Bee Friendly Plants in Central Florida

Tips for Planting for Pollinators

Ocimum kilimandscharicum X Ocimum basilicum

This herb is perfect for anyone not wanting to encourage the growth of weeds in their yard or garden. African blue basil is a hybrid between camphor basil and dark opal basil that does not produce viable seeds. These plants are propagated through cutting, and will not take over the garden. The plants are relatively hardy and very aromatic. Many people are reluctant to allow their traditional varieties of basil to flower (although the bees would love them too), so bringing this gem into garden in addition can satisfy your pollinators while keeping your favorite variety of fresh basil for yourself.

Pentas lanceolata

Summer can be dearth (a time when there are limited pollen and nectar sources for bees to forage) for pollinators in central Florida. Adding colorful pentas to your garden can help see them through the lean months. The flowers bloom through the heat of the Florida summer in shades of white, pink, red, or purple. Here in the southern states they are perennials and will do well either in containers or in flower beds.

Richardia scabbra

Our next pollinator friendly plant is another “weed” common in central Florida. Pusley is a vining ground cover that produces tiny star-shaped white flowers. Grass or sod lawns are food deserts for honeybees, but when allowed to grow amongst the lawn these flowers can give them a helpful rest stop. This member of the coffee family can make a great grass substitute for anyone wanting a low maintenance lawn. It's low profile can reduce or eliminate the need for mowing. It also is drought tolerant and loves full sun and sandy soil. This plant does like to over take walkways and low profile garden edging, so be vigilant if there are areas where you don't want these vines encroaching.

Salvia spp Pictured: Salvia farinacea

Salvias are another great plant to provide over summer forage for central Florida pollinators. They begin blooming in the spring and continue through summer into the fall. These perennial members of the mint family vary in size from 1 to 5 feet tall and come in a wide range of colors. They are heat and drought tolerant and enjoy full sun.

Bidens alba or Bidens pilosa.

Considered a weed by many in central Florida, these flowers are a favorite of honeybees, butterflies, and many native pollinators. They are prolific and produce stiff black seeds that stick to clothing, pets, and skin. But if you can stand to allocate a section of your yard or garden for these somewhat shrub-like plants, they will do a great deal for a variety of pollinators in your area. According to Green Deane, “In Florida B. alba is the third most common reliable source of nectar.” He continues, “The second most common nectar producer in Florida is the saw palmetto and the top producer is the non-native, citrus.” ¹⁾