Bees are vital pollinators, and by planting bee-friendly flowers in your garden, you can provide these industrious insects with the nectar and pollen they need to thrive.
Through trial and error and a bit of research, I’ve compiled a list of plants that are not only a treat for the eyes but also a good food source for bees.
The 10 flower plants on this list are some of the best you can plant to attract and support bees in your garden.
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Choosing the Right Flowers for Bees
Understanding Bee Preferences
Bees are particularly attracted to flowers that provide abundant nectar and pollen, which are crucial for their survival.
They tend to prefer flowers with bright and vibrant colors, especially purple, as these can be seen more clearly.
Native plants are often more beneficial than non-natives because they have co-evolved with local bees.
Selecting Plants by Flowering Season
It’s important to include a variety of plants that bloom at different times to ensure the bees have a consistent food source.
I aim for a mix of annuals and perennials to cover all seasons, especially during the summer months when bees are most active.
10 BEST FLOWER PLANTS FOR BEES
1. Purple Coneflower
Botanical name: Echinacea purpurea
Bloom time: Summer to early fall
Sun: Full sun to light shade
This drought-tolerant perennial is a bee magnet, with its large purple flowers providing nectar throughout the summer.
2. Sunflower
Botanical name: Helianthus spp.
Bloom time: Summer to fall
Sun: Full sun
Sunflowers are not just beautiful; they’re fantastic for bees, offering both pollen and nectar. They’re easy to grow and do best in a full sun position.
3. Black-eyed Susan
Botanical name: Rudbeckia hirta
Bloom time: Summer to fall
Sun: Full sun to light shade
With bright yellow petals and a dark center, these native perennials are excellent for attracting bees.
4. Goldenrod
Botanical name: Solidago spp.
Bloom time: Late summer to fall
Sun: Full sun to light shade
Goldenrod is an excellent late-season food source for bees.
With their abundance of tiny, pollen-rich florets, goldenrod plants provide a critical energy boost for bees as they prepare for the approaching winter.
5. Lavender
Botanical name: Lavandula spp.
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Sun: Full sun
Lavender plants are highly sought after by bees for their fragrant, nectar-rich flowers, which provide a bountiful food source.
The long blooming period of lavender, coupled with its alluring scent, makes it a favorite among bees and ensures a steady supply of nectar throughout the growing season.
6. Catmint
Botanical name: Nepeta spp.
Bloom time: Spring to fall
Sun: Full sun to light shade
Bees adore the tubular-shaped flowers of catmint and it’s a hardy perennial that’s easy to grow and care for.
7. Beebalm
Botanical name: Monarda spp.
Bloom time: Summer
Sun: Full sun to light shade
The vibrant colors and distinctive shape of beebalm flowers are irresistible to bees. This perennial also offers medicinal properties.
8. Joe Pye Weed
Botanical name: Eutrochium purpureum
Bloom time: Late summer to fall
Sun: Full sun to light shade
A native plant with large, purple flower clusters that bees find particularly attractive, Joe Pye Weed thrives in moist conditions.
9. Borage
Botanical name: Borago officinalis
Bloom time: Summer
Sun: Full sun
Borage produces edible flowers that bees cannot resist. This annual replenishes itself by reseeding each year.
10. Chive Flowers
Botanical name: Allium schoenoprasum
Bloom time: Spring to early summer
Sun: Full sun to light shade
The purple, pom-pom-shaped flowers of chives are not only a favorite of bees but also add a subtle onion flavor to dishes. It’s a perennial that returns each year with minimal care.
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So there are 10 of the best flowers to plant in your garden to enhance the well-being of our precious bee population.
By incorporating a variety of bee-friendly blooms, you can create a vibrant and thriving ecosystem that not only beautifies your surroundings but also provides essential sustenance for these vital pollinators.
Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling yard, every effort to support bee-friendly flora contributes to the conservation of these beneficial insects.
Are you on Pinterest? Check out my Flower Gardening board for more ideas. You can also find me on Facebook.
