Bees play a crucial role in maintaining the health and biodiversity of our planet’s ecosystems. These industrious insects are primary pollinators, with bees pollinating flowers across a vast array of plants. However, bee populations worldwide face significant threats, with many species experiencing alarming declines due to factors such as habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change and disease. Knowing what flowers to choose for attracting bees is essential for gardeners to help support these vital pollinators.
What Flowers Attract Bees?
Nectar-rich flowers, like crocus, bleeding hearts, coneflowers, bee balm, sedum and many more flowers, attract bees so they can help the plants propagate and prosper. Below we will mention the best flowers for bees.
Early Spring Blooms to Welcome Back Busy Bees
After a long winter, bees emerge hungry. Welcome them with these early blooming plants that attract bees:
- Crocus: Packed with nectar and pollen, these vibrant flowers are a bee magnet. Plant them in sunny spots for a colourful display.
- Grape Hyacinths: Perfect for attracting furry-footed bee pollinators, these fragrant flowers bloom early and brighten the garden.
- Hellebores & Snowdrops: Among the first to bloom, these provide much-needed nourishment for bees waking from hibernation.
- Alliums & Aconites: These “wilder” varieties are favourites of bees thanks to their pollen and nectar-rich blooms.
Planting a Bee Buffet for Mid to Late Spring
Keep the bees happy with a variety of flowers bees love throughout mid and late spring:
- Astilbes: Easy to care for, these shade-loving perennials come in vibrant colours and attract a variety of pollinators.
- Bleeding Hearts: Their delicate, heart-shaped flowers are loved by bees and add a touch of elegance to shady areas.
- Irises: A favorite among pollinators, irises come in a wide range of colours and thrive in full sun.
- Clematis: A versatile climber with beautiful blooms, clematis provides a feast for bees in sun or partial shade.
Summertime Delights: Keeping the Buzz Going
Summer is prime bee season. Here are some pollinator-friendly plants to ensure a constant food source of flowers attracting bees in early summer:
- Coneflowers: These long-blooming beauties attract bees, butterflies, and even birds.
- Yarrow: With their flat clusters of tiny flowers, yarrows are a magnet for pollinators and come in a variety of colours.
These plants will do the job in midsummer:
- Bee Balm: True to its name, bee balm is a bee favorite with its fragrant flower clusters.
- Hyssop: Easy to grow and loved by bees, hyssop comes in vibrant colours and blooms all summer long.
Nectar-laden flowers that open in late summer to early fall include:
- Asters: They are attractive, simple to grow and easily provide for multitudes of bees and other pollinators. They offer a much-sought-after food source to bees during the late season, helping them survive the impending cold.
- Sedums: Pollinators will make a beeline to sedums as soon as they start to bloom—and they bloom for a delightfully long time! Versatile and carefree, sedums are tolerant of poor soil conditions.
- Sunflowers: The ultimate pollinator magnet, sunflowers provide irresistible nectar and a cheerful late-summer display.
Planting Tips for Bee-Friendly Success
You’ve chosen your flowers, now let’s optimize your garden to maximize its bee appeal. Here are some additional tips to ensure your bee buffet is a true success:
- Variety Is Key: Plant flowers with staggered blooming times to provide a continuous food source throughout the season.
- Embrace Single Blooms: Double-headed flowers may look impressive, but they often produce less nectar. Go with single varieties to keep the bees happy.
- Think Beyond Flowers: Herbs like lavender and borage are bee magnets, while blackberries, raspberries, and bee-friendly trees provide additional sustenance for bees.
- Go Green: Avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can harm bees. Opt for natural alternatives to keep your plants healthy and the bees buzzing happily.
By following these tips and incorporating such bee-friendly plants into our garden designs, each of us can create a beautiful haven that supports our vital pollinators.