Virginia Pollinator Planting Schedule

Planting schedule for a pollinator garden in Virginia, organized by season:

Spring (March – May):

• Early Spring (March – April):
  • Plant early blooming native wildflowers such as Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica), and Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) to provide early nectar sources for emerging pollinators.
  • Set out native shrubs like Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) and Redbud (Cercis canadensis) to provide nesting sites and shelter for pollinators.
• Late Spring (April – May):
  • Plant mid-spring blooming flowers such as Eastern Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), and Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) to attract a diverse range of pollinators.
  • Set out native grasses like Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) to provide habitat and structure to the garden.

Summer (June – August):

• Early Summer (June – July):
  • Continue planting summer-blooming native plants such as Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), and Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) to provide abundant nectar sources for pollinators during the peak of their activity.
  • Incorporate native vines like Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) and Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) to add vertical interest and additional food sources.
• Late Summer (August):
  • Introduce late summer-blooming flowers such as Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium fistulosum), Ironweed (Vernonia spp.), and Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) to ensure a continuous nectar supply for pollinators as they prepare for fall.

Fall (September – November):

• Early Fall (September – October):
  • Plant fall-blooming native species such as Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.), Goldenrods (Solidago spp.), and Sneezeweed (Helenium spp.) to provide essential food sources for migrating pollinators and those preparing for hibernation.
  • Include native trees like American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) and Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) to provide late-season nectar and shelter.
• Late Fall (November):
  • Complete any planting of bulbs for early spring blooms, such as native Crocus (Crocus spp.) and Daffodils (Narcissus spp.), ensuring a vibrant start to the following year’s pollinator season.

General Tips:

• When selecting plants, prioritize native species adapted to Virginia’s climate and soil conditions.
• Consider planting a variety of flower shapes, colors, and sizes to attract a diverse range of pollinators.
• Incorporate a mix of host plants for butterfly larvae (such as Milkweed for Monarch caterpillars) and nectar plants for adult pollinators.
• Provide a water source such as a shallow dish or birdbath for pollinators to drink from.
• Mulch newly planted areas to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but leave bare patches of soil for ground-nesting bees.
• Regularly monitor and maintain the garden, removing invasive species and deadheading spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.