The Buzz on Bumblebees: Top Flowers to Attract These Fuzzy Pollinators

Why Should You Care About Bumblebees?

Bumblebees may seem like just another insect buzzing around your garden, but they play a critical role in pollinating crops and wildflowers. In fact, they are one of the most efficient pollinators out there, making them essential to our ecosystem. Unfortunately, bumblebee populations have been declining in recent years due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. By planting the right flowers, we can create habitats that support these fuzzy pollinators and help protect them from extinction.

The Best Flowers for Bumblebees

If you want to attract bumblebees to your garden, it's important to choose the right flowers. Here are some of the best flowers for bumblebees:

Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender is not only beloved for its calming scent, but it's also a favorite of bumblebees. They love the fragrant purple flowers and will visit them frequently. Lavender is easy to grow and requires little maintenance, making it a great choice for any garden.

Coneflowers (Echinacea)

Coneflowers are a hardy perennial that produces beautiful pink or purple flowers. They are also a favorite of bumblebees, who are attracted to their nectar-rich blooms. Coneflowers are easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions.

Mint (Mentha)

Mint is a versatile herb that can be used for cooking, tea, or even as a natural insect repellent. Bumblebees are also big fans of mint, particularly the purple flowers that bloom in late summer. Mint is easy to grow and can be planted in pots or directly in the ground.

Salvia (Salvia)

Salvia is another easy-to-grow perennial that produces beautiful blue or purple flowers. Bumblebees love the nectar-rich blooms and will visit them frequently. Salvia is drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, making it a great choice for any garden.

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage is an annual herb that produces beautiful blue flowers that are not only attractive to bumblebees but also edible. The flowers have a mild cucumber flavor and can be used to garnish salads or drinks. Borage is easy to grow and self-seeds readily, making it a great addition to any garden.

Milkweed (Asclepias)

Milkweed is a must-have plant if you want to support monarch butterflies, but it's also great for bumblebees. The pink, orange, or yellow flowers are rich in nectar and provide an essential food source for bumblebees. Milkweed is easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions.

Sunflowers (Helianthus)

Sunflowers are not only beautiful and cheerful, but they're also a favorite of bumblebees. They love the large, pollen-rich flowers and will visit them frequently. Sunflowers are easy to grow and come in a variety of sizes and colors.

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)

Purple loosestrife is a tall perennial that produces beautiful purple flowers in mid-summer. It's a favorite of bumblebees, who love the nectar-rich blooms. Purple loosestrife is easy to grow but can be invasive in some regions, so be sure to check if it's a problem plant in your area.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susans are a classic garden flower that produces bright yellow or orange flowers with dark centers. Bumblebees love the nectar-rich blooms and will visit them frequently. Black-eyed Susans are easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions.

Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia)

Phacelia is an annual flower that produces beautiful blue or purple flowers that are attractive to bumblebees and other pollinators. It's also great for improving soil health and suppressing weeds. Phacelia is easy to grow and can be sown directly in the ground.

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Wild bergamot is a native perennial that produces beautiful pink or purple flowers that are a favorite of bumblebees. The flowers have a minty flavor and can be used to make tea. Wild bergamot is easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly weed is another type of milkweed that produces beautiful orange flowers that are a favorite of bumblebees and other pollinators. It's also essential for supporting monarch butterflies. Butterfly weed is easy to grow but can be slow to establish.

Penstemon (Penstemon)

Penstemon is a hardy perennial that produces beautiful pink or purple flowers that are a favorite of bumblebees. They love the nectar-rich blooms and will visit them frequently. Penstemon is easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions.

Goldenrod (Solidago)

Goldenrod is a native perennial that produces beautiful yellow flowers in late summer and early fall. It's a favorite of bumblebees, who love the nectar-rich blooms. Goldenrod is easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions.

Crocus (Crocus)

Crocuses are one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, making them an important food source for bumblebees emerging from hibernation. They come in a variety of colors and are easy to grow in pots or directly in the ground.

How to Create a Bumblebee-Friendly Garden

Now that you know which flowers to plant to attract bumblebees, here are some tips for creating a bumblebee-friendly garden:

Plant a Variety of Flowers

Bumblebees are attracted to a wide range of flower shapes and colors, so it's important to plant a variety of flowers to provide them with a diverse food source.

Plant in Clumps

Bumblebees prefer to visit large clusters of flowers rather than individual plants, so it's best to plant your flowers in clumps.

Provide Nesting Sites

Bumblebees need a safe place to nest, so providing nesting sites such as old birdhouses or underground burrows can help support their populations.

Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to bumblebees and other pollinators, so it's best to avoid using them in your garden. Instead, use natural pest control methods such as companion planting or handpicking pests.

Provide Water

Bumblebees need water to survive, so providing a shallow dish of water with rocks for them to perch on can help support their populations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bumblebee-Friendly Gardens

1. What other types of pollinators will these flowers attract?

These flowers will also attract other types of pollinators such as honeybees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

2. Can I plant these flowers in pots?

Yes, many of these flowers can be grown in pots or containers.

3. How do I know if bumblebees are visiting my garden?

You'll likely see bumblebees buzzing around your flowers, collecting nectar and pollen. You may also notice small piles of pollen near the flowers.

4. What should I do if I find a bumblebee nest in my garden?

If you find a bumblebee nest in your garden, it's best to leave it alone. Bumblebees are generally not aggressive and will only sting if they feel threatened.

5. How can I learn more about supporting bumblebees and other pollinators?

There are many resources available online that provide information on how to support bumblebees and other pollinators, including the Xerces Society and the Pollinator Partnership.