Outdoor: The Pollinator Plan - August Pink

As summer winds-down, these vibrant pink blooms deliver a splash of color to outdoor spaces that by mid-August tend to be a bit overgrown, faded and ready for a new season. In August we must conscientiously grow pollinators. Plant these late bloomers for yourself and do it for the butterflies, birds and bees - please!

Lagerstroemia

Also known as Crepe or Crape Myrtle they bloom from mid-July through August with at least 6 hours of full sun. With more shade, they will produce less blooms. As trees they can grow above 20 feet and as shrubs in containers between 2 to 5 feet. Generally speaking, trees do best when planted in fall or spring but, these perennials are tough and can be planted in summer with daily watering. These trees like it hot and grow in zones 6 to 10.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus are synonymous with Hawaii. Surprisingly, these perennials can grow in zones 4 to 9 with full to partial sun. Plant seeds in late May to early June for late July and August blooms.

Hummingbirds love Hibiscus. Hummingbirds are rare in New York City only because there is not enough flower nectar to attract them.

Echinacea

Also know as Coneflowers, are popular perennials because they are easy to grow, heat and drought resistant and grow in zones 3 through 9 from mid July into September. As seeds, plant in early June. As plants, they can be added to gardens anytime from June through August. Most importantly, these tireless flowers attract butterflies and bees and are a must have in any pollinator garden. This Coneflower is named the Double Scoop Cranberry.

Oxalis

Oxalis is commonly grown as outdoor ground cover. They can grow in any growing zone and the dark-leaved variety does not require full sun. They spread and can take over and therefore, are often found in planters. Their small white or pink flowers bloom in mid-August. Oxalis often called False Shamrocks have a daily routine know as nyctinasty.

Nyctinasty is a circadian rhythmic motion in response to nightfall where leaves close and the plant “sleeps” until daylight.

Buddleia davidii

The Butterfly Bush - the name says it all. These perennials bloom late July through mid-October in zones 5 - 8. There are even varieties able to take the cold of zone 4. They tend to overtake and although a staple of a pollinator garden, it’s best to grow in individual beds or containers.

Monarch butterflies migrate from Maine to Mexico stopping in New York City on the way from August to November. They need our help to make the journey.

We all need more flowers.

Images by the author.