Ornamental cultivars are flowers that are bred and/or selected to improve characteristics such as flower form, color, fragrance, plant height or disease resistance. Native flower species are plants that grow naturally throughout an area or ecoregion and are adapted to the temperature, water, soil, and interactions with other native plants and animals. Plant hardiness and ornamental landscape potential of these perennials also are discussed.Äifference Between Native Species and Ornamental Cultivars of Perennial Flowers The genera of perennial flowers tested were Baptisia (wild indigo, false indigo), Hylotelephium (tall sedum), Monarda (bee balm) and Symphyotrichum (aster). Eight perennial native species and 20 perennial ornamental cultivars (Table 1 and Figure 1) were observed for their ability to attract pollinators at two locations in southeastern North Dakota. This Extension pollinator publication will help determine which perennial flowers to plant that attract and nourish pollinators such as wild bees, bumble bees, honey bees, syrphid flies and butterflies. Having different perennial flowers that bloom throughout the pollinators’ life cycle is important, especially when food is scarce for pollinators, such as early spring and early fall. Consequently, they can have a difficult time selecting perennial flowers that are beautiful in a given setting and will benefit wild bees, bumble bees, honey bees, syrphid flies and butterflies. Many homeowners are reluctant to plant native species because they are perceived to be less attractive, weedy and more likely to lodge. Despite the wide availability of many native and ornamental cultivars of perennial flowers, little scientific information is available on whether a flower will be beneficial to pollinators. North Dakotans want to support pollinators by providing nectar and pollen through planting beautiful flowers in their backyards and farms. However, homeowners can make a difference in pollinator health by planting perennial flowers in their backyards, providing nesting habitat for bees, and using less toxic pesticides when needed. Some of the major causes of pollinator decline are habitat loss, parasitic pests, pesticides, diseases and climate change. The recent dramatic decline of pollinators is a worldwide concern. While pollinators love to visit flowers and feed on pollen and nectar, flowers also add beauty to our yards, farms and natural areas. Pollinators are crucial for food production, and more than two-thirds of our leading global food crops rely upon or benefit from pollinators.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |