Flower Power: The Top 10 Flowers for Bees

The Importance of Bees and Flowers

Have you ever stopped to think about how important bees are to our ecosystem? Bees are responsible for pollinating many of the plants we depend on for food, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Without bees, our food supply would be greatly diminished. But bees need our help too - they rely on flowers for nectar and pollen, which are essential for their survival. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the top 10 flowers for bees that you can plant in your garden to support these hardworking insects.

1. Sunflowers

The Benefits of Sunflowers for Bees

Sunflowers are not only beautiful to look at, but they're also great for bees. They have large, open heads that make it easy for bees to access the nectar and pollen inside. Sunflowers also produce a lot of pollen, which is important for bee nutrition. Plus, sunflowers bloom for a long time, so they provide a steady source of food for bees throughout the summer.

Tips for Planting Sunflowers

To attract bees to your sunflowers, plant them in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Sunflowers grow best in warm weather, so wait until after the last frost to plant them. You can sow sunflower seeds directly into the ground or them indoors and transplant them later. Make sure to space the plants out to allow for good air circulation.

2. Lavender

The Benefits of Lavender for Bees

Lavender is a favorite of bees, and for good reason. Its fragrant purple flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, making it an excellent source of food for bees. Lavender blooms from mid-summer to early fall, so it provides a long-lasting food source for bees.

Tips for Planting Lavender

Plant lavender in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Lavender prefers slightly alkaline soil, so you may need to add lime if your soil is too acidic. Be sure to water your lavender regularly, but avoid over-watering as this can cause the roots to rot. Prune your lavender plants in the spring to encourage bushier growth.

3. Coneflowers

The Benefits of Coneflowers for Bees

Coneflowers, also known as echinacea, are a popular choice for gardeners looking to attract bees. Their brightly colored petals and large center cones make them easy for bees to spot. Coneflowers produce a lot of nectar, which makes them a valuable food source for bees.

Tips for Planting Coneflowers

Coneflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They're drought-tolerant once established, so they're a good choice for dry areas. Deadhead your coneflowers regularly to encourage more blooms throughout the season.

4. Sage

The Benefits of Sage for Bees

Sage is a culinary herb that's also great for bees. It produces spikes of small purple or blue flowers that bees love. Sage blooms in mid-summer and continues to bloom into the fall, providing a long-lasting food source for bees.

Tips for Planting Sage

Sage prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's drought-tolerant once established, so it's a good choice for dry areas. Prune your sage plants regularly to keep them bushy and encourage more blooms.

5. Wildflowers

The Benefits of Wildflowers for Bees

Wildflowers are a great choice for attracting bees because they come in a wide range of colors and shapes. They also provide a diverse range of nectar and pollen sources for bees. Planting a mix of different wildflowers can help ensure that there's always something in bloom for bees to feed on.

Tips for Planting Wildflowers

Choose a mix of wildflowers that are native to your region. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, which makes them easier to grow and more attractive to bees. You can sow wildflower seeds directly into the ground or them indoors and transplant them later.

6. Black-Eyed Susans

The Benefits of Black-Eyed Susans for Bees

Black-eyed susans are a cheerful addition to any garden, and they're also great for bees. Their bright yellow petals and dark centers make them easy for bees to spot. Black-eyed susans produce a lot of nectar, which makes them a valuable food source for bees.

Tips for Planting Black-Eyed Susans

Plant black-eyed susans in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They prefer slightly acidic soil, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too alkaline. Deadhead your black-eyed susans regularly to encourage more blooms throughout the season.

7. Bee Balm

The Benefits of Bee Balm for Bees

As its name suggests, bee balm is a favorite of bees. Its brightly colored flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, making it an excellent source of food for bees. Bee balm blooms from mid-summer to early fall, so it provides a long-lasting food source for bees.

Tips for Planting Bee Balm

Plant bee balm in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It prefers slightly acidic soil, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too alkaline. Bee balm is susceptible to powdery mildew, so be sure to plant it in an area with good air circulation.

8. Marigolds

The Benefits of Marigolds for Bees

Marigolds are not only beautiful to look at, but they're also great for bees. Their bright orange or yellow flowers are easy for bees to spot, and they produce a lot of nectar. Marigolds bloom from mid-summer to early fall, so they provide a long-lasting food source for bees.

Tips for Planting Marigolds

Plant marigolds in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They prefer slightly acidic soil, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too alkaline. Deadhead your marigolds regularly to encourage more blooms throughout the season.

9. Cosmos

The Benefits of Cosmos for Bees

Cosmos are a popular choice for gardeners looking to attract bees. Their brightly colored flowers are easy for bees to spot, and they produce a lot of nectar. Cosmos bloom from mid-summer to early fall, so they provide a long-lasting food source for bees.

Tips for Planting Cosmos

Plant cosmos in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They prefer slightly acidic soil, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too alkaline. Deadhead your cosmos regularly to encourage more blooms throughout the season.

10. Zinnias

The Benefits of Zinnias for Bees

Zinnias are a favorite of bees, and for good reason. Their brightly colored flowers are easy for bees to spot, and they produce a lot of nectar. Zinnias bloom from mid-summer to early fall, so they provide a long-lasting food source for bees.

Tips for Planting Zinnias

Plant zinnias in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They prefer slightly acidic soil, so you may need to amend your soil if it's too alkaline. Deadhead your zinnias regularly to encourage more blooms throughout the season.


By planting these top 10 flowers for bees in your garden, you can help support these important pollinators. Not only will you be doing your part to protect the environment, but you'll also get to enjoy the beauty of these colorful and fragrant flowers.

FAQs about Flowers for Bees

1. Why are bees important?

Bees are important because they're responsible for pollinating many of the plants we depend on for food. Without bees, our food supply would be greatly diminished.

2. What do bees need from flowers?

Bees need flowers for nectar and pollen, which are essential for their survival. Nectar provides bees with energy, while pollen is an important source of protein.

3. What should I look for when choosing flowers for bees?

When choosing flowers for bees, look for flowers that produce a lot of nectar and pollen. Bees are attracted to bright colors, especially blue, purple, and yellow.

4. How can I attract bees to my garden?

To attract bees to your garden, plant a mix of different flowers that bloom throughout the growing season. Be sure to provide a source of water for bees, such as a shallow dish filled with water and stones.

5. What else can I do to help bees?

In addition to planting flowers for bees, you can also avoid using pesticides in your garden, provide nesting sites for bees, and support organizations that work to protect bees and their habitats.