Bees and other pollinators are vital to the health of our ecosystems and the growth of many plants. By choosing the right plants for your garden, you can create a haven that attracts these important creatures, helping to support biodiversity and boost your garden’s productivity.
From vibrant flowers to aromatic herbs, there are many plants that provide food and shelter for bees and other pollinators. In this article, we explore 21 of the best plants for attracting bees and pollinators, ensuring your garden becomes a thriving hub of activity.
Lavender
Lavender’s aromatic allure extends beyond its fragrance. Its vibrant purple spikes are a magnet for bees, who find the nectar-rich blooms irresistible. Plant it in a sun-drenched spot, and watch as these pollinators flock to your garden. Its drought resistance and hardiness make it suitable for various climates. Lavender also provides a soothing essence for humans, perfect for calming spaces. Prune after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. This plant is both beautiful and functional, offering a fragrant welcome to buzzing visitors.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers tower majestically in gardens, offering more than just visual appeal. Their large, open faces are a favorite landing spot for bees, offering ample pollen. Planted in a sunny area, these giants can reach impressive heights. They are easy to grow and serve as a cheerful addition to any garden. As the sun tracks across the sky, sunflowers turn their heads, maximizing light exposure. Harvest seeds for a healthy snack or leave them for birds in winter. Their bold presence is sure to attract attention from pollinators and neighbors alike.
Coneflowers
Coneflowers are a staple for pollinator-friendly gardens, recognized by their striking, daisy-like blooms. Bees are particularly drawn to their nectar-rich centers, making them a buzzing hub of activity. These perennials are drought-tolerant, thriving in a variety of soil conditions. Cutting back spent flowers promotes reblooming, ensuring a long season of color. Their sturdy stems and vibrant petals make them a garden favorite, offering both beauty and ecological value.
Bee Balm
Bee Balm’s striking red blooms are more than just eye-catching; they are a favorite among bees. Its tubular flowers offer easy access to nectar, which keeps pollinators returning. This perennial thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Regular deadheading encourages continuous flowering throughout the season. Its aromatic leaves can also be used to brew a calming tea, offering benefits to gardeners and bees alike.
Borage
Borage, known for its star-shaped blue flowers, is a bee magnet. The plant’s blooms provide an abundant food source, ensuring frequent visits from these pollinators. It thrives in full sun, requiring minimal care once established. The leaves and flowers are edible, often used to garnish salads. Borage also acts as a companion plant, beneficial for tomatoes and strawberries. Its ability to attract bees makes it a valuable addition to vegetable and flower gardens alike.
Salvia
Salvia’s vibrant spikes of color are irresistible to bees. Known for its long blooming season, this plant provides consistent nectar sources. Tolerant to heat and drought, it is a reliable addition to gardens in various climates. Regular pruning encourages dense growth and continuous flowering. Salvia’s versatility extends beyond aesthetics; it can also be used in culinary dishes. This hardy plant ensures a lively garden buzzing with activity.
Asters
Asters bloom in late summer and fall, offering a vital nectar source when many plants have faded. Their daisy-like flowers come in various colors, attracting bees with their vibrant display. These perennials are easy to grow and adapt to different soil types. Plant them in full sun to part shade for best results. Asters add a burst of color to autumn gardens, ensuring pollinators remain active even as the season changes.
Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)
Butterfly Bush’s fragrant flower spikes are a beacon for bees and butterflies. Its long blooming season provides continuous nourishment from summer to fall. This hardy shrub flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Prune in early spring to encourage new growth and maintain shape. Its vibrant colors and sweet scent create a welcoming environment for pollinators, ensuring a buzzing garden all season.
Goldenrod
Goldenrod’s bright yellow plumes are often mistaken for causing allergies, but they’re actually a boon for bees. These native plants provide essential late-season nectar, crucial for winter survival. They thrive in a variety of soils and can handle neglect, making them easy to grow. Plant in full sun for best results, and enjoy the golden glow they add to your garden. Goldenrod supports an array of pollinators, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
Crocus
Crocus flowers herald the arrival of spring, offering a splash of color and an early food source for hungry bees. Their bright blooms emerge even through snow, making them a resilient choice for gardens. Plant bulbs in the fall for a spectacular spring display. Crocuses are adaptable, thriving in sunny to partially shaded areas. They require little maintenance and multiply over time, ensuring an ever-growing carpet of color and a warm welcome for pollinators.
Echinacea
Echinacea, with its distinctive spiky blooms, is a pollinator’s delight. These hardy perennials attract bees with their abundant pollen and nectar, supporting a thriving garden ecosystem. Plant in full sun for optimal growth, and enjoy their long flowering season. Deadheading spent blooms encourages further flowering. Echinacea is not only beneficial for pollinators but is also used for its medicinal properties, offering health benefits for gardeners. Its robust nature makes it a garden staple.
Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks stand tall in gardens, their towering spikes covered in vibrant blooms. These biennials attract bees with their open, cup-shaped flowers, providing easy access to nectar. They thrive in full sun and require regular watering to maintain their impressive height. Hollyhocks create a dramatic backdrop in flower beds, drawing in pollinators and adding vertical interest. Their classic charm and ease of growth make them a popular choice for gardeners seeking to support bees.
Penstemon
Penstemon’s striking tubular flowers are a favorite among bees, who appreciate their easy access to nectar. These perennials thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, offering a splash of color from late spring to early summer. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage additional flowering. Penstemon is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. Its vibrant hues and pollinator appeal make it a valuable addition to any garden seeking to attract buzzing visitors.
Calendula
Calendula, with its cheerful orange blooms, is a bee-friendly addition to gardens. These annuals thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, offering blooms from spring until the first frost. Their petals are edible, often used to garnish salads and decorate dishes. Regular deadheading encourages continuous flowering, keeping your garden full of color. Calendula’s easy growth and vivid hues make it a favorite for attracting pollinators, ensuring a lively and buzzing environment.
Marigold
Marigolds are a gardener’s ally, known for their pest-repelling properties and vivid color. These sun-loving annuals bloom prolifically, offering bees a reliable nectar source throughout the growing season. Plant them in well-drained soil for best performance. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to promote new blooms. Marigolds add a splash of brightness to gardens and containers, creating an inviting space for pollinators. Their robust nature and ease of care make them a staple in pollinator-friendly gardens.
Foxglove
Foxglove’s towering spikes of tubular flowers are a sight to behold. Bees are particularly drawn to these blooms, finding them a rich source of nectar. Plant in part shade to full sun, ensuring well-drained soil for optimal growth. As a biennial, foxglove may not flower in its first year but rewards patience with stunning displays. Its dramatic presence and pollinator appeal make it a valuable addition to borders and cottage gardens.
Poppies
Poppies bring a splash of color and a touch of whimsy to any garden. Their open faces provide easy access to pollen, a favorite for bees. They thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil, often reseeding for a naturalized look. Poppies bloom in late spring to early summer, offering a brief but impactful flowering period. Their ephemeral beauty and pollinator appeal make them a cherished addition to gardens seeking diversity.
Mint
Mint’s aromatic foliage isn’t its only attraction; its tiny blooms are a bee’s delight. This hardy plant thrives in partial to full sun, spreading rapidly in ideal conditions. Be mindful of its aggressive growth by planting in containers or designated areas. Regular harvesting encourages fresh growth and continuous flowering. Mint brings both culinary benefits and ecological value, creating a fragrant and bee-friendly garden.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons bring cheer to gardens with their bright, dragon-shaped blooms. Bees enjoy visiting these flowers for their nectar rewards. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, offering a long blooming season. Regular deadheading encourages more flowers, ensuring a vibrant display. Snapdragons are versatile, fitting well into borders and containers, providing both visual interest and essential nourishment for pollinators.
Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susans are a garden classic, with their sunny yellow petals and dark centers. Bees are frequently seen gathering pollen from these vibrant blooms. They thrive in full sun, tolerating poor soil conditions. These perennials are easy to grow, self-seeding for a naturalized effect. Black-eyed Susans add brightness to gardens, supporting pollinators with their abundant blooms and hardy nature.
Lupine
Lupines offer a striking display with their tall, spiky blooms in a range of colors. Bees are drawn to their rich nectar stores, making them a favorite in pollinator gardens. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil for best results. Lupines enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen, benefiting surrounding plants. They add vertical interest to gardens, supporting bees and enhancing biodiversity with their vibrant presence.