Bushes That Attract Bees and Butterflies

Are you looking for ways to attract more pollinators to your garden or backyard? One simple way to do this is by planting bushes that are known to attract bees and butterflies. Not only will these plants make your outdoor space more beautiful, but they'll also provide important habitat and food sources for these important pollinators.

In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best bushes for attracting bees and butterflies. We'll cover everything from the types of flowers that these insects prefer, to the specific varieties of bushes that are most effective at attracting them. By the end of this post, you'll have all the information you need to create a pollinator-friendly garden that's buzzing with life.

The Best Bushes for Attracting Bees

Lavender

Lavender is a classic garden plant that's beloved for its fragrant flowers and attractive foliage. But did you know that lavender is also a favorite of bees? Bees love the long, slender spikes of lavender flowers, which are rich in nectar and pollen. Plant lavender in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and you'll soon see bees flocking to your garden.

Varieties of Lavender

There are many different varieties of lavender, but some are better than others when it comes to attracting bees. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the best choices, as it produces lots of nectar-rich flowers and has a long blooming season. French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is also a good option, although it's not quite as attractive to bees as English lavender.

Butterfly Bush

As the name suggests, butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is a favorite of butterflies. But it's also an excellent choice for attracting bees. The long, cone-shaped flower clusters are loaded with nectar, making them irresistible to both bees and butterflies. Butterfly bushes come in a wide range of colors, from white to pink to purple, so you're sure to find one that fits your garden's color scheme.

Growing Butterfly Bush

Butterfly bush is easy to grow, and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It can grow up to 8 feet tall, so be sure to give it plenty of space to spread out. Prune it back hard each spring to promote dense growth and lots of flowers.

The Best Bushes for Attracting Butterflies

Milkweed

Milkweed is a must-have plant for any garden that wants to attract butterflies. This native wildflower is the sole food source for monarch caterpillars, making it critical for the survival of these beautiful insects. In addition to attracting monarchs, milkweed also provides nectar for a wide variety of other butterflies.

Varieties of Milkweed

There are many different species of milkweed, but some are more effective at attracting butterflies than others. Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a great choice, as it's easy to grow and produces lots of nectar-rich flowers. Other good options include swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) and butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa).

Purple Coneflower

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a popular garden plant that's beloved for its bright pink flowers and medicinal properties. But it's also an excellent choice for attracting butterflies, which love the nectar-rich flowers. Purple coneflower blooms from mid-summer to early fall, providing a long-lasting source of food for hungry butterflies.

Growing Purple Coneflower

Purple coneflower is easy to grow, and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It can grow up to 4 feet tall, so be sure to give it plenty of space. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooming.

Other Bushes That Attract Bees and Butterflies

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are another popular garden plant that's beloved for their showy blooms. But they're also a great choice for attracting bees and butterflies. Hydrangea flowers are rich in nectar, and their large size makes them easy for butterflies to land on and feed from. Plant hydrangeas in a shady spot with moist, well-drained soil, and you'll soon see these important pollinators visiting your garden.

Varieties of Hydrangea

There are many different varieties of hydrangea, but some are more attractive to bees and butterflies than others. Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) is a good option, as it produces lots of nectar-rich flowers and has a long blooming season. Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is also a good choice, although it doesn't produce quite as much nectar as panicle hydrangea.

Weigela

Weigela is a low-maintenance shrub that's beloved for its showy flowers and attractive foliage. But it's also a great choice for attracting bees and butterflies. Weigela flowers are rich in nectar, and their tubular shape makes them easy for bees to feed from. Plant weigelas in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and you're sure to see plenty of pollinators visiting your garden.

Varieties of Weigela

There are many different varieties of weigela, but some are better than others when it comes to attracting bees and butterflies. Wine & Roses weigela (Weigela florida 'Alexandra') is a good option, as it produces lots of nectar-rich flowers and has dark, burgundy-colored foliage that looks great in any garden. Sonic Bloom weigela (Weigela florida 'Verweig') is another good choice, as it blooms repeatedly throughout the season, providing a long-lasting source of food for pollinators.

In this blog post, we've explored some of the best bushes for attracting bees and butterflies. From lavender to butterfly bush to milkweed, there are many different options to choose from. By planting these attractive and beneficial plants in your garden or outdoor space, you'll be doing your part to support pollinators and protect the environment. So why not give it a try?

FAQs

1. How can I attract more bees and butterflies to my garden?

To attract more bees and butterflies to your garden, you should plant a variety of flowers and bushes that provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. It's also important to avoid using pesticides and other chemicals that can harm pollinators.

2. What types of flowers do bees and butterflies prefer?

Bees and butterflies prefer flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen, and that have a tubular or cone-shaped structure that makes it easy for them to feed. Some good options include lavender, butterfly bush, milkweed, and purple coneflower.

3. How can I make my garden more attractive to butterflies?

In addition to planting the right flowers and bushes, you can make your garden more attractive to butterflies by providing a source of water, such as a shallow birdbath or butterfly puddler. You can also create sheltered areas where butterflies can rest and hide from predators.

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

If you see a bee swarm in your garden, it's important to stay calm and avoid disturbing the bees. Contact a local beekeeper, who can safely remove the swarm and relocate it to a new home.

5. How can I help protect pollinators in my community?

There are many ways to help protect pollinators in your community, including planting pollinator-friendly plants, supporting local beekeepers, and advocating for policies that protect pollinator habitat. Get involved with local conservation groups and learn more about what you can do to make a difference.