Bee Attracting Native Plants: A Guide for Gardeners

Why Attracting Bees is Important

Bees play a critical role in pollinating plants, which is essential for the growth of fruits, vegetables, and other crops. Unfortunately, bee populations have been declining in recent years due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and disease. One way gardeners can help support bee populations is by planting bee-attracting native plants in their gardens. In this blog post, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to attract bees to your garden using native plants.

The Benefits of Using Native Plants

Native plants are those that occur naturally in a region and have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. They are well-suited to the local environment, making them easier to grow and maintain than non-native plants. Furthermore, native plants have evolved alongside local wildlife, meaning they provide essential resources like food, shelter, and nesting sites for bees and other pollinators.

Choosing Bee-Attracting Native Plants

When selecting bee-attracting native plants for your garden, it's important to consider factors such as bloom time, color, fragrance, and nectar production. Bees are particularly attracted to blue, purple, and yellow flowers, as well as those with a sweet fragrance. Some popular bee-attracting native plants include:

Purple Coneflower

The Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a classic native plant that attracts both bees and butterflies. It produces beautiful pink-purple flowers from midsummer to fall and is easy to grow in most soils.

Wild Bergamot

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is another great choice for attracting bees. This native plant produces showy lavender-pink flowers in midsummer and has a pleasant aromatic fragrance.

Black-Eyed Susan

The Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a hardy perennial that blooms from early summer to fall. Its bright yellow petals with dark centers are a favorite of both bees and humans alike.

Tips for Planting Native Plants

When planting bee-attracting native plants, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

Choose the Right Location

Make sure to choose a location in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Most native plants prefer full sun, but some can also tolerate partial shade.

Prepare the Soil

Before planting, make sure to prepare the soil by removing any weeds or grasses and adding compost or organic matter to improve soil fertility.

Plant in Groups

Bees are more attracted to large groups of the same type of flower, so try to plant your native plants in clusters rather than scattered throughout your garden.

Provide Water

Bees need a source of water to drink, so consider setting up a small water feature like a bird bath or fountain near your garden.

Maintaining Your Native Plants

Once you've planted your bee-attracting native plants, it's important to maintain them properly. Here are a few tips:

Water Regularly

Most native plants prefer to be watered deeply but infrequently, so make sure to water them once a week or so during dry spells.

Deadhead Spent Flowers

Removing spent flowers helps to promote new growth and prolongs the blooming period of your native plants.

Monitor for Pests

Native plants are generally more resistant to pests and diseases than non-native plants, but it's still important to monitor them regularly for any signs of damage or infestation.

Fertilize Sparingly

Most native plants do not require fertilizer, but if you feel like they need a boost, use a natural fertilizer like compost or worm castings rather than chemical fertilizers.

Bee-Friendly Gardening Practices

In addition to planting bee-attracting native plants, there are other gardening practices you can adopt to support bee populations:

Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to bees and other pollinators, so avoid using them in your garden whenever possible. Instead, try using natural pest control methods like companion planting or handpicking pests.

Provide Nesting Sites

Many species of bees nest in the ground or in hollow stems, so consider leaving some bare patches of soil or setting up a bee hotel in your garden.

Plant a Variety of Flowers

Bee populations thrive on a diverse diet, so make sure to plant a variety of bee-friendly flowers that bloom at different times throughout the growing season.

Support Local Beekeepers

Buying locally-produced honey and other bee products helps to support local beekeepers and promotes sustainable beekeeping practices.

FAQs About Bee-Attracting Native Plants

1. Do I need to have a large garden to attract bees?

No, even a small container garden can attract bees as long as you choose the right plants and provide them with adequate resources.

2. Are all non-native plants bad for bees?

Not necessarily, but many non-native plants do not provide the same level of resources for bees and other pollinators as native plants do.

3. Do I need to be an experienced gardener to grow native plants?

No, most bee-attracting native plants are easy to grow and maintain, even for novice gardeners.

4. What should I do if I see a swarm of bees in my garden?

If you see a swarm of bees in your garden, it's best to leave them alone and contact a local beekeeper or pest control professional if you're concerned.

5. How can I tell if a plant is native to my region?

You can use online resources like the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's Native Plant Database to search for native plants by state or region.


Attracting bees to your garden using bee-attracting native plants is a great way to support these important pollinators while also adding beauty and diversity to your outdoor space. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this blog post, you can create a bee-friendly garden that benefits both you and the environment.