Perennials That Attract Bees: Creating a Buzz in Your Garden

The Importance of Bees in Our Ecosystem

Before we dive into perennials that attract bees, let's first discuss the importance of these fuzzy little creatures in our ecosystem. Bees are crucial pollinators that play a vital role in the production of crops and flowers. Without bees, we would lose many of the fruits, vegetables, and flowers that we enjoy every day.

Unfortunately, bee populations have been declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. This is where we can all make a difference by creating a bee-friendly environment in our own gardens.

Perennials That Attract Bees

1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

   
   Lavender is a favorite for both humans and bees alike. The fragrant blooms of purple, pink, and white provide nectar and pollen for bees, while the plant's oils repel pests like mosquitoes and flies.
   

2. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)

   
   Bee balm, also known as bergamot or Oswego tea, has striking red, pink, or purple flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
   

3. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

   
   The coneflower's daisy-like petals and prominent cones make it a popular choice for gardeners and bees alike. This tough perennial is drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making it a great choice for beginners.
   

4. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.)

   
   Black-eyed susans are hardy perennials that bloom in late summer and early fall. The bright yellow petals with dark centers provide nectar and pollen for bees, as well as food for birds and butterflies.
   

5. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

   
   Salvias come in a variety of colors, from blue and purple to red and pink. These aromatic herbs attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with their tubular flowers.
   

6. Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

   
   The vibrant blooms of phlox come in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. This fragrant perennial attracts bees and butterflies and is easy to grow in full sun to partial shade.
   

7. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)

   
   Catmint's delicate spikes of lavender-blue flowers attract bees and other pollinators. This hardy perennial is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for gardeners who don't want to spend too much time watering.
   

8. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

   
   Goldenrod's bright yellow flowers bloom in the late summer and fall, providing a valuable source of nectar for bees and butterflies. Despite its reputation for causing allergies, goldenrod's pollen is too heavy to be carried by the wind and is instead dispersed by insects.
   

9. Helenium (Helenium autumnale)

   
   Helenium's daisy-like flowers range in color from yellow and orange to red and brown. This hardy perennial attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and is a great choice for adding late-season color to your garden.
   

10. Yarrow (Achillea spp.)

    
    Yarrow's flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers come in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red. This hardy perennial attracts bees and butterflies and is a great choice for naturalizing in meadows or wildflower gardens.
    

11. Borage (Borago officinalis)

    
    Borage's star-shaped blue flowers are not only beautiful but also edible. The nectar-rich blooms attract bees, while the plant's leaves can be used in salads or as a garnish.
    

12. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

    
    Milkweed is essential for the survival of monarch butterflies, whose larvae feed exclusively on its leaves. The fragrant flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, making it a must-have in any pollinator garden.
    

13. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)

    
    Penstemons come in a variety of colors, from pink and purple to red and blue. These tubular flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies and are a great choice for adding vertical interest to your garden.
    

14. Verbena (Verbena spp.)

    
    Verbena's clusters of small flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and white. This hardy perennial attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and is a great choice for planting along borders or in containers.
    

15. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)

    
    The cheerful daisy-like flowers of coreopsis come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. This easy-to-grow perennial attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and is a great choice for adding color to your garden.

Creating a Bee-Friendly Garden

Now that you know some of the best perennials for attracting bees, it's time to create a bee-friendly garden. Here are some tips to get you ed:

1. Plant a variety of flowers.

Bees are attracted to a variety of flower shapes and colors, so be sure to plant a mix of perennials, annuals, and herbs that bloom at different times throughout the growing season.

2. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides.

Chemicals can be harmful to bees and other pollinators, so try to use natural pest control methods whenever possible. For example, you can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to your garden by planting flowers like dill and fennel.

3. Provide water sources.

Bees need water to survive, so provide them with a shallow dish or birdbath filled with clean water. Make sure to change the water regularly to prevent the growth of mosquitoes.

4. Create nesting sites.

Many native bees nest in the ground or in hollow stems, so leave some areas of your garden undisturbed for them to create their homes. You can also create bee houses by drilling holes in blocks of wood or bundling hollow stems together.

5. Learn more about bees.

The more you know about bees, the better equipped you'll be to create a bee-friendly environment in your garden. Check out books or online resources to learn about bee behavior, habitat, and conservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do all bees live in hives?

No, not all bees live in hives. Many native bees are solitary and nest in the ground or in hollow stems.

2. Are all bees yellow and black?

No, not all bees are yellow and black. There are over 20,000 species of bees, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns.

3. What can I do to help bees besides planting flowers?

You can also support bees by buying organic produce, reducing your use of pesticides and herbicides, and supporting local beekeepers.

4. What should I do if I find a bee in my house?

If you find a bee in your house, try to gently capture it in a cup or jar and release it outside. Bees are not aggressive unless they feel threatened, so try to remain calm and avoid swatting at them.

5. How can I tell if a bee is male or female?

Male bees, or drones, have larger eyes and a more rounded abdomen than female bees, or workers. However, these differences can be difficult to see without a magnifying glass.

And that's a wrap! I hope this post has inspired you to create a bee-friendly garden and given you some ideas for perennials to plant. Remember, every little bit helps when it comes to supporting these essential pollinators. Happy gardening!