Ever wondered how to get those vibrant vegetables and stunning fruits growing in your garden? The answer might buzz with wings! Bees are essential pollinators, carrying pollen from flower to flower, helping plants reproduce and flourish. Planting bee-friendly flowers is a fun and rewarding way to support these fuzzy friends, while transforming your garden into a colorful haven buzzing with life.
1. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
A cheerful burst of sunshine for your garden, Black-Eyed Susan's bright yellow petals with dark brown centers are a magnet for bees. This hardy perennial thrives in slightly acidic soil and full sun to light shade. It tolerates moderate drought after the first year, making it a low-maintenance pollinator paradise. Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms, keeping the nectar flowing for busy bees.
2. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
As the name suggests, butterfly bushes are a flutter of activity with their large, fragrant blooms in late summer and early fall. These low-maintenance shrubs come in various colors and are a favorite among bees and butterflies alike. Plant them in well-draining soil and enjoy the vibrant display while helping pollinators thrive. Prune lightly in spring to encourage new growth and even more blooms.
3. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
More than just a delightful addition to your culinary creations, chives are a welcome sight for early-emerging bees. These perennials flower in early spring, providing a much-needed nectar source after winter. Chives are easy to grow in almost any region and climate, adding a touch of beauty and bee-friendly goodness to your garden.
4. Coneflower (Echinacea)
This purple wonder, also known as Echinacea, is a bee magnet with its wildflower charm. Blooming from mid-summer to fall, it attracts bees with its nectar and pollen. Coneflowers are native perennials that tolerate most soil types and are known for their long bloom period. Add some to your garden for a splash of color and a haven for helpful pollinators.
5. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
If you already have lavender, you've probably noticed the constant buzz around it. This fragrant herb boasts beautiful blooms that attract bees with both pollen and nectar. Typically blooming during a midsummer gap when bees need sustenance the most, lavender is a delightful addition to any garden. Most varieties grow well in well-drained soil and are drought-tolerant after the first year.
6. Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Don't be fooled by the fuzzy, soft leaves – Lamb's Ear is a powerhouse for pollinators! This hardy perennial tolerates various soil conditions and thrives in full sun. In late spring and early summer, it sends up spikes of purple flowers that attract a swarm of bees and hummingbirds. Low-maintenance and drought-resistant, Lamb's Ear provides a beautiful and bee-friendly addition to your garden.
7. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Available in both annual and perennial varieties, Salvia (commonly called meadow sage) is a favorite among bees. The low-maintenance perennial thrives in full sun and comes in various colors, including a deep purple-blue that's particularly attractive to bees. Salvia tolerates heavy soils and short periods of drought, making it a low-fuss pollinator magnet. Deadheading spent flowers encourages reblooming, providing a continuous feast for bees throughout the season.
8. Sedum (Sedum telephium)
Offering a late-summer and autumn buffet for bees and butterflies, Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a diverse group with over 500 varieties to choose from. These hardy and drought-tolerant plants are easy to grow and come in various sizes and flower colors. Most Sedums prefer well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade, making them a versatile choice for your bee-friendly garden.
9. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritime)
Tiny but mighty, Sweet Alyssum packs a fragrant punch that attracts bees like no other. Growing just 3 to 12 inches tall, it boasts clusters of white, pink, or violet flowers that fill the air with a honey-like scent. This annual can bloom throughout the season, from spring to late autumn, making it a long-lasting source of nectar for busy bees. Use Sweet Alyssum as a low-growing border plant or companion to taller bee-friendly flowers.
10. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Dressed in fragrant foliage and crowned with clusters of lavender, pink, or even red blooms, Bee Balm is a magnet for long-tongued bees like bumblebees. The tubular flowers offer easy access to nectar, and the plant's fragrant oils make it even more irresistible. Plant Bee Balm in full or partial sun with moist, well-drained soil, and deadhead spent flowers for a continuous summer display. As a bonus, the leaves can be used to make a delightful Bergamot tea!
11. Borage (Borago officinalis)
This cool-season annual is a stunning addition to your garden with its bright blue, star-shaped flowers boasting black centers. Borage isn't just beautiful; it's a bee buffet! The vibrant color and nectar-rich blooms attract bees, while the plant also provides a valuable source of pollen. Plant Borage in full sun with well-drained soil, and enjoy its self-seeding nature – you might just find a delightful surprise of blue flowers popping up year after year, creating a continuous feast for bees. Borage flowers are even edible, adding a touch of elegance to your salads.
12. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Bringing a touch of whimsy to the garden, Columbine features delicate, nodding flowers in shades of blue, purple, yellow, and white. These charming blooms dangle from fern-like foliage and hold a sweet surprise for bees – a nectar-rich pouch at the back of the flower, perfectly suited for their long tongues. Columbine prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They're perennials, but may need some winter protection in colder climates.
13. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
(Caution: Toxic) This statuesque plant boasts tall spikes adorned with elegant, bell-shaped flowers in pink, purple, white, or even spotted varieties. While undeniably beautiful and a favorite among bees, especially bumblebees, due to its nectar-rich pouches, extreme caution is necessary. All parts of Foxglove are toxic to humans and some animals. Plant it only in areas out of reach of children and pets and consider alternative bee-friendly options if you have concerns.
14. Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
Standing tall and proud, Hollyhock adds a touch of grandeur to your garden with its large, showy flowers in vibrant colors like red, pink, white, and even black. These biennial plants are a late summer and fall feast for bees, offering a generous amount of nectar and pollen from their large, open blooms. Hollyhocks thrive in full sun with well-drained soil and come in both single and double-flowered varieties, providing a range of visual interest throughout the growing season.
15. Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Not to be confused with Grape Hyacinth, Hyacinths offer a burst of color and fragrance in early spring, attracting bees with their sweet nectar. These bulbs come in a variety of vibrant hues like blue, purple, pink, white, and yellow, adding a delightful pop of color to your garden and a welcome food source for early-emerging bees.
16. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
The intoxicating fragrance of Lilacs isn't just a pleasure for us; it's a bee magnet! These spring-blooming shrubs come in various shades of purple and lilac, with some boasting white flowers. Their sweet nectar entices bees while adding a touch of magic to your garden.
17. Poppy (Papaver somniferum)
Poppies come in a delightful array of single and double blooms, with colors ranging from vibrant red and orange to softer pink and white. Regardless of the variety, their cheerful faces and abundant pollen make them a bee favorite. Plant poppies in full sun with well-drained soil and enjoy their cheerful presence throughout the summer.
18. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
This fragrant herb is not only a culinary delight but also a bee haven. Rosemary boasts small, blue flowers throughout the year, offering a continuous source of nectar for bees. It thrives in well-draining soil and full sun, making it a low-maintenance pollinator magnet.
19. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Who can resist the cheerful face of a Sunflower? Certainly not bees! These giants of the garden offer a smorgasbord of pollen and nectar, making them a bee paradise throughout the summer. Sunflowers are annuals that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Planting a variety of sunflower types, from towering giants to shorter, branching varieties, creates a visual feast alongside the bee buffet.
20. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
This low-growing, creeping herb is a powerhouse for pollinators, including bees. Throughout the summer, Thyme bursts with tiny pink or white flowers, offering a continuous nectar source for busy bees. Thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a versatile choice for edging walkways, planting between stepping stones, or incorporating into a rock garden.
21. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Don't let the ferny foliage fool you – Yarrow is a bee magnet! From midsummer to fall, this easy-to-care-for perennial produces flat clusters of tiny flowers in shades of yellow, white, pink, and even red. Yarrow tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and thrives in full sun. Its long bloom period and adaptability make it a valuable addition to any bee-friendly garden.
22. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
A burst of color and cheer for your garden, Zinnias are a favorite among pollinators. These easy-to-grow annuals come in a wide range of vibrant colors like orange, red, pink, purple, and white, blooming profusely throughout the summer. Zinnias thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, attracting bees with their abundant nectar and pollen. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming, ensuring a constant supply of food for bees and a show-stopping display in your garden.
Native Plants: Why Are They Good for Your Garden
Native plants are those that evolved in your specific geographic region. They've adapted to the local climate, soil conditions, and pests over centuries. This makes them naturally resilient and low-maintenance, requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticides compared to non-native ornamental plants.
The biggest benefit of native plants lies in their ability to attract and support native pollinators. These include native bees, bumblebees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and more. Many native pollinators have co-evolved with specific native plants, relying on their nectar and pollen for survival. By planting native flowers, herbs, and shrubs, you create a vital habitat for these “good guys” of the garden.
A healthy population of pollinators is essential for a thriving vegetable garden and fruit trees. These important insects help transfer pollen between flowers, ensuring successful fruit and vegetable production.
Related: 7 Ways To Attract Amazing Pollinators To Your Garden
Flowers and Seasons
There are many bee-loving flowers to choose from! Now, how can you optimize your usage of them along with the season? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Early spring: Consider planting bulbs like crocuses and grape hyacinths, or perennials like creeping phlox and Virginia bluebells. These early bloomers provide a much-needed food source for bees emerging from winter.
- Late spring and summer: This is prime time for a bee buffet! Native perennials like black-eyed Susan (a member of the daisy family with yellow flowers), purple coneflower, and bee balm (also known as wild bergamot) offer abundant nectar and pollen. Annuals like zinnia and anise hyssop are also great choices. Don't forget herbs like chives and white clover, which boast small, fragrant flowers that bees love.
- Late summer and fall: Keep the feast going with native wildflowers like Joe Pye Weed and asters. These late bloomers provide a vital food source for bees before winter. You can also include ornamental plants like butterfly bush (although not native, it attracts many pollinators) and sedum, which offer nectar-rich flowers well into fall.
3 Ways to Create Your Flower Haven
Even a small balcony or patio can become a bee-friendly haven. Try the following ideas!
- Vertical gardening. Utilize hanging baskets, window boxes, or vertical planters to maximize space. Plant climbers like passion flower vine or morning glory, which offer both beautiful flowers and food for pollinators.
- Container gardening. Choose a variety of flowering herbs like thyme and oregano, or smaller perennials like purple coneflower and yarrows. Group plants with similar sunlight and water needs for easier care.
- Think beyond flowers. Include flowering vegetables like borage and herbs like anise hyssop in your vegetable garden. This creates a more pollinator-friendly environment while providing you with fresh produce.
4 Tips for Creating a Pollinator Garden
- Diversity is key. Plant a variety of flowers in different colors, shapes, and bloom times. This ensures a continuous food source for pollinators throughout the growing season.
- Provide shelter. Include native trees and shrubs to offer protection from the elements for pollinators.
- Reduce pesticides. Opt for natural pest control methods whenever possible.
- Let some things go. Allow some flowers to go to seed. The resulting seed heads provide a late-season food source for birds and small mammals, who also play a role in seed dispersal.
FAQs: Flowers That Attract Bees
What are the benefits of planting a bee-friendly garden?
Bee-friendly gardens offer a multitude of benefits. They provide essential food sources, namely nectar and pollen, for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. These pollinators, in turn, play a critical role in ensuring successful fruit and vegetable production in your garden. Additionally, bee-friendly gardens often feature a variety of colorful and fragrant blooms, enhancing the aesthetics of your outdoor space.
What types of flowers are most attractive to bees?
Bees are particularly drawn to flowers with abundant nectar and pollen. Here are some key features to look for when selecting bee-friendly blooms:
- Open flower shapes. These allow bees easy access to nectar and pollen.
- Bright colors. Bees are particularly attracted to yellow, blue, purple, and white flowers, as these colors tend to reflect ultraviolet light, which is visible to bees.
- Fragrant flowers. Many bee-friendly flowers like lavender and bee balm (wild bergamot) possess enticing scents that attract bees from a distance.
Conclusion
Planting bee-friendly flowers isn't just about beautifying your garden; it's about creating a vital habitat for these essential pollinators. By incorporating a variety of these bee-attracting blooms, you'll be helping these fuzzy friends flourish while adding a touch of color and life to your outdoor space. So, grab your gardening gloves, choose your favorites from this list, and get ready to create a vibrant haven that buzzes with life! Remember, even a small pollinator paradise can make a big difference for bees and the health of our ecosystem.
