Native Shrubs for Bees: A Guide to Supporting Pollinators

Why Native Shrubs Matter for Bees

Bees are one of the most important pollinators in the world. In fact, they are responsible for pollinating approximately one-third of all the food we eat. Unfortunately, bees are facing a number of challenges, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.

One way we can help support bee populations is by planting native shrubs. Native shrubs provide a source of nectar and pollen for bees, and they also offer shelter and nesting sites. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best native shrubs for bees and offer tips for planting and caring for them.

Section 1: Serviceberry

Description

Serviceberry, also known as Amelanchier, is a deciduous shrub that produces white flowers in the spring and edible berries in the summer. It grows between 10 and 25 feet tall, depending on the species.

Planting and Care Tips

Serviceberry prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings, but it's often easier to buy a small plant from a nursery. Prune serviceberry in the late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.

Section 2: Redbud

Description

Redbud, or Cercis, is a small tree or large shrub that produces pink or purple flowers in the spring. It grows up to 30 feet tall and wide.

Planting and Care Tips

Redbud prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings, but it's often easier to buy a small plant from a nursery. Prune redbud in the late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.

Section 3: Elderberry

Description

Elderberry, or Sambucus, is a large shrub or small tree that produces white or pink flowers in the spring and edible berries in the summer. It grows up to 20 feet tall and wide.

Planting and Care Tips

Elderberry prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings, but it's often easier to buy a small plant from a nursery. Prune elderberry in the late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.

Section 4: Wild Indigo

Description

Wild indigo, or Baptisia, is a perennial herbaceous plant that produces blue or purple flowers in the spring. It grows up to 4 feet tall and wide.

Planting and Care Tips

Wild indigo prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings, but it's often easier to buy a small plant from a nursery. Prune wild indigo in the late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.

Section 5: Blueberry

Description

Blueberry, or Vaccinium, is a deciduous shrub that produces white or pink flowers in the spring and edible berries in the summer. It grows up to 10 feet tall and wide.

Planting and Care Tips

Blueberry prefers acidic soil and full sun to partial shade. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings, but it's often easier to buy a small plant from a nursery. Prune blueberry in the late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.

Section 6: Black Chokeberry

Description

Black chokeberry, or Aronia, is a deciduous shrub that produces white or pink flowers in the spring and edible berries in the summer. It grows up to 10 feet tall and wide.

Planting and Care Tips

Black chokeberry prefers acidic soil and full sun to partial shade. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings, but it's often easier to buy a small plant from a nursery. Prune black chokeberry in the late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.

Section 7: Winterberry

Description

Winterberry, or Ilex, is a deciduous shrub that produces tiny white flowers in the spring and bright red berries in the fall and winter. It grows up to 15 feet tall and wide.

Planting and Care Tips

Winterberry prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings, but it's often easier to buy a small plant from a nursery. Prune winterberry in the late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.

Section 8: Spicebush

Description

Spicebush, or Lindera, is a deciduous shrub that produces yellow-green flowers in the spring and aromatic leaves and twigs. It grows up to 10 feet tall and wide.

Planting and Care Tips

Spicebush prefers moist soil and partial shade. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings, but it's often easier to buy a small plant from a nursery. Prune spicebush in the late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.

Section 9: Buttonbush

Description

Buttonbush, or Cephalanthus, is a deciduous shrub that produces white or pink flowers in the summer and fall. It grows up to 12 feet tall and wide.

Planting and Care Tips

Buttonbush prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings, but it's often easier to buy a small plant from a nursery. Prune buttonbush in the late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.

Section 10: New Jersey Tea

Description

New Jersey tea, or Ceanothus, is a deciduous or evergreen shrub that produces white or pink flowers in the spring and summer. It grows up to 5 feet tall and wide.

Planting and Care Tips

New Jersey tea prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings, but it's often easier to buy a small plant from a nursery. Prune New Jersey tea in the late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.

Section 11: Sweet Pepperbush

Description

Sweet pepperbush, or Clethra, is a deciduous or evergreen shrub that produces white or pink flowers in the summer. It grows up to 8 feet tall and wide.

Planting and Care Tips

Sweet pepperbush prefers moist soil and partial shade. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings, but it's often easier to buy a small plant from a nursery. Prune sweet pepperbush in the late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.

Section 12: Virginia Sweetspire

Description

Virginia sweetspire, or Itea, is a deciduous or evergreen shrub that produces white or pink flowers in the spring and summer. It grows up to 8 feet tall and wide.

Planting and Care Tips

Virginia sweetspire prefers moist soil and partial shade. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings, but it's often easier to buy a small plant from a nursery. Prune Virginia sweetspire in the late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.

Section 13: Coralberry

Description

Coralberry, or Symphoricarpos, is a deciduous shrub that produces pink or white flowers in the summer and fall. It grows up to 4 feet tall and wide.

Planting and Care Tips

Coralberry prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings, but it's often easier to buy a small plant from a nursery. Prune coralberry in the late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.

Section 14: American Hazelnut

Description

American hazelnut, or Corylus, is a deciduous shrub that produces yellow-green flowers in the spring and edible nuts in the fall. It grows up to 12 feet tall and wide.

Planting and Care Tips

American hazelnut prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings, but it's often easier to buy a small plant from a nursery. Prune American hazelnut in the late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.

Section 15: Blackhaw Viburnum

Description

Blackhaw viburnum, or Viburnum prunifolium, is a deciduous shrub that produces white flowers in the spring and edible berries in the fall. It grows up to 20 feet tall and wide.

Planting and Care Tips

Blackhaw viburnum prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings, but it's often easier to buy a small plant from a nursery. Prune blackhaw viburnum in the late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth.

Supporting Bee Populations with Native Shrubs

Planting native shrubs is an easy and effective way to support bee populations. By providing a source of nectar and pollen, as well as shelter and nesting sites, we can help ensure the survival of these important pollinators. When selecting native shrubs for your garden, consider factors such as soil type, sunlight, and pruning needs. With a little care and attention, you can create a beautiful and bee-friendly landscape.

FAQs about Native Shrubs for Bees

Q1: What are some other benefits of planting native shrubs?

Native shrubs provide a range of benefits beyond supporting bee populations. They can help prevent soil erosion, provide habitat for wildlife, and improve air and water quality.

Q2: How can I attract bees to my garden?

In addition to planting native shrubs, you can attract bees to your garden by providing a source of water, avoiding the use of pesticides, and planting a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the growing season.

Q3: Are there any native shrubs to avoid planting?

Some native shrubs, such as poison ivy and poison sumac, can be harmful to humans and should be avoided. It's also important to avoid planting invasive species, which can outcompete native plants and harm local ecosystems.

Q4: How long does it take for native shrubs to grow?

The growth rate of native shrubs varies depending on the species and growing conditions. Some shrubs may reach maturity in just a few years, while others may take several decades to reach their full size.

Q5: Can I plant native shrubs in containers?

Yes, many native shrubs can be planted in containers, although they may require more frequent watering and fertilization than those planted in the ground.