Perennials for Bees: Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden

Why is it important to attract bees?

Bees are critical pollinators that play a crucial role in the food chain. They are responsible for pollinating approximately 75% of all crops, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Without bees, many of our favorite foods would not exist, and our ecosystem would be severely imbalanced.

Unfortunately, bee populations have been declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. As gardeners, we can help reverse this trend by creating bee-friendly habitats in our own yards. One way to do this is by planting perennials that attract bees.

The Best Perennials for Bees

Here are some of the best perennials to plant if you want to attract bees to your garden:

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant perennial that produces long-lasting blooms. Bees love lavender because of its nectar-rich flowers, which bloom from mid-summer to early fall. In addition to attracting bees, lavender also repels mosquitoes and other pests.

When planting lavender, make sure to choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Lavender prefers slightly alkaline soil, so consider adding lime if your soil is too acidic.

Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.)

Coneflowers are another great perennial for attracting bees. These hardy plants produce large, showy flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Bees are particularly drawn to the disc-shaped centers of the flowers, which contain nectar and pollen.

Coneflowers are easy to grow and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. They prefer full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)

As its name suggests, bee balm is a favorite of bees. This aromatic herb produces bright red, pink, or purple flowers in mid-summer. The flowers are rich in nectar and attract both bees and butterflies.

Bee balm prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade. However, it can also grow in full sun with adequate water.

Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvias are a diverse group of perennials that are loved by bees. They produce spikes of tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and red. Bees are particularly attracted to the long, narrow tubes of the flowers, which contain plenty of nectar.

Salvias prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They are drought-tolerant and can be grown in a variety of soil types.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.)

Black-eyed Susans are a classic garden perennial that attracts both bees and butterflies. These cheerful flowers produce yellow or orange petals with dark, cone-shaped centers. The cones are rich in nectar and provide a valuable food source for bees.

Black-eyed Susans prefer full sun and moist, well-draining soil. They can tolerate some drought but prefer regular watering.

Other Perennials That Attract Bees

In addition to the perennials listed above, there are many other flowers that bees love. Some other perennials to consider include:

• Butterfly weed (Asclepias spp.)
• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
• Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
• Phlox (Phlox spp.)
• Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

How to Create a Bee-Friendly Garden

If you want to create a bee-friendly garden, there are a few things you can do:

Plant a Variety of Flowers

Bees are attracted to a variety of flowers, so it's important to plant a mix of colors, shapes, and sizes. Try to include perennials that bloom at different times throughout the growing season, so there is always something for the bees to feed on.

Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to bees and other pollinators, so it's best to avoid using them in your garden. Instead, try natural pest control methods like companion planting, handpicking pests, and using insecticidal soap.

Provide Shelter

Bees need shelter to protect themselves from predators and inclement weather. You can provide shelter by leaving some bare ground in your garden or by creating a bee hotel. A bee hotel is a structure made of wood, bamboo, or other materials that provides a place for bees to nest.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Look for plants that produce nectar-rich flowers with open shapes that are easy for bees to access. Avoid plants that have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.

2. Can I attract bees to my balcony or small space?

Yes! Even if you have a small space, you can still attract bees by planting flowers in containers or window boxes. Choose compact varieties of perennials that will thrive in a small space.

3. What should I do if I find a bee nest in my garden?

If you find a bee nest in your garden, it's best to leave it alone. Bees are generally not aggressive and will only sting if they feel threatened. If the nest is causing a problem, contact a local beekeeper or pest control professional for assistance.

4. How can I help bees beyond my own garden?

There are many ways to help bees beyond your own garden. You can support local beekeepers by buying honey and other bee products from them. You can also advocate for policies that protect pollinators, such as banning harmful pesticides and preserving natural habitats.

5. Why are bees important?

Bees are important because they are critical pollinators that play a crucial role in the food chain. Without bees, many of our favorite foods would not exist, and our ecosystem would be severely imbalanced.