The Heat-Tolerant, Yellow Flower That Birds & Pollinators Love That You Can Grow In Pots

If you thought that your favorite pollinators were busy bees in spring, just wait until summer, when pollinator activities reach their peak. While summer does draw in more hummingbirds and insects with the promise of ample nectar-filled flowers, the hustle and bustle of the season comes at a price: the weather. Between the blazing sun and those thermometer-tipping temperatures, it can be difficult to maintain the vibrant flowers that make up your pollinator garden. However, this bright yellow flower grows well despite heat, making it the perfect choice when you're starting a pollinator-friendly garden in a warm climate.

Whorled tickseed (Anacis verticillata) is a tall perennial that's hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9 and blooms in June and July. It produces bright yellow flowers similar in shape to daisies. Despite their name, you don't need to worry about this plant attracting ticks. Instead, these flowers draw in nectar-seeking insects like butterflies and bees, and songbirds eat their seeds. And the best part? With the right setup and care, whorled tickseed thrives in pots, allowing you to cultivate an eye-catching container garden that pollinators adore.

Before diving in to plant whorled tickseed, it's important to have the right container on hand. Whorled tickseed does well with any pot material but does require that it be at least 10 inches deep and wide with adequate drainage holes.

If it's your first time starting a pollinator garden and you're worried about trying your hand at whorled tickseed, don't be. This plant is incredibly hardy and resistant to common garden challenges, making it a great plant choice for beginner gardeners testing out their green thumbs. Plus, you have more control when growing whorled tickseed in a pot, making it all the more appealing for beginners. 

Although it can tolerate dry or poor soil, as well as salt, it grows best when given neutral or acidic soil that is well-draining. Sun also plays an important role in supporting those beautiful blooms that pollinators love, so you'll want to ensure it receives ample light each day. Fortunately, whorled tickseed can grow both in full sun and partial shade conditions, giving you flexibility in where you place it on your deck or patio. Because it is tolerant of dry soil, you won't need to water this plant often. After all, overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering. However, keep in mind that its soil can dry out faster when growing whorled tickseed in a container, especially during droughts or heat spells. 

To keep your whroled tickseed healthy, you can also deadhead any lackluster flowers. This helps whorled tickseed thrive in a container, encouraging blooming throughout the season while resulting in an overall tidy plant.As a perennial, whorled tickseed returns year after year. However, if you're outside of its winter hardiness range, you may choose to instead grow it as an annual or move it inside during the winter.