior citizens in America.