Create a buzzing paradise in your garden with these 15 perfect plants that attract and support bees. From nectar-rich flowers to pollinator favorites, these plants will help sustain healthy bee populations while adding beauty to your outdoor space!
Lavender
Delight in the calming aroma of lavender while watching it attract bees in droves. Its purple blooms are a visual treat in any garden. Plant lavender in well-drained soil under full sun to ensure it thrives. Not only do bees love it, but lavender also adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. Pruning after flowering keeps it tidy and encourages new blooms. This perennial plant is perfect for borders and pathways, where its scent can be fully appreciated by both humans and bees.
Sunflower
Towering sunflowers brighten up any garden with their cheerful faces. These giants provide an abundant source of nectar and pollen, making them a bee favorite. To cultivate healthy sunflowers, choose a sunny spot and ensure the soil is well-drained. Their seeds offer nutrition for birds and other wildlife too. Sunflowers grow rapidly, delighting gardeners with their swift transformation into floral giants. With various sizes and colors available, you can choose the perfect type to complement your garden’s aesthetic.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Introduce a splash of color and a flurry of bee activity with bee balm. Its tubular flowers are irresistible to pollinators. For optimal growth, plant in moist, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. This hardy perennial also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a multitalented addition to your garden. Regular deadheading prolongs its flowering season, ensuring your garden remains vibrant. Bee balm not only nurtures bees but brings a dynamic visual element with its unique blooms.
Borage
Known for its star-shaped blue flowers, borage is a magnet for bees. This annual herb is easy to grow and can self-seed, ensuring it returns year after year. Plant in full sun or partial shade, and it will reward you with blooms throughout the season. Borage’s leaves and flowers are edible, offering a cucumber-like flavor for salads and drinks. Its presence in the garden not only supports pollinators but adds charm with its delicate beauty and functionality.
Echinacea (Coneflower)
Coneflower, with its daisy-like appearance, is a resilient perennial that bees adore. Its long blooming season provides a continuous nectar source. Plant in full sun to partial shade, and it will tolerate drought once established. Echinacea’s vibrant flowers add depth to garden beds and borders. Besides attracting bees, it’s known for its medicinal properties, often used to boost immune health. Its striking presence and usefulness make it a garden staple.
Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint offers a subtle charm with its silvery foliage and clusters of purple-blue flowers. It’s a drought-tolerant perennial that thrives in sunny locations. Bees are drawn to its abundant nectar, while gardeners appreciate its low maintenance. Catmint can be used in borders and rock gardens, providing a gentle contrast to more vibrant plants. Pruning after the first bloom encourages a second flowering, keeping bees returning throughout the season. Its aromatic leaves also deter pests, providing a natural garden defense.
Crocus
One of the first signs of spring, crocuses are essential for early bee nourishment. Their vibrant colors break winter’s monotony and offer vital nectar when few other flowers are available. Plant crocus bulbs in well-drained soil during fall for a stunning spring display. These hardy flowers adapt well to various garden settings, including lawns and containers. Their early bloom provides a critical food source for bees emerging from winter, making them a must-have for any bee-friendly garden.
Foxglove
With its towering spikes of tubular flowers, foxglove is a dramatic addition to any garden. Bees are particularly fond of its bell-shaped blooms, which provide easy access to nectar. Plant in partial shade with well-drained soil to ensure it thrives. Foxglove is biennial, so it might only flower in its second year, but the wait is worth it for the stunning display. Its presence in the garden not only attracts pollinators but adds height and structure to your planting design.
Thyme
Thyme is a versatile herb that’s not only useful in the kitchen but also loved by bees. Its small, fragrant flowers are a reliable nectar source. Plant thyme in full sun with well-drained soil, and it will flourish with minimal care. This perennial herb makes a great ground cover, filling spaces between pavers or edging garden beds. Thyme’s fragrance intensifies when walked upon, releasing aromatic oils. Beyond its culinary and aromatic uses, thyme’s blooms ensure that bees are well-nourished throughout its flowering period.
Wild Bergamot
Wild bergamot, also known as bee balm, is a native perennial that beckons bees with its pink-purple blooms. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring moist, well-drained soil. Known for its aromatic foliage, it doubles as a natural remedy for colds. Wild bergamot’s long flowering season ensures that bees have a consistent food source. Its presence in the garden supports a diverse range of pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any bee-friendly landscape. This plant also adds a touch of wild beauty to garden designs.
Cosmos
Cosmos brings a cheerful and airy feel with its delicate, daisy-like flowers. Ideal for gardens where bees are welcome, cosmos thrives in full sun and poor soil, making it easy to grow. Its blossoms sway gently in the breeze, attracting bees and other pollinators. This annual plant self-seeds, ensuring a return each year with little effort. Cosmos is perfect for borders and wildflower gardens, where its carefree nature can shine. Its colorful blooms provide aesthetic appeal while supporting essential pollinators.
Clover
Clover is often overlooked, yet it’s a powerhouse for bee nutrition. Its small, fragrant flowers provide essential nectar and pollen. Clover grows well in lawns, offering a lush, green alternative that’s also eco-friendly. It requires minimal maintenance, thriving in various soil conditions. As clover fixes nitrogen in the soil, it also enhances soil fertility. This unassuming plant turns lawns into bee-friendly havens, promoting biodiversity. Its ability to thrive in low-nutrient areas ensures bees have sustenance even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Aster
Asters provide a late-season feast for bees, keeping them well-nourished as the seasons change. Plant these perennials in full sun with well-drained soil for best results. Aster’s daisy-like flowers come in various colors, adding vibrancy to autumn gardens. Besides supporting pollinators, they attract beneficial insects that help control pests. Asters’ extended bloom time and hardy nature make them a favorite for gardeners seeking to extend their garden’s appeal into fall. Their presence ensures bees have ample resources before winter sets in.
Hollyhock
Hollyhocks towering spires bring old-world charm to any garden and are a favorite for bees. Plant these biennials in full sun with rich, well-drained soil to encourage growth. Their large, open flowers make it easy for bees to collect nectar, supporting their health and hive productivity. Hollyhocks’ long blooming period provides sustained food sources for pollinators. These flowers introduce vertical interest and a riot of color, enhancing garden aesthetics while playing a vital role in maintaining bee populations.
Sedum
Sedum’s fleshy leaves and clustered flowers are a hit with bees, especially in late summer. This hardy perennial thrives in sunny, well-drained locations, making it ideal for rock gardens and borders. Sedum’s ability to store water allows it to endure dry spells, ensuring it remains a reliable nectar source. Its vibrant blooms and textured foliage add visual interest, supporting biodiversity in the garden. By choosing sedum, you provide a crucial food source during a time when other flowers may have faded, supporting pollinator health.