5 Flowers That Attract Honey Bees to Your Garden

Flowers play a vital role in the life cycle of honey bees. These hard-working insects rely on nectar and pollen from flowers to feed themselves and their young. As gardeners, we can do our part to support honey bee populations by planting flowers that attract them. In this blog post, we'll explore five of the best flowers for honey bees, as well as some tips for creating a bee-friendly garden.

Why are Honey Bees Important?

Before we dive into the best flowers for honey bees, let's take a moment to talk about why these insects are so important. Honey bees are responsible for pollinating many of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts that make up a significant portion of our diets. Without honey bees, our food supply would be severely impacted. Additionally, honey bees contribute to the production of honey, which has been used for centuries as a natural sweetener and medicine.

5 Flowers that Attract Honey Bees

Lavender

Lavender is a popular choice for gardens due to its beautiful purple flowers and fragrant aroma. However, it is also an excellent choice for attracting honey bees. Lavender produces plenty of nectar, and its long blooming season means that bees can enjoy it throughout the summer. Plant lavender in full sun and well-draining soil for best results.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are not only beautiful, but they also provide a lot of nectar and pollen for honey bees. Their large size makes them particularly attractive to bees, as they can easily land on the flower and access its resources. Sunflowers should be planted in full sun and well-draining soil.

Cosmos

Cosmos are another popular choice for gardens due to their bright colors and delicate appearance. Honey bees are particularly fond of pink and purple cosmos, which produce large amounts of nectar. Cosmos are easy to grow from seed and do well in a variety of soil types.

Bee Balm

As the name suggests, bee balm is an excellent choice for attracting honey bees. This plant produces vibrant flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple, and it has a long blooming season. Bee balm prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it a good choice for areas with less sun exposure.

Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susans are a native wildflower that is easy to grow and attracts plenty of pollinators, including honey bees. Their bright yellow flowers provide a lot of nectar, and they bloom from midsummer to early fall. Black-eyed Susans prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade.

Tips for Creating a Bee-Friendly Garden

Now that you know which flowers to plant to attract honey bees, here are some tips for creating a garden that is welcoming to these important insects:

Plant a Variety of Flowers

Honey bees are attracted to a wide range of flowers, so try to include a variety of different types in your garden. This will ensure that bees have access to food throughout the growing season.

Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to honey bees, so try to avoid using them in your garden. If you must use a pesticide, choose one that is labeled as safe for bees and apply it early in the morning or late in the evening when bees are less active.

Provide Water Sources

Honey bees need water to survive, so consider adding a shallow dish of water to your garden. Bees can use this to drink from and cool down on hot days.

Create Nesting Sites

Honey bees need a place to nest, so consider creating some nesting sites in your garden. You can do this by leaving areas of bare soil, providing hollow stems or holes in wood for them to lay their eggs, or even by installing a bee house.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can honey bees see all colors?

No, honey bees cannot see the color red. However, they are attracted to shades of blue, purple, and yellow.

2. How far will honey bees travel for food?

Honey bees will typically travel up to three miles from their hive in search of food.

3. Do all flowers produce nectar?

No, not all flowers produce nectar. Some flowers, such as daffodils and tulips, do not produce nectar.

4. Can honey bees sting more than once?

No, honey bees can only sting once. When they sting, they leave behind their stinger and a venom sac, which ultimately leads to their death.

5. How can I tell if a flower is attracting honey bees?

You can usually tell if a flower is attracting honey bees by observing it for a few minutes. If you see honey bees landing on the flower and collecting nectar or pollen, it's a good sign that they're attracted to it.

In planting flowers that attract honey bees is a simple yet effective way to support these important insects. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can create a garden that is not only beautiful but also beneficial to honey bees and other pollinators. So why not add some of these bee-friendly flowers to your garden today?