Best Perennials for Bees: A Guide to Creating a Buzzing Garden

Bees are crucial pollinators for many plant species, including those we rely on for food. Unfortunately, bee populations have been in decline in recent years due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other factors. As gardeners, we can do our part to help bees by creating gardens that provide them with food and shelter. One of the best ways to do this is by planting perennials that attract bees year after year.

Why Choose Perennials?

Perennials are plants that come back year after year without needing to be replanted. This makes them an excellent choice for bee-friendly gardens, as they provide a consistent source of nectar and pollen. Additionally, perennials often have deep roots that help to improve soil health and prevent erosion.

The Best Perennials for Bees

Here are some of the best perennials to plant in your garden to attract bees:

Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender is a favorite of both bees and humans alike. Its fragrant blooms are full of nectar and pollen, making it a great choice for pollinator gardens. Lavender also has a long blooming season, which means it provides food for bees throughout the summer.

Bee Balm (Monarda)

As its name suggests, bee balm is a magnet for bees. It produces bright, showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red, and blooms from mid-summer to early fall. Bee balm is also a host plant for the larvae of some butterfly species.

Coneflower (Echinacea)

Coneflowers are another great choice for bee-friendly gardens. They produce large, colorful flowers with prominent cones in the center, which are full of nectar and pollen. Coneflowers bloom from mid-summer to late fall, providing a late-season food source for bees.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Black-eyed Susans are cheerful, daisy-like flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. They are a favorite of many pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Black-eyed Susans also self-seed readily, making them a low-maintenance addition to your garden.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Similar to its cousin, the coneflower, purple coneflower is a popular choice for bee-friendly gardens. Its striking pink-purple blooms are full of nectar and pollen, and it blooms from mid-summer to early fall. Purple coneflower is also a host plant for several butterfly species.

Goldenrod (Solidago)

Goldenrod is often unfairly blamed for causing allergies, but it is actually a wonderful plant for bees. Its bright yellow flowers bloom in late summer and fall, providing a crucial source of food for bees as they prepare for winter. Goldenrod is also a host plant for many moth species.

Salvia (Salvia)

Salvias are a diverse group of plants that includes both annuals and perennials. Many salvias are loved by bees for their fragrant, tubular flowers, which are full of nectar and pollen. Salvias bloom from early summer to mid-fall, depending on the variety.

Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa)

Pincushion flower gets its name from the unique shape of its blooms, which resemble pincushions. These flowers are a favorite of many pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Pincushion flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall.

Phlox (Phlox)

Phlox is a classic garden perennial that is loved by bees for its fragrant, colorful blooms. It comes in a variety of colors and blooms from mid-summer to early fall. Phlox is also a host plant for the larvae of several moth species.

Yarrow (Achillea)

Yarrow is a tough, drought-tolerant plant that produces clusters of tiny flowers in shades of pink, yellow, and white. Bees love yarrow for its long blooming season, which lasts from late spring to early fall.

Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium)

Joe-Pye weed is a native wildflower that produces tall spikes of pink or purple flowers in late summer and fall. It is a favorite of many pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths. Joe-Pye weed is also a host plant for several moth species.

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

Blanket flower is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that produces bright, daisy-like blooms in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Bees love blanket flower for its long blooming season, which lasts from mid-summer to early fall.

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage is an edible herb that produces small, star-shaped blue flowers that are loved by bees. Borage blooms from early summer to fall and is a great addition to both herb and pollinator gardens.

Milkweed (Asclepias)

Milkweed is an essential plant for monarch butterflies, as it is the only food source for their larvae. But milkweed is also loved by bees for its fragrant, nectar-rich flowers. Milkweed blooms from mid-summer to early fall and comes in a variety of colors and species.

How to Plant Perennials for Bees

When planting perennials for bees, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Choose a sunny spot:

Most perennials thrive in full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.

Plant in groups:

Bees are more likely to visit a plant if it is part of a larger grouping. Plant perennials in clusters of three or more to create a "target" for bees to hone in on.

Provide water:

Bees need water to survive, so make sure there is a source of fresh water nearby. A shallow dish filled with stones or marbles can provide a safe place for bees to drink.

Avoid pesticides:

Pesticides can be harmful to bees and other pollinators. Choose organic pest control methods or avoid using pesticides altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do all perennials attract bees?

No, not all perennials are attractive to bees. However, many popular garden perennials, such as those listed above, are known for their bee-attracting properties.

2. When is the best time to plant perennials for bees?

The best time to plant perennials for bees is in the spring or fall, when the weather is cool and moist.

3. Can I plant perennials for bees in containers?

Yes, you can plant perennials for bees in containers. Just make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system and provide adequate drainage.

4. How do I know if a plant is bee-friendly?

Look for plants that are known to attract pollinators, such as those listed above. Additionally, you can look for plants with open, tubular flowers, as these are often favored by bees.

5. What other ways can I help bees besides planting perennials?

There are many other ways you can help bees, including providing nesting sites, reducing pesticide use, and supporting local beekeepers. You can also learn more about bees and their habitat needs through organizations like the Xerces Society and the Bee Conservancy.

Planting perennials for bees is a simple yet effective way to support these important pollinators. By choosing bee-friendly plants and creating a welcoming garden environment, you can help to ensure that bees have the food and shelter they need to thrive. So go ahead and create a buzzing garden - your local bees will thank you!