Our Vision with Nevada Pollinators and Perennials

Greetings from Dayton Valley Turf and Bonsai Blue Plant Nursery.

We’d like to take a moment to announce our New Nevada Pollinators and Perennials Program. Currently, we have over 10,000 Pollinators and Perennials available to the Public. Semi-Native Hybrids; Cousins of natives are also available, and “true” natives will be available soon. Our Vision is to provide plants for our community that are known to thrive in the Great Basin and are typically unavailable at local plant nurseries. These plants support beneficial insects like Butterflies and pollinators, such as Bees. Our plants are grown pesticide-free, which causes no threat to our beneficials. Other growers use insecticides such as neonicotinoids, responsible for bee colony decline.

Our promise to you and the environment is that we are responsible for the health of our necessary beneficial insects and pollinators while offering a superior product to you.

Sincerely,
Rick Clark, Horticultural Guru

Here are a few top picks from our pollinator-friendly collection:

If you're looking to support pollinators in a big way, start with milkweed. At Bonsai Blue, we offer several varieties, including Butterfly Weed and Swamp Milkweed, both essential for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. These stunning native plants don’t just help butterflies thrive; they also brighten up your garden with bold colors and non-stop pollinator visits. Butterfly Weed is perfect for hot, dry spots in your yard, while Swamp Milkweed prefers a more moisture-rich corner. Whichever you choose, you’re making a positive impact on pollinator populations in Nevada.

This electric blue beauty is a true standout in Great Basin gardens. Native to the American West, Penstemon’s tubular flowers are a favourite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and songbirds (who feast on the seed heads come fall). Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and thrives in our dry climate. Plant it in loose, well-draining soil and avoid overly wet conditions. A little care, like pinching back taller stalks or dividing the plant every few years, will keep your Penstemon lush and blooming beautifully.

**Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Electric Blue’**

Though it takes a year or two to fully establish, Trollius is worth the wait. This bright, bold bloomer brings a royal presence to any pollinator-friendly garden. It’s best suited for areas with rich, moist soil—perfect for low-lying parts of your garden or near irrigation lines. After flowering, feel free to cut the foliage back hard to encourage a fresh flush of green. Bees and beneficial insects love its vivid color and generous nectar offering.

Yarrow is a low-maintenance powerhouse. With its fern-like leaves and flat clusters of tiny flowers, it’s as attractive to the eye as it is to bees and butterflies. Even better? Deer tend to avoid it due to its bitter taste, making it a smart pick for outer garden edges. This resilient perennial is right at home in Reno’s dry conditions and can add color to the garden even in the height of summer.

English lavender might not be native to Nevada, but it thrives in our sunny, dry environment and brings more than just fragrance to your yard. It attracts bees by the dozen and has been a staple in herb gardens for generations. The Munstead variety is especially hardy, making it a great choice for our region. Grow it in alkaline, well-drained soil and full sun. Bonus: It’s perfect for DIY sachets, potpourris, or just brushing your hand through for a calming scent.