Attracting Pollinators with Bee Balm by Jeffrey Blake

 

Scarlett Bee Balm 

All photos by Jeffrey Blake

Bee Balm (Monarda spp.), also known as wild bergamot or horsemint, is a popular garden plant that is excellent for attracting pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Here are several reasons why Bee Balm is a great choice for attracting these beneficial insects:

Black Swallowtails by Camille Paige

Black Swallowtail, Papilio polyxenes. All photos by Camille Paige

The black swallowtail, Papilio polyxenes, is a large native CO butterfly with distinctive adult and larval (caterpillar) forms. The adults are striking butterflies with yellow spots lining the wings and blue spots and a “tail” on on the hind wing. Females can be distinguished by their more pronounced blue scales and smaller yellow spots.

How about a butterfly garden? by Vicky Spelman

Painted Lady
Photo Credit: Wieland Teixeira (iStock)
via OutThere Colorado

As springtime days warm up and the snow starts to melt, Colorado blossoms with colors from the wildflowers, garden flowers, and the wings of butterflies.