List of Plants That Attract Bees

Why It's Important to Attract Bees to Your Garden

Bees are essential pollinators that play a critical role in our ecosystem. By pollinating flowers, fruits, and vegetables, they help plants produce the food we eat. Unfortunately, bee populations have been declining in recent years due to habitat loss, pesticides, and disease. One way to help support bee populations is to plant a garden filled with plants that attract bees.

The Top 15 Plants That Attract Bees

Lavender

Lavender is not only beautiful but also a great attractor of bees. Its fragrant purple flowers bloom from late spring through early summer, providing a source of nectar for bees. Lavender is also easy to grow in most climates and is drought-tolerant once established.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are another excellent choice for attracting bees to your garden. Their large, bright flowers are irresistible to bees, and they're easy to grow from seed. Sunflowers also come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can choose the perfect ones to suit your garden.

Black-Eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans are a popular wildflower that's easy to grow and attracts a wide variety of pollinators, including bees. Their bright yellow petals and dark centers make them a beautiful addition to any garden.

Zinnias

Zinnias are colorful annuals that are beloved by bees. They come in a wide range of colors, from vibrant pinks and purples to sunny yellows and oranges. Zinnias are also easy to grow from seed, making them an affordable option for attracting bees to your garden.

Salvia

Salvia is a versatile plant that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its purple flowers bloom from late spring through early fall, providing a long season of nectar for bees. Salvia is also drought-tolerant once established, making it a great choice for hot and dry climates.

Bee Balm

As its name suggests, bee balm is an excellent attractor of bees. Its bright red or pink flowers bloom from midsummer through fall, providing a source of nectar for bees during the late season when other plants may have stopped blooming.

Cosmos

Cosmos is a beautiful annual that's easy to grow and attracts bees and other pollinators. Its delicate petals come in a range of colors, including pink, white, and orange. Cosmos blooms from midsummer through fall, providing a long season of nectar for bees.

Phlox

Phlox is a tall perennial that produces clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. Its flowers bloom from midsummer through fall, providing a source of nectar for bees during the late season.

Coneflowers

Coneflowers are a hardy perennial that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Their large, daisy-like flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and yellow. Coneflowers bloom from midsummer through fall, providing a long season of nectar for bees.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a wildflower that's often overlooked but is an excellent attractor of bees. Its bright yellow flowers bloom in late summer and fall, providing a source of nectar for bees during the late season.

Butterfly Bush

Butterfly bush is a shrub that attracts not only butterflies but also bees and hummingbirds. Its long spikes of fragrant flowers come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, and white. Butterfly bush blooms from midsummer through fall, providing a long season of nectar for bees.

Lupines

Lupines are a beautiful perennial that attracts bees and other pollinators. Their tall spikes of flowers come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, and purple. Lupines bloom from late spring through early summer, providing an early-season source of nectar for bees.

Borage

Borage is an annual herb that's beloved by bees. Its blue, star-shaped flowers bloom from midsummer through fall, providing a source of nectar for bees during the late season. Borage is also edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.

Thyme

Thyme is a low-growing herb that's easy to grow and attracts bees and other pollinators. Its tiny purple or pink flowers bloom from midsummer through fall, providing a long season of nectar for bees. Thyme is also edible and can be used in cooking.

Rosemary

Rosemary is another herb that's beloved by bees. Its small blue or pink flowers bloom in late winter and early spring, providing an early-season source of nectar for bees. Rosemary is also a popular culinary herb that can be used in a variety of dishes.

How to Create a Bee-Friendly Garden

Creating a bee-friendly garden is easy and rewarding. Here are some tips:

Plant a Variety of Flowers

Bees are attracted to a variety of flowers, so it's important to plant a mix of annuals and perennials in different colors and sizes.

Plant in Clumps

Planting flowers in clumps makes it easier for bees to find and collect nectar. It also makes your garden look more attractive.

Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to bees, so it's best to avoid using them in your garden. Instead, try natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Provide Shelter

Bees need shelter too! Provide nesting sites by leaving some bare ground or creating a bee hotel.

Provide Water

Bees need water to drink and cool down on hot days. Provide a shallow dish of water with pebbles or twigs for them to land on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plants That Attract Bees

1. What are the best plants to attract bees?

The best plants to attract bees include lavender, sunflowers, black-eyed Susans, zinnias, salvia, bee balm, cosmos, phlox, coneflowers, goldenrod, butterfly bush, lupines, borage, thyme, and rosemary.

2. Do all flowers attract bees?

No, not all flowers attract bees. Bees are attracted to flowers that have bright colors, strong fragrances, and accessible nectar and pollen.

3. How do I know if bees are visiting my garden?

You can tell if bees are visiting your garden by watching for them as they fly from flower to flower collecting nectar and pollen. You may also notice an increase in other pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.

4. What can I do to help protect bees?

To help protect bees, you can plant a bee-friendly garden, avoid using pesticides, provide nesting sites and water, and support local beekeepers.

5. Can I attract bees to my balcony or small garden?

Yes, you can attract bees to your balcony or small garden by planting a variety of flowers in pots or containers. Just make sure to choose plants that are suitable for your growing conditions.