10 Honey Bee-Friendly Plants You Need in Your Garden

The Importance of Honey Bees and Their Role in Pollination

Honeybees play an essential role in pollinating flowers, fruits, and vegetables. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), bees are responsible for pollinating over 170,000 plant species, which account for more than 75% of the world's crops. Without bees, our food sources would be severely impacted, leading to food shortages and higher prices for consumers.

But honeybee populations have been declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. One way we can help support these important pollinators is by planting honey bee-friendly plants in our gardens. Not only does this provide food and shelter for bees, but it also contributes to a healthy ecosystem that benefits other wildlife and plants.

Here are ten of the best plants to attract honey bees to your garden:

1. Lavender

Lavender is not only a beautiful addition to any garden, but it also attracts honey bees with its fragrant, nectar-rich blooms. Bees love to forage on lavender flowers, which bloom from mid to late summer. Lavender thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it an ideal choice for hot, dry climates.

How to Grow Lavender

To grow lavender, choose a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Amend the soil with sand or gravel to improve drainage, as lavender does not like wet feet. Water deeply once a week, and prune back the plant after flowering to encourage bushier growth.

Benefits of Lavender for Bees

Lavender is a rich source of nectar and pollen, making it an important food source for honeybees. The strong scent of lavender also helps bees locate the flowers and navigate their way back to the hive.

2. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a favorite of both humans and bees, with their giant, sunny blooms and abundant pollen and nectar. Bees love to crawl into the center of a sunflower and collect pollen from the disk florets. Sunflowers bloom from mid-summer through fall and come in a variety of colors and sizes.

How to Grow Sunflowers

Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed and thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Plant seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date, spacing them 6-12 inches apart. Water deeply once a week, and provide support for taller varieties with stakes or a trellis.

Benefits of Sunflowers for Bees

Sunflowers produce copious amounts of nectar and pollen, making them a valuable food source for bees. Their large size also makes them easy for bees to spot and access.

3. Bee Balm

As the name suggests, bee balm is a magnet for bees, attracting a wide variety of pollinators with its showy blooms and sweet fragrance. Bee balm, also known as bergamot or monarda, blooms from mid to late summer and comes in shades of pink, red, and purple.

How to Grow Bee Balm

Bee balm prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 18-24 inches apart. Water deeply once a week, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

Benefits of Bee Balm for Bees

Bee balm is rich in nectar and pollen and attracts a variety of bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary bees. Its long blooming period provides a steady source of food throughout the summer.

4. Echinacea

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a native North American plant that is popular with both gardeners and bees. The daisy-like flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and white and bloom from early summer through fall.

How to Grow Echinacea

Echinacea prefers full sun and well-draining soil but can tolerate some shade. Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 18-24 inches apart. Water deeply once a week, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

Benefits of Echinacea for Bees

Echinacea produces abundant nectar and pollen and attracts a variety of bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary bees. It is also a host plant for caterpillars of the painted lady butterfly.

5. Mint

Mint is not only a delicious herb for cooking and tea, but it also attracts honeybees with its fragrant flowers. Mint blooms in late spring to early summer and comes in varieties such as peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint.

How to Grow Mint

Mint prefers partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It can be grown from seed or propagated by taking cuttings from an existing plant. Water regularly and fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Benefits of Mint for Bees

Mint produces nectar and pollen that attracts honeybees and other pollinators. Its fragrant oils also repel pests such as aphids and whiteflies, making it a useful companion plant in the garden.

6. Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan is a cheerful, easy-to-grow perennial that blooms from mid-summer through fall. The bright yellow flowers with dark centers are a favorite of bees and butterflies.

How to Grow Black-Eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan prefers full sun and well-draining soil but can tolerate some shade. Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 12-18 inches apart. Water deeply once a week, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

Benefits of Black-Eyed Susan for Bees

Black-eyed Susan produces abundant nectar and pollen and attracts a variety of pollinators, including honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies. It is also resistant to drought and deer.

7. Salvia

Salvia, also known as sage, is a versatile herb that comes in a variety of colors and sizes. Bees love the tubular flowers of salvia, which bloom from late spring through summer.

How to Grow Salvia

Salvia prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 12-24 inches apart. Water deeply once a week, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

Benefits of Salvia for Bees

Salvia produces nectar and pollen that attracts honeybees and other pollinators. Its aromatic leaves are also used in cooking and herbal remedies.

8. Coneflower

Coneflower, also known as rudbeckia, is a hardy perennial that blooms from mid-summer through fall. The bright yellow or orange flowers with dark centers are a favorite of bees and butterflies.

How to Grow Coneflower

Coneflower prefers full sun and well-draining soil but can tolerate some shade. Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 12-24 inches apart. Water deeply once a week, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

Benefits of Coneflower for Bees

Coneflower produces abundant nectar and pollen and attracts a variety of pollinators, including honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies. Its long blooming period provides a steady source of food throughout the summer.

9. Cosmos

Cosmos is an annual flower that comes in shades of pink, white, and red. Bees love the open, daisy-like flowers, which bloom from mid-summer through fall.

How to Grow Cosmos

Cosmos prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date, spacing them 12-24 inches apart. Water deeply once a week, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

Benefits of Cosmos for Bees

Cosmos produces nectar and pollen that attracts honeybees and other pollinators. It is also a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow from seed.

10. Wildflowers

Wildflowers are a diverse group of plants that include annuals, perennials, and biennials. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and are an important food source for bees and other pollinators.

How to Grow Wildflowers

Wildflowers can be grown from seed or purchased as plants. Choose a mix of species that bloom at different times throughout the growing season to provide a steady source of food for bees. Plant in full sun and well-draining soil, and water regularly until established.

Benefits of Wildflowers for Bees

Wildflowers produce abundant nectar and pollen and attract a wide variety of pollinators, including honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and moths. They also provide habitat and shelter for other wildlife, such as birds and insects.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Bee-Friendly Plants

1. How can I tell if a plant is good for honeybees?

Look for plants with open, tubular, or flat flowers that are easy for bees to access. Bees are attracted to bright colors, particularly blue, purple, and yellow. Plants that bloom over a long period are also beneficial, as they provide a steady source of food.

2. Can I plant honey bee-friendly plants in containers?

Yes, many honey bee-friendly plants can be grown in containers as long as they receive plenty of sunlight, adequate water, and well-draining soil. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the plant's root system.

3. Are there any plants that are harmful to honeybees?

Yes, some plants contain toxins that can be harmful or fatal to honeybees. Examples include rhododendron, azalea, oleander, and lantana. Avoid planting these plants near your honey bee-friendly plants.

4. Do honeybees prefer native plants?

Honeybees are adapted to their local environment and often prefer native plants that are well-suited to their climate and soil conditions. However, they will also forage on non-native plants that provide nectar and pollen.

5. How can I attract honeybees to my garden?

In addition to planting honey bee-friendly plants, you can provide water sources for bees, such as a shallow bird bath or saucer filled with stones and water. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your garden, as these can be harmful to bees and other pollinators.