At this time of the year, many gardens in East Texas begin to look tired. Even my own Black-eyed Susan and Purple Coneflowers are completing their annual show. As it gets warmer, the heat takes its toll. But while your landscape may be ready for a rest, pollinators are just entering one of their most critical seasons. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects need dependable sources of nectar and shelter in late summer and fall to prepare for either migration or to store enough resources for winter survival.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension research highlights several native plants that are standouts for late-season forage. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) is one of the best-known fall nectar sources, and it thrives in our soils with little care once established. Frostweed (Verbesina virginica) is another underappreciated native—its tall white blooms in late September are a magnet for migrating monarchs. Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) brings a splash of yellow to landscapes and roadsides, attracting bees and butterflies alike.
One of the biggest advantages of these native species is their resilience. Being ‘native’, they’re well adapted to East Texas conditions, which means they can handle both our summer heat and occasional dry spells without constant watering or fertilizer. Once established, they require little maintenance beyond occasional thinning or deadheading.
If you want more immediate results this year, look to transplants. Perennial salvias, lantanas, and Mexican bush sage are excellent additions in late summer. They’ll bloom well into fall, extending the availability of nectar sources during a period when many plants are winding down. As perennials, they can be depended upon to return year after year. These species not only draw a variety of pollinators but can also add color to your landscape when much of thit is starting to brown.
But flowers are only part of the equation. Pollinators need suitable habitat. Many native bee species are ground-nesters, so don’t worry over covering every bare spot with mulch. Leaving patches of exposed soil gives some beneficial insects a place to dig their nesting tunnels. For butterflies, keep some host plants in your landscape—milkweed for monarchs, passion vine for gulf fritillaries, and fennel or dill for swallowtails.
Water is another critical resource, especially during dry spells. That old bird bath or even a shallow dish filled with pebbles or marbles and topped with water gives insects a safe place to land and drink without the risk of drowning. Change the water frequently to keep it fresh and mosquito-free.
Lastly, be mindful of pesticide use. Always read and follow the instructions on any insecticide, organic or otherwise. Avoid spraying during bloom periods or when pollinators are active. If you must use a pesticide, apply it in the early morning or late evening when fewer insects are foraging.
By taking a few simple steps now, you can create a pollinator-friendly landscape that supports these essential creatures through the fall. The payoff will come not only in a healthier local ecosystem but also in a vibrant, buzzing garden next spring.
To learn more about pollinator plants, be sure to attend our free, noon gardening program this Tuesday, August 19 at the Angelina County Extension office. Guest speaker Dawn Stover will provide the program. Entitled “I Will Survive: Right Plant, Right Place!”, this informative program will share her decades of hands-on experience in pollinator gardening and native plant conservation. Dawn Stover is the founder and owner of The Nectar Connector. Stover is a longtime advocate for using locally adapted native plants to attract and support butterflies and other beneficial insects. The seminar will be from 12 to 1 pm at 2201 S. Medford Dr, Lufkin, Texas.
