10 Bee-Loving Perennials for Your Garden

Why Plant Bee-Loving Perennials?

If you're looking to attract bees to your garden, planting bee-loving perennials is a great way to do so. Bees are essential pollinators, and by providing them with a food source, you're helping them to thrive. Plus, having bees in your garden can lead to more fruitful plants and a healthier ecosystem overall.

The Best Bee-Loving Perennials

Here are ten of our favorite bee-loving perennials to plant in your garden:

1. Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as monarda, is a beautiful perennial that is loved by both bees and humans alike. It produces vibrant pink, purple, or red flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Bee balm is also great for attracting butterflies to your garden.

How to Grow Bee Balm

Bee balm grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It should be watered regularly, especially during periods of drought. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage more flowers to grow.

2. Purple Coneflower

Purple coneflower, also known as echinacea, is another popular perennial among bees. Its daisy-like flowers come in a range of colors, including purple, pink, and white. The flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall.

How to Grow Purple Coneflower

Purple coneflower prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and doesn't require much water once established. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage more flowers to grow.

3. Russian Sage

Russian sage is a beautiful perennial that produces delicate blue-purple flowers throughout the summer. Bees love its nectar-rich blooms, and it's also great for attracting butterflies to your garden.

How to Grow Russian Sage

Russian sage prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and doesn't require much water once established. Pruning in the spring can help promote bushier growth.

4. Catmint

Catmint, also known as nepeta, is a low-maintenance perennial that produces lavender-blue flowers throughout the summer. Bees are drawn to its sweet-smelling blooms, and it's also a favorite of cats (hence the name!).

How to Grow Catmint

Catmint grows best in full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and doesn't require much water once established. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage more flowers to grow.

5. Salvia

Salvia, also known as sage, is a hardy perennial that produces vibrant blue or purple flowers throughout the summer. It's a favorite among bees and other pollinators and can also be used in cooking.

How to Grow Salvia

Salvia prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and doesn't require much water once established. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage more flowers to grow.

6. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan, also known as rudbeckia, is a bright and cheerful perennial that produces yellow or orange daisy-like flowers. Bees love its nectar-rich blooms, and it's also great for attracting butterflies to your garden.

How to Grow Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan grows best in full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and doesn't require much water once established. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage more flowers to grow.

7. Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed, also known as asclepias tuberosa, is a native North American perennial that produces bright orange or yellow flowers. It's a favorite among bees and other pollinators and is also great for attracting butterflies.

How to Grow Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and doesn't require much water once established. It's important to note that butterfly weed is toxic if ingested, so it should not be planted in areas where children or pets may come into contact with it.

8. Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a hardy perennial that produces bright yellow flowers in the late summer and fall. Bees love its nectar-rich blooms, and it's also great for attracting butterflies and other pollinators.

How to Grow Goldenrod

Goldenrod grows best in full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and doesn't require much water once established. It's important to note that goldenrod can be invasive in some areas, so it should be planted with caution.

9. Joe-Pye Weed

Joe-Pye weed is a tall, showy perennial that produces pink or purple flowers in the late summer and fall. Bees love its nectar-rich blooms, and it's also great for attracting butterflies and other pollinators.

How to Grow Joe-Pye Weed

Joe-Pye weed prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It should be watered regularly, especially during periods of drought. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage more flowers to grow.

10. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant perennial that produces delicate purple flowers throughout the summer. Bees love its nectar-rich blooms, and it's also great for attracting butterflies and other pollinators.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and doesn't require much water once established. Pruning in the spring can help promote bushier growth.

Planting bee-loving perennials is a great way to attract bees to your garden and create a healthier ecosystem overall. By providing bees with a food source, you're helping them to thrive and do their important work as pollinators. Consider planting some of these ten bee-loving perennials in your garden this year!

FAQs

1. What are some other benefits of planting bee-loving perennials?

In addition to attracting bees, planting bee-loving perennials can also help to attract other pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. Plus, having a diverse array of plants in your garden can help to create a healthier ecosystem overall.

2. Can I plant bee-loving perennials in containers?

Yes! Many of the perennials on this list can be grown in containers, as long as they have adequate drainage and enough space to grow.

3. Will planting bee-loving perennials attract bees to my yard all year round?

While many of these perennials bloom throughout the summer, they may not provide a food source for bees all year round. Consider planting other types of plants, like trees and shrubs, that bloom at different times of the year to provide a steady food source for bees.

4. Can I plant bee-loving perennials in shady areas?

While many of these perennials prefer full sun, some can tolerate partial shade. Check the specific growing requirements for each plant before planting them in a shady area.

5. Are there any downsides to planting bee-loving perennials?

One downside of planting bee-loving perennials is that they may attract more bees than you bargained for! If you or anyone in your household has a bee allergy, it's important to take precautions when spending time in the garden. Additionally, some of these perennials can be invasive in certain areas, so it's important to check with your local nursery or extension office before planting them.