Plants Good for Bees

Bees are one of the most important insects on the planet. They help to pollinate plants, which is essential for the production of fruits, vegetables, and other crops. Unfortunately, bees are facing many challenges today, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and disease. One way we can help bees is by planting flowers and other plants that provide them with food and shelter. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best plants for bees.

The Importance of Bees

Before we dive into the plants that are good for bees, let's take a moment to appreciate the importance of these tiny creatures. Bees are responsible for pollinating more than 30% of the world's crops, including almonds, apples, blueberries, and cucumbers. Without bees, many of our favorite foods would be in short supply or wouldn't exist at all. Additionally, bees play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems. They help to pollinate wildflowers, which provide food and habitat for countless other species.

Best Plants for Bees

Lavender

Lavender is a beautiful flowering plant that is a favorite among gardeners and bees alike. Its fragrant purple flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for a pollinator garden. Lavender blooms from mid to late summer, providing bees with a source of nectar when many other plants have finished blooming.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It's a drought-tolerant plant, so it doesn't need a lot of water once established. To encourage bushy growth, prune lavender in the spring after new growth appears but before the flowers bloom.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a classic summer flower that is loved by bees and other pollinators. Their large, bright yellow flowers provide a rich source of nectar and pollen. Sunflowers come in a wide range of sizes and varieties, so there's something for every garden.

How to Grow Sunflowers

Sunflowers need full sun and well-drained soil. They also require a lot of water, especially when they're young. To encourage healthy growth, fertilize sunflowers with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as bergamot or monarda, is a native North American plant that is a favorite of bees and hummingbirds. Its brightly colored flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and red, and they bloom from mid-summer to early fall.

How to Grow Bee Balm

Bee balm prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can be prone to mildew, so make sure to plant it in an area with good air circulation. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

Cosmos

Cosmos are a beautiful annual flower that comes in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and purple. They bloom from mid-summer to frost, providing a long-lasting source of food for bees.

How to Grow Cosmos

Cosmos prefer well-drained soil and full sun. They're easy to grow from seed, and they don't require much maintenance. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a native North American plant that is often unfairly blamed for causing allergies (it's actually ragweed that causes most hay fever symptoms). Goldenrod blooms in late summer and early fall, providing bees with a rich source of nectar.

How to Grow Goldenrod

Goldenrod prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be invasive in some areas, so make sure to plant it where it won't take over your garden. Prune it back in the spring to encourage bushy growth.

Other Plants That Are Good for Bees

Salvia

How to Grow Salvia

Zinnias

How to Grow Zinnias

Coneflowers

How to Grow Coneflowers

Black-Eyed Susans

How to Grow Black-Eyed Susans

Phlox

How to Grow Phlox

Frequently Asked Questions About Plants Good for Bees

Q: Why are bees important?

A: Bees are important because they help to pollinate plants, which is essential for the production of fruits, vegetables, and other crops. They also play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems.

Q: What types of plants do bees like?

A: Bees like plants that produce nectar and pollen, such as lavender, sunflowers, bee balm, cosmos, goldenrod, and many others.

Q: How can I attract bees to my garden?

A: You can attract bees to your garden by planting flowers and other plants that provide them with food and shelter. Make sure to choose a variety of plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season.

Q: Do all bees pollinate plants?

A: No, not all bees are pollinators. However, most species of bees do play a role in pollination to some extent.

Q: How can I help bees besides planting flowers?

A: In addition to planting flowers, you can help bees by avoiding the use of pesticides and providing them with nesting sites such as bee hotels or hollow stems.