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Photo credit: Rick French
Most Florida winters are mild, but there are still changes that affect native pollinators including bees, butterflies, moths, and even hummingbirds. In colder climates insects may migrate long distances or enter deep dormancy, but Florida’s pollinators don’t disappear – they change their behaviors.
When temperatures drop, many plants stop blooming and many pollinators go into over-wintering stages’ or seek out microhabitats that provide shelter and some food sources.
Different pollinators use distinct strategies:
- Native solitary bees may hibernate underground in their nest tunnels. Other native bee species nest in bare or lightly mulched soil until conditions improve.
- Some bees and insects spend the winter in hollow plant stems, old seed heads, or twigs and logs left in the yard. These cavities protect them from chilling temperatures and predators.
- Butterflies and moths may overwinter in egg, chrysalis (pupal), or even adult forms depending on species until warmer weather returns.
- Leaf litter and natural debris on the ground isn’t just “mess” — it’s a critical habitat. Many tiny pollinators and beneficial insects shelter in these layers through winter.
This means that a seemingly bare winter garden can still support life beneath the surface.
Unlike northern states where nectar sources disappear almost entirely, Central Florida still supports winter-blooming plants like lyreleaf sage, native blueberries, and skyblue clustervine, which can flower in December through February. In central Florida we can also add blue phlox (Phlox divaricata), and wild white indigo (Baptisia alba). More native and non-native options can be found in this article: Winter-flowering Trees and Shrubs.
Even a few blooms can make a big difference, especially for species that remain active or emerge early.
UF/IFAS research and Extension professionals recommend pollinator-friendly landscapes that look a bit “untidy” in winter because they serve ecological functions. These are some suggestions for a less than tidy garden:
Leave dried wildflower stems and seed heads intact — they act as natural nesting sites for bees and insects.
Avoid removing leaf litter or piling thick mulch over nests — many ground-nesting bees need accessible soil.
Provide woody debris or rock piles to increase sheltered microhabitats.
Plant a mix of species that bloom across seasons so pollinators always find some food.
If we think of winter habitat as part of the growing season, we can help sustain pollinator populations through what might otherwise be a very difficult period.
In summary, most pollinators in Florida don’t undertake dramatic long-distance migrations like monarchs. Instead, they adjust by taking refuge, slowing activity, and using every available resource until spring. This strategy relies heavily on habitat quality and landscape planning. By following UF/IFAS guidance, residents can create gardens and green spaces that support pollinators through each season, not just in summer bloom.
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