Purple Flowers Bees Love: A Guide to Attracting Pollinators

The Importance of Pollination

Pollination is the process by which pollen from the male part of a flower (the stamen) is transferred to the female part (the pistil), resulting in fertilization and the production of seeds. This process is essential for plant reproduction, and it is estimated that around 75% of all crops grown for food, fiber, or medicine depend on pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and flies.

Unfortunately, many pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide exposure, disease, and climate change. As gardeners, we can help reverse this trend by creating pollinator-friendly habitats that provide food, water, shelter, and nesting sites for these important insects.

Why Purple Flowers?

Bees are attracted to flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen, and they use their color vision to locate these resources. While bees can see a wide range of colors, they are particularly sensitive to blue, violet, and ultraviolet wavelengths. This means that flowers with blue, purple, or violet hues are especially attractive to them.

In addition to their color, purple flowers often have tubular shapes that are well-suited to the long tongues of many bee species. Some purple flowers also have distinctive markings or patterns that guide bees to the nectar and pollen-rich areas of the flower.

Top 15 Purple Flowers Bees Love

Here are 15 of the best purple flowers to attract bees to your garden:

1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender is a classic garden plant that is beloved by bees for its fragrant, nectar-rich flowers. This perennial herb grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.

2. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvias are a large group of flowering herbs that come in many shades of purple, blue, pink, and red. Bees love their tubular flowers, which are rich in nectar and pollen.

3. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)

Catmint is a hardy perennial that produces masses of lavender-blue flowers from spring to fall. It is easy to grow and thrives in full sun or partial shade.

4. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)

Bee balm, also known as bergamot, is a North American wildflower that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its showy clusters of purple, pink, or red flowers.

5. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Russian sage is a drought-tolerant perennial that produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers from mid-summer to fall. It is a favorite of many bee species and adds a graceful, airy texture to the garden.

6. Agastache (Agastache spp.)

Agastaches, also known as hyssops, are a group of aromatic herbs that produce spikes of tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, orange, or yellow. They are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

7. Allium (Allium spp.)

Alliums, also known as ornamental onions, are a diverse group of plants that produce round, globe-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, or yellow. Many bee species are attracted to their nectar-rich flowers.

8. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

Anise hyssop is a native North American wildflower that produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers from mid-summer to fall. It is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

9. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)

Coneflowers are a popular group of flowering perennials that come in many shades of pink, purple, orange, and yellow. They produce showy, daisy-like flowers with distinctive cone-shaped centers that are rich in nectar and pollen.

10. Phlox (Phlox spp.)

Phloxes are a group of fragrant, flowering perennials that come in many shades of pink, purple, white, or red. They produce clusters of small, tubular flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.

11. Ironweed (Vernonia spp.)

Ironweeds are a group of tall, robust perennials that produce clusters of small, purple flowers in late summer or fall. They are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

12. Vervain (Verbena spp.)

Vervains are a group of tough, drought-tolerant perennials that produce clusters of tiny, tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white. They are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

13. Wild Indigo (Baptisia spp.)

Wild indigos are a group of native North American perennials that produce spikes of blue-purple flowers in late spring or early summer. They are highly attractive to bumblebees, which are one of the most effective pollinators for this plant.

14. Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)

Balloon flowers are a charming group of perennials that produce bell-shaped, balloon-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. They are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.

15. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja spp.)

Butterfly bushes are a popular group of shrubs that produce long, plume-like clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, or yellow. They are highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

How to Create a Pollinator-Friendly Garden

Now that you know some of the best purple flowers to attract bees to your garden, here are some tips for creating a pollinator-friendly habitat:

1. Plant a Variety of Flowers

Bees need a diverse range of nectar and pollen sources to thrive, so aim to include a mix of flowering plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season.

2. Provide Water

Bees also need water to survive, so include a shallow dish or birdbath with a few stones or twigs for them to land on while drinking.

3. Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to bees and other pollinators, so avoid using them whenever possible. If you must use pesticides, choose ones that are bee-friendly and apply them early in the morning or late in the evening when bees are less active.

4. Provide Nesting Sites

Many bee species are solitary and nest in tunnels or cavities in wood, soil, or plant stems. Leave some areas of bare ground, install a bee hotel, or leave some hollow plant stems in your garden to provide nesting sites for these important insects.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I attract bees with other flower colors?

Yes, bees are attracted to many different flower colors, but they are particularly sensitive to blue, violet, and ultraviolet wavelengths.

2. How can I tell if a flower is rich in nectar?

Look for flowers with tubular shapes or long spurs that are well-suited to the long tongues of many bee species. You can also observe the flowers to see if bees are visiting them regularly.

3. What should I do if I see a bee swarm in my garden?

If you see a bee swarm in your garden, stay calm and keep your distance. Bees are usually not aggressive when swarming, as they are focused on finding a new home. Contact a local beekeeper or pest control professional for help removing the swarm safely.

4. Can I keep bees in my backyard?

Yes, many people keep honeybees or native bees in their backyards. However, beekeeping requires knowledge, skill, and equipment, so it is important to educate yourself before getting ed.

5. How can I support pollinators beyond my own garden?

You can support pollinators by advocating for policies that protect their habitats, supporting local farmers who use sustainable practices, and reducing your own carbon footprint to address climate change.