Perennial Flowers for Bees

Why Perennial Flowers Matter to Bees

As we all know, bees are essential pollinators that play a vital role in our ecosystem. However, due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use, bee populations have been declining rapidly. One way to help our buzzing friends is by planting perennial flowers that provide them with nectar and pollen throughout the year.

The Best Perennial Flowers for Bees

Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender is a favorite among both humans and bees. Its fragrant purple blooms are not only beautiful, but they also produce abundant nectar that bees love. Plant lavender in full sun and well-drained soil to ensure its continued growth year after year.

Sage (Salvia)

Sage is another perennial flower that bees adore. Its long-lasting blue-purple blooms are a great source of nectar, and it's easy to grow in most climates. Sage prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Bee Balm (Monarda)

As its name suggests, bee balm is a favorite among bees. Its bright pink, red, or purple blooms attract bees like magnets, and its sweet nectar keeps them coming back for more. Bee balm prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Coneflowers (Echinacea)

Coneflowers are not only beautiful, but they're also great for bees. Their large, daisy-like blooms are a good source of nectar and pollen, and they bloom from summer to fall. Coneflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

Black-eyed susans are a great choice for gardeners looking to attract bees. Their bright yellow blooms with dark centers are a good source of nectar and pollen, and they bloom from midsummer to fall. Black-eyed susans prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple coneflowers are a favorite among both gardeners and bees. Their large, daisy-like flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and white and are a great source of nectar and pollen. Purple coneflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Goldenrod (Solidago)

Goldenrod is a late-season bloomer that provides bees with an important source of nectar and pollen when other flowers have stopped blooming. Its bright yellow flowers form large clusters and are easy to grow in most soils and light conditions.

Phlox

Phlox is a beautiful perennial flower that comes in shades of pink, purple, and white and is a favorite among bees. Its sweet nectar attracts bees and butterflies, and its long-lasting blooms make it a great addition to any garden. Phlox prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Salvia (Sage)

Salvia is a genus of flowering plants that includes many species popular with bees. Their long spikes of blue, pink, or purple flowers are a great source of nectar and pollen, and they're easy to grow in most climates.

Catmint (Nepeta)

Catmint is a drought-tolerant perennial that produces fragrant blue-purple flowers that bees love. Its long blooming season and hardy nature make it a great addition to any garden. Catmint prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Yarrow (Achillea)

Yarrow is a tough, hardy perennial that produces clusters of small, flat-topped flowers in shades of pink, white, or yellow. Its sweet nectar attracts bees and butterflies, and it's easy to grow in most soils and light conditions.

Liatris

Liatris, also known as blazing star, is a beautiful perennial flower that produces tall spikes of purple or white flowers that bees love. Its long blooming season and hardy nature make it a great addition to any garden. Liatris prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage is an annual herb that produces beautiful blue flowers that are a favorite among bees. Its sweet nectar attracts bees and butterflies, and its leaves are edible and can be used to make tea. Borage prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Crocus

Crocuses are early-blooming bulbs that produce bright, cheerful blooms in shades of purple, yellow, and white. They're one of the first flowers to bloom in spring and provide bees with an important source of nectar and pollen when other flowers are still dormant. Crocuses prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Snowdrops

Snowdrops are another early-blooming bulb that provides bees with an important source of nectar and pollen when other flowers are still dormant. Their delicate white flowers with green tips are a welcome sight in late winter or early spring. Snowdrops prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Planting perennial flowers that provide bees with nectar and pollen throughout the year is a great way to help support our struggling bee populations. By incorporating some of the plants mentioned above into your garden, you can create a beautiful and sustainable habitat for these important pollinators.

FAQs

1. What is the best time of year to plant perennial flowers?

The best time to plant perennial flowers is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the soil is moist.

2. Do perennial flowers need to be watered regularly?

Perennial flowers generally don't require as much watering as annual flowers, but they should still be watered regularly, especially during hot or dry spells.

3. How long do perennial flowers live?

Perennial flowers can live for many years, depending on the species and growing conditions. Some perennials can live for decades with proper care.

4. Can I grow perennial flowers in containers?

Yes, many perennial flowers can be grown in containers, provided that the container is large enough and has good drainage.

5. Do all perennial flowers attract bees?

No, not all perennial flowers are attractive to bees. However, the plants listed in this article are known to be particularly attractive to bees.