The Buzz on Bee-Friendly Plants: How to Make Your Garden a Haven for Bees

Why Growing Bee-Friendly Plants Matters

Bees are essential pollinators for many of our crops, and without their work, our food supply would be seriously impacted. Unfortunately, bee populations have been declining in recent years due to several factors, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and disease. By growing bee-friendly plants, you can help support these vital creatures and contribute to their survival.

15 Best Bee-Friendly Plants to Add to Your Garden

Here are 15 of the best bee-friendly plants you can add to your garden:

1. Lavender

Lavender's sweet scent and pretty purple flowers make it a popular choice for gardens. Bees love this plant too, and they will happily visit the flowers to collect nectar and pollen.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender prefers well-draining soil and full sun. It can be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings. Prune the plant after it blooms to encourage bushier growth.

2. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are not only beautiful to look at, but they also provide a lot of nectar and pollen for bees. The large flower heads make it easy for bees to access the nectar.

How to Grow Sunflowers

Plant sunflowers in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. They prefer warm weather and regular watering.

3. Coneflowers

Coneflowers, also known as echinacea, are a favorite of bees and butterflies. The colorful flowers bloom all summer long and attract a wide variety of pollinators.

How to Grow Coneflowers

Coneflowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They can be grown from seed or purchased as plants. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.

4. Bee Balm

As the name suggests, bee balm is a magnet for bees. It produces clusters of tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red.

How to Grow Bee Balm

Bee balm prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade. It can be grown from seed or purchased as a plant. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.

5. Salvia

Salvia, also known as sage, is a hardy perennial that attracts both bees and hummingbirds. The tall spikes of flowers come in shades of blue, purple, and pink.

How to Grow Salvia

Salvia prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as a plant. Prune the plant after it blooms to encourage bushier growth.

6. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed susans are bright and cheerful flowers that bloom from midsummer to fall. Bees love the yellow petals and dark centers.

How to Grow Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed susans prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They can be grown from seed or purchased as a plant. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.

7. Butterfly Bush

As the name suggests, butterfly bush is a favorite of butterflies. Bees also love this shrub, which produces long spikes of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.

How to Grow Butterfly Bush

Butterfly bush prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as a plant. Prune the plant heavily in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.

8. Mint

Mint is not only delicious in recipes, but it's also a great herb for attracting bees. The small flowers produce plenty of nectar, and the plant itself is easy to grow.

How to Grow Mint

Mint prefers partial shade and moist soil. It can be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings. Be sure to prune the plant regularly to keep it from becoming too invasive.

9. Zinnia

Zinnias are colorful annuals that provide plenty of nectar and pollen for bees. They come in a wide range of colors and are easy to grow from seed.

How to Grow Zinnia

Zinnias prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They can be grown from seed or purchased as plants. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.

10. Cosmos

Cosmos are another easy-to-grow annual that bees love. The daisy-like flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and white, and they bloom all summer long.

How to Grow Cosmos

Cosmos prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They can be grown from seed or purchased as plants. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.

11. Marigold

Marigolds are hardy annuals that come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Bees love the bright colors and easy-to-access pollen.

How to Grow Marigold

Marigolds prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They can be grown from seed or purchased as plants. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.

12. Phlox

Phlox is a fragrant perennial that produces clusters of small, colorful flowers. Bees love the scent and nectar of this plant.

How to Grow Phlox

Phlox prefers partial shade and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as a plant. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.

13. Wildflowers

Wildflowers are a great way to attract bees to your garden, as they provide a variety of nectar sources throughout the season. Choose a mix of annual and perennial wildflowers for the best results.

How to Grow Wildflowers

Wildflowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil. They can be grown from seed or purchased as a mix. Follow the planting instructions on the package for the best results.

14. Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is a climbing vine that produces fragrant flowers in shades of pink, yellow, and white. Bees love the sweet nectar of this plant.

How to Grow Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings. Train the vines to climb a trellis or fence for best results.

15. Borage

Borage is an herb that produces small, blue flowers that bees love. The leaves and flowers are also edible and can be used in salads and other dishes.

How to Grow Borage

Borage prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or purchased as a plant. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.

FAQs About Bee-Friendly Plants

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

Look for plants that produce nectar and pollen, and choose a variety of colors and shapes to attract different types of bees. Avoid using pesticides, as they can be harmful to bees.

2. When should I plant bee-friendly plants?

Most bee-friendly plants can be planted in the spring or fall, depending on your climate. Check the planting instructions for each plant for specific recommendations.

3. Do I need to have a big garden to attract bees?

No, you don't need a large garden to attract bees. Even a small container garden can provide important habitat for these pollinators.

4. Can I grow bee-friendly plants indoors?

Yes, many bee-friendly plants can be grown indoors, including herbs like mint and basil. Just be sure to place them in a sunny window and water them regularly.

5. What other steps can I take to support bee populations?

In addition to growing bee-friendly plants, you can also avoid using pesticides and provide nesting sites for bees, such as hollow stems or bee houses.