Bees are some of the most significant pollinators on the planet , play a all-important persona in plant reproduction and the wellness of our ecosystems . Whether you ’re a seasoned nurseryman or just starting out , institute a variety offlowers that attract beesis a beautiful and impactful way to support these vital louse . Plus , bee - favorable blooms bring vibrant gloss , fragrance , and life to any garden space .
In this article , we ’ve compiled 45 stunningflowers that draw in bees — from bright wildflowers and refined perennials to fragrant herbaceous plant and charming bush . Each plant on this listing not only enhances your garden ’s beauty but also attend to as a rich nectar and pollen source for honeybees , bumblebees , and aboriginal solitary bee .
Whether you ’re project a full pollinator garden or merely want to add a few bee - friendly choices to your landscape , this guide will help you take the bestflowers that attract bees . And with pictures included , you ’ll easily regain the everlasting bloom to jibe your style while patronise nature ’s busy worker .
Annual Flowers That Attract Bees
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers are iconic blooms cognise for their tall stems and large , lucky - yellow flush head that follow the sun throughout the day . These pollyannaish annuals come in a kind of sizes , from dwarf to jumbo varieties , and their broad central magnetic disk are packed with pollen and nectar — have them a dearie among bees and other pollinator .
They expand in full sun and prefer well - drain soil with moderate moisture . Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed and can tolerate a range of stain types , though they perform best in nutritive - rich , slimly alkaline soil . Regular tearing is needed until they ’re well - established , after which they become comparatively drouth - tolerant .
Sunflowers are grown widely across USDA hardiness zones 2 through 11 . Their large flower heads act like landing pads for bees , volunteer a rich rootage of pollen and nectar . Because they bloom in mid to late summer , they provide food for bees when other flush may be fading .
Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are colorful , daisy - like blossom that bloom in a variety of brilliant hues , from red and pinkish to orange and purpurate . These cheerful annuals farm abundant blooms on bushy plants and are extremely attractive to pollinator , peculiarly bees and butterflies .
They produce well in full sun and well - enfeeble soil . Zinnias are comparatively low - maintenance and require only moderate lachrymation . Deadheading spent blooms can encourage uninterrupted inflorescence throughout the growing time of year . They ’re best started from semen directly in the garden after the last icing .
Zinnias are beseem for USDA zone 3 through 10 and are extremely valued for their longsighted blooming period . bee are drawn to their open - faced flowers and easy memory access to nectar , making zinnias a perfect choice for pollinator gardens .
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Cosmos are delicate , airy yearbook with feathery foliage and daisy - like heyday that rock on slender radical . Blooming in shades of white , pink , and imperial , cosmos offer a long efflorescence season and make a wild flower spirit in the garden .
They favour full sunshine and tolerate misfortunate grime conditions , which make them improbably gentle to rise . Cosmos need minimal watering and thrive on neglect , as overly full-bodied soil or excess watering can conduce to few bloom . Deadheading helps extend the bloom time through summer into fall .
Cosmos are well - suited to USDA zones 2 through 11 . Their open , flat flowers provide easy access to nectar and pollen for bees , which frequently visit them during the warmer months . They ’re specially valuable in naturalized or bungalow - style gardens .
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds are undimmed , redolent flower know for their bold Au , orangish , and yellow hue . They are wide appreciated for their pest - repelling holding and long - lasting blooms , which also make them a great comrade plant in veggie gardens .
These annuals develop well in full sun and well - drained soil . Marigolds are well-fixed to wish for , requiring only moderate lachrymation and occasional deadheading to boost more blooms . They ’re tough plants that permit passion and a wide range of soil condition .
Marigolds can be grow in USDA zones 2 through 11 . While not all types are equally attractive to bees , single - blossom change offer easy entree to pollen and nectar , making them estimable pick for pollinator - favorable garden . Their brilliant colour and protract bloom menstruation help keep bee come back .
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula , also sleep together as toilet marigold , produces cheerful , daisy - like flowers in shades of yellow and orange . Beyond their ravisher , calendula flower are edible and prize for their medicinal properties , add both appealingness and utility to garden layer .
This cool - time of year one-year prefers full sun to fond wraith and grows best in well - drain , somewhat rich soil . Calendula needs veritable lacrimation but is relatively low - sustainment . Deadheading helps gallop the blooming season from spring through other free fall .
Suitable for USDA zona 2 through 11 , calendula is a magnet for pollinators . Bees are particularly tender of its open blossom that supply light access code to nectar and pollen . It ’s a favorite in herb gardens and cottage gardens plan to support beneficial insects .
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragonsfeature tall spike of vasiform flowers in a extensive range of color , from pastel pink to abstruse reds and purples . Their unparalleled flying lizard - shape blooms open when pressed , reach them popular among tiddler and gardeners alike .
They thrive in full Dominicus to fond shade and prefer rich , well - drain grunge . Snapdragons are best grown in cooler temperatures and can be planted in other springtime or fall . They benefit from steady watering and dressing , especially during their active efflorescence geological period .
Snapdragons grow well in USDA zone 7 through 11 , though they can be grown as yearbook in cooler climates . humblebee , in particular , are drawn to their cryptic , nectar - robust flowers and are strong enough to reach the flower ’s “ jaw ” to reach the ambrosia inside .
Cleome (Cleome hassleriana)
Cleome , also known as wanderer flower , is a tall , eye - bewitch annual that bring forth bunch of spidery blush in shades of pink , lilac , blanched , and rose . Its recollective stamen and airy structure give it a capricious look that stands out in any pollinator - well-disposed garden .
It thrives in full Lord’s Day and favour well - drained soil . Cleome is drouth - resistant once established and does n’t require much sustenance apart from occasional tearing in ironical magical spell . It ’s best to outer space plants wide , as they can grow tall and shaggy-haired with upright air circulation .
Cleome grows well in USDA zona 2 through 11 as an yearly . Bees are highly attracted to its open , fragrant flowers and are frequent visitors during the summertime blossom point . Its height and long - lasting salad days also make it a strong feature in back borderline or bungalow gardens .
Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Alyssum is a low - growing , ground - squeeze yearbook that produce masses of diminutive , sweet - scented flower in white , pinkish , or purpleness . Its dense flowered clump put up both ocular entreaty and fragrance , making it a great choice for edging , container , or hanging baskets .
It prefers full Sunday to fond shade and thrives in well - drained soil . Alyssum is remarkably easygoing to grow , needing minimum aid apart from occasional lachrymation during ironic conditions . It often reseed itself and can blossom continuously from leaping through fall in cooler climates .
Alyssum is suitable for USDA zones 2 through 11 and is loved by bees for its teemingness of small ambrosia - productive flower . Its extended blooming season makes it a consistent source of food for pollinators throughout the growing season .
Bachelor’s Buttons (Centaurea cyanus)
Bachelor ’s button , also get laid as bachelor’s button , are charming annual known for their vivid blue rosiness , though pinkish , livid , and purple varieties also subsist . Their papery , fringed petals and upright stem add a Hellenic wild flower seem to any bee - well-disposed space .
They grow well in full sun and well - drain stain , and they ’re specially gentle to develop from seed . Bachelor ’s Buttons are drouth - large-minded once plant and require minimal fear . Deadheading helps prolong the flowering time of year from late leaping into early summertime .
These flowers are perfect for USDA zones 2 through 10 . Bees are particularly drawn to the bright drab varieties , which offer easy approach to both nectar and pollen . Their traditional appearance makes them ideal for meadow plantings or loose borders .
Tithonia (Mexican Sunflower) (Tithonia rotundifolia)
Tithonia , or Mexican Sunflower , is a bold and vibrant annual that develop fiery Orange River or red daisy - like bloom of youth on marvelous , sturdy stems . The plant impart height and semblance to gardens while acting as a powerful magnet for pollinators .
It thrives in full sun and prefers well - drained soil with moderate lachrymation . Tithonia is heat - tolerant and thrives in hot , dry weather condition , make it a gross summertime performing artist . It do good from staking in impractical areas due to its height , which can contact 4 to 6 feet .
Mexican Sunflowers grow well in USDA zones 3 through 10 . bee are strongly draw to their graphic color and nectar - robust center . These prime are also a front-runner among butterflies and hummingbirds , make a springy pollinator hot spot in any sunny garden .
Larkspur (Delphinium consolida)
Larkspur is an elegant yearbook with marvelous prime spikes adorned with delicate , spurred prime in shades of blue , pinkish , white , and purple . Its stately structure adds vertical interest and old - fashioned charm to pollinator garden and borders .
It farm good in full sun to light shade and prefers cool atmospheric condition and fertile , well - run out soil . Larkspur can be tricky to grow in hot climates but thrives with adequate wet and good air circulation . It is typically direct - seeded in the nightfall or other spring .
Larkspur perform well in USDA geographical zone 3 through 7 . Its marvellous spires and abundant blooms draw bee , peculiarly humblebee , who seek out the ambrosia hidden in its uniquely shaped blossom . It ’s an excellent choice for bungalow gardens and naturalistic plantings that support beneficial insects .
Perennial Flowers That Attract Bees
Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
Bee Balm is a vibrant , fragrant perennial known for its tubular blooms that derive in shades of red , pink , lilac-colored , and white-hot . The flowers form assail clusters on improbable stem and are a favorite not just for bees , but also for butterfly and hummingbirds .
It spring up best in full sun to fond shade and prefers copious , moist , well - debilitate grunge . Bee Balm enjoys ordered wet and benefits from secure line circulation to prevent powdery mold . Deadheading spent flowers will further more blooms throughout the summer .
Bee Balm flourish in USDA zones 3 through 9 . Its unambiguously shaped flowers are rich in nectar , do them a top choice for attract bees of all kind , include Apis mellifera and aboriginal bumblebee . The long blooming flow ensures a reliable food germ for pollinators .
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black - Eyed Susan is a Greco-Roman wildflower featuring gold - yellow petals surrounding a dark brown central cone . These hardy perennials or biennial are beloved for their cheerful appearance and their ability to attract a encompassing variety of pollinators .
They grow well in full Lord’s Day and tolerate poor to average soils , provided they are well - enfeeble . Black - Eyed Susans are low - maintenance and drouth - tolerant once found , making them ideal for naturalize areas , delimitation , and pollinator gardens .
Best suited for USDA zones 3 through 9 , Black - Eyed Susans bloom from midsummer into fall . Bees are drawn to their daisy - like flower heads , which offer accessible pollen and nectar . Their recollective blooming season allow reliable food for pollinators through recent summer .
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
coneflower are stalwart , drouth - tolerant perennials known for their daisy - regulate prime with majestic petals and a raised , spiky key cone . They are both ornamental and running , add together beauty to gardens while attracting many pollinators .
They favor full sun and well - drained filth and can treat heat , drouth , and even poor soil . coneflower are easy to farm and require little upkeep . Once lay down , they bloom profusely from early summer to fall and are splendid for naturalized plantings .
Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9 , Coneflowers are attractor for bees , offering ambrosia - ample blooms with light access . Their long flowering period and upright social organisation make them consummate for plunk for both bees and butterflies in gay garden infinite .
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Milkweed is a native wildflower well known as the server industrial plant for monarch butterflies , but it ’s also a worthful nectar source for many coinage of bee . Its clustering of star - shaped flowers come in colors ranging from pink and orange to ashen and crimson .
It develop salutary in full Dominicus and well - drained grime , with certain species adapted to different conditions — like swamp milkweed for moist areas and butterfly dope for wry sites . Milkweed ask small maintenance and can naturalize in the landscape painting over time .
Milkweed metal money can be grown in USDA geographical zone 3 through 9 calculate on the variety . bee are especially drawn to milkweed ’s sweetly scented , nectar - racy blooms . Planting milkweed not only supports pollinators but also helps in milkweed butterfly preservation .
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is a intrepid perennial that produce flat - topped clusters of tiny bloom in shades of clean , yellow , pink , or red . Its fern - like leaf adds a delicate grain to garden beds , and it is highly attractive to bee , butterflies , and other good insects .
It prefer full Dominicus and prosper in wretched to average out , well - drained soil . Yarrow is drouth - tolerant and requires minimal tending once shew . Over meter , it can spread by rhizomes , making it utilitarian for naturalizing or fill great garden areas .
Yarrow grows well in USDA zones 3 through 9 . bee bed the heavy flower headspring , which provide a generous provision of nectar and pollen over a longsighted flower menses from tardy outpouring through summer . Its resiliency and pollinator appeal make it ideal for lowly - maintenance wildlife garden .
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
Anise Hyssop is a fragrant perennial herb with improbable spikes of lilac - purple flower and licorice - scented foliage . Its showy blooms and redolent leaves make it a standout in both herb and pollinator garden .
It fly high in full Dominicus and well - drained soil , put up drouth once shew . Anise Hyssop is easy to grow , and deadheading can promote a 2nd flush of bloom . It ’s also cervid - tolerant and often self - seed , making it a low - sustenance favorite .
Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9 , Anise Hyssop is highly attractive to bees due to its long blossoming time of year and fertile nectar content . Its upright spikes provide easy access code for pollinators , nominate it one of the top bee - well-disposed plants for summertime gardens .
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Joe Pye Weed is a marvelous , native perennial that produce enceinte , domed bunch of wan garden pink to over-embellished flowers . Its hulk presence and late - summertime blooms make it a magnet for bees and butterflies in naturalized landscapes .
It prefers full sun to fond wraith and thrives in moist , full-bodied soils , though it can adapt to average condition . Joe Pye Weed is capital for pelting gardens , wet meadows , or back borders and command minimal caution once establish .
Suitable for USDA zones 4 through 9 , Joe Pye Weed provides a vital later - season nectar source for bees , specially aboriginal bumblebees . Its elevation and mass of flush make it a valuable anchor plant life in pollinator - focused designs .
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Goldenrod is a resilient aboriginal perennial known for its bright lucky - yellow flower plume that flower in previous summer and former fall . Despite its reputation , it does not get allergy — ragweed is the true perpetrator — and is highly valuable to pollinators .
It spring up well in full sun and adapts to various soil types , admit poor or sandy territory . Goldenrod is drouth - tolerant and thrives in open hayfield , prairies , and garden borders . Some species can propagate aggressively , so opt clump - forming variety for smaller garden .
Hardy in USDA zone 3 through 9 , Goldenrod provides a vital nectar source for bees during the late season when few other flora are blooming . It supports a broad ambit of native bee and flirt a key persona in the pollinator life cycle before wintertime sets in .
Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)
Penstemon , also known as beardtongue , is a perennial with tubular flowers in shades of imperial , pinkish , reddened , and white . These elegant peak posture atop slender stem and are favored by pollinators for their soma and abundance .
It prefers full sun and well - enfeeble ground , performing good in drier conditions . Penstemon is drouth - resistant , easy to farm , and works well in rock’n’roll gardens , prairie plantings , or xeriscapes . Pruning after florescence can promote bushier growing and more blooms .
Penstemon is suitable for USDA zones 3 through 8 bet on the species . While hummingbird love the flush , bees — peculiarly long - tongue metal money — also visit oft to collect nectar from their cryptic throats .
Sedum (Stonecrop) (Sedum spp.)
Sedum , or Stonecrop , is a various group of succulent with overweight leaves and star - determine bloom that flower in late summer and evenfall . kind range from ground - hugging flatness to upright clumps , making them various for garden design .
They prefer full Dominicus and thrive in pathetic , jolting , or sandy soils with fantabulous drainage . Sedum is extremely drought - tolerant and involve almost no upkeep once prove . The bloom pass are long - permanent and often hold on into wintertime , cater optical pastime .
Most Sedum species are fearless in USDA zone 3 through 9 . Bees are especially drawn to the late - season flower , which are rich in nectar when other blossom are melt . Sedum offers essential support to pollinators preparing for winter .
Blazing Star (Liatris) (Liatris spicata)
Blazing Star is a hit aboriginal perennial with grandiloquent , spiky bloom stem address in fluffy , lavender - purple blooms . Its upright structure and long - lasting bloom supply texture and height to garden , making it a standout in pollinator landscapes .
It originate upright in full sunshine and well - drained soil , tolerating drought once established . Blazing Star is dispirited - criminal maintenance , cervid - immune , and prefers capable meadows , prairie garden , or gay border . Cutting back in other spring helps maintain its form twelvemonth after yr .
Blazing Star thrives in USDA geographical zone 3 through 9 . Its nectar - racy flower bloom from top to bottom and are a major draw for bee , specially aboriginal solitary species and bumblebees . The prolonged bloom time offer uniform food for thought during the belated summertime season .
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender is a fragrant repeated herb beloved for its silvery foliage and steeple of purple to dark flowers . Its aromatic bloom are not only beautiful but are also extremely attractive to pollinators , especially Apis mellifera .
It prefers full Dominicus and well - drain , slightly alkaline ground . Lavender is drought - resistant , call for minimum lacrimation , and benefits from regular pruning to maintain a tidy shape and encourage reblooming . It ’s idealistic for perimeter , herb gardens , and container .
Lavender is sturdy in USDA zones 5 through 9 depending on the species . Its bloom are loaded with ambrosia , and bee clump to them during the warm months . Lavender ’s long efflorescence period and sweet scent make it a pollinator attraction in any cheery garden .
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
tickseed , often send for tickweed , is a pollyannaish perennial or annual flower with daisy - similar flower in bright shades of jaundiced , red , orangish , or bi - colouring . It has a long bloom period and a weak , airy appearance that add move and charm to gardens .
This plant life fly high in full sun and well - run out soil , tolerating drought and poor conditions . tick-weed is well-to-do to grow , requires little precaution , and can self - seed or spread mildly calculate on the eccentric . Deadheading can extend the blossom time of year .
Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9 , tick-weed provides abundant nectar and pollen that draw in bees all summertime long . Its unfastened - faced flowers are easy for bees to land on , making it one of the most honest choices for supporting pollinators .
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian Sage is a woody perennial known for its silverish - hoary foliage and tall sprays of small , lavender - blue peak . This airy , aromatic plant produce a soft , cloud - like core in the garden while drawing a wide regalia of pollinator .
It prefers full sunlight and well - drained , dry to mediocre grunge . Russian Sage is passing drouth - tolerant once prove and requires very footling sustenance apart from a yearly pruning in early spring . It ’s ideal for xeriscaping , borders , and cottage garden .
Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9 , Russian Sage flower from midsummer into fall , providing late - season nectar to bees when other sources are dwindling . Its abundant , small flowers volunteer a sideboard of food that keeps bees buzz from plant life to plant .
Herb Flowers That Attract Bees
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is a fragrant annual herb best be intimate for its culinary uses , but its low , tubular white or purple flower are a concealed gemstone for pollinators . When allow to bloom , Basil of Caesarea becomes a attracter for bees and other good insects .
It fly high in full Sunday and racy , well - drained land , with unconstipated tearing to keep the leaves lush . While many gardeners nobble off flush to advertize leafy growth , have a few plants flower will reward you with both come and pollinator natural action .
Basil grows well in USDA zones 10 through 11 as a perennial , but is wide cultivated as an one-year in cool zones . Its clusters of diminutive rosiness are packed with ambrosia , make it extremely attractive to bees , especially in recent summer when few other herbs are flowering .
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is a low - growing , redolent perennial herb with tiny , pallid pink to lavender flowers that bloom in heavy cluster . Its ground - hug wont make it perfect for garden border , rock gardens , or as a fragrant primer coat cover song .
This herb favour full sun and well - drained , flaxen soil . Thyme is drouth - tolerant , thrives in poor soil , and command minimum care once established . Occasional trimming after flowering avail conserve its form and encourages denser growth .
Thyme is sturdy in USDA geographical zone 5 through 9 . When in bloom , it ’s a darling among honeybee and native bees alike . The small heyday may seem mild , but they propose abundant ambrosia and pollen , especially appreciated in gay , dry gardens .
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Oregano is a perennial herb with spread growth and small , delicate blossom that ramble from white to pink or purple . When allowed to blossom , oregano becomes a full of life gathering place for bee , butterfly stroke , and other pollinator .
It thrives in full Sunday and well - drained soil , preferring drier conditions once instal . Oregano is low - upkeep , tolerant of hapless soils , and idealistic for herb gardens , container , or borders . Pruning after flowering can extend its blooming time of year .
Hardy in USDA zone 4 through 9 , oregano blooms in mid to late summer , proffer nectar when many other herbs have finished . Its dense cluster of flower cater easygoing accession for bees , making it a reliable and aromatic pollinator - favorable herb .
Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint is a vigorous , spreading herbaceous plant known for its fragrant leaf and clusters of small , tubelike flower in clean , pink , or lavender . Its bloom are extremely attractive to bees , particularly when arise in clump where pollinator can scrounge well .
It prefers partial to full sun and moist , well - drained soil . stack spread rapidly and can become invasive , so it ’s often best grown in containers or confined garden bed . Regular harvest home and pruning help control its development and promote flowering .
Mint is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9 , depending on the species . Its blooms are ambrosia - deep and bloom through summer into early fall , drawing in honeybees , bumblebees , and many aboriginal species . The abundance of flowers and tenacious blossom catamenia make mint a pollinator haven .
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
cive are a chunk - forming perennial herbaceous plant that produce charming , spherical purple heyday forefront in previous spring to former summer . Their edible blooms are not only visually appealing but also rich in nectar , making them a favorite among bee .
They grow best in full Dominicus and well - drained soil , thrive in herbaceous plant garden , delimitation , and containers . Chives are cold - hardy , drought - broad once established , and gain from occasional class to stay vigorous .
Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9 , chives blush betimes in the time of year when bee are emerging and in want of food . Their round , clustered flower offer easy admission to nectar and pollen , make them an excellent other - season resource for pollinators .
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary is a woody , evergreen herb with phonograph needle - alike leaves and finespun , tubular flower in shades of blue , snowy , or garden pink . While it ’s prise in the kitchen , its blooms are also a worthful nectar beginning for bees , especially during balmy seasons .
It prefer full sun and well - enfeeble soil , tolerating drought and poor weather condition once established . Rosemary boom in containers or as a perennial edge works , and it benefits from episodic pruning to encourage branching and bloom production .
Hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10 , rosemary can be grown as an annual in insensate climates . Its early and long - lasting blooms draw honeybees and native bees , extend full of life nectar during cooler months when other flowers are scarce .
Coriander (Cilantro) (Coriandrum sativum)
Coriander , recognise as cilantro when referring to its leaf , bring about delicate umbels oftiny whiteto sick pinkish flowers when it absquatulate . Though often grown for culinary employment , its blossoms are a hidden muffin for pollinators , specially lowly native bee .
It grows best in full sun to light shade and prefers moist , well - drained grease . Cilantro tends to bolt chop-chop in ardent weather , but lease it bloom boost seed production ( Coriandrum sativum ) and corroborate pollinators during the transition .
Coriander is grown as an yearbook in all USDA zone . Its kickshaw flower are highly attractive to hoverflies , small bees , and beneficial insect , offering approachable nectar across a panoptic area . gardener often earmark a few plant to blossom just for the bee .
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fennel is a marvellous , feathery - leaved herb with large , umbrella - shaped clusters of yellow flowers . Both ornamental and comestible , fennel is an excellent pollinator industrial plant that draws in a variety of good insects , let in bees .
It grows best in full sun and well - drained soil , thrive in heart-to-heart garden spaces and herb beds . Fennel is drouth - large-minded and abject - maintenance once established , though it should be space carefully as it can self - seed prolifically .
Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9 , fennel flower from midsummer into declination . Its ambrosia - rich flower provide substantive intellectual nourishment for bees , and their wide , categoric structure offers light landing pads for a smorgasbord of pollinators and predatory insects .
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon Balm is a bushy , lemon - sweet-smelling perennial herb that produces small white to pale yellow flowers . Though pernicious in coming into court , its blossoms are highly attractive to bees , peculiarly when planted in clusters .
It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist , well - drained land . Lemon Balm is well-situated to grow and spread readily , so occasional trimming or container planting help manage its maturation . steady pruning encourages new leafy increase and recent - season blooming .
Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9 , Lemon Balm blossom in mid to late summer . The blossoms may be pocket-size , but they provide abundant nectar , attracting a steady stream of bee throughout their bloom sentence — gain it a quiet but powerful pollinator plant life .
Shrubs and Trees That Attract Bees
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
Butterfly Bush is a tight - growing , deciduous bush known for its long , cone cell - shaped peak spikes in nicety of purple , pink , bloodless , or blue . While it ’s famous for attracting butterflies , bee are equally drawn to its sweetly scented , nectar - rich blooms .
It prosper in full sun and well - drained soil , tolerating drought once establish . Butterfly Bush benefits from annual pruning in early bounce to maintain build and encourage prolific flowering . It ’s ideal for border , pollinator gardens , and sunny hedges .
Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9 , this bush blooms from midsummer into free fall when other nectar sources may be dwindling . Its tube-shaped flower provide fantabulous pasturage for both bumblebees and Apis mellifera , offering long - go solid food through the season .
Bluebeard (Caryopteris) (Caryopteris x clandonensis)
Bluebeard , also known as Blue Mist Spirea , is a compact , deciduous bush with aromatic leafage and soft , fluffy clustering of blue to violet flower . Though lowly in size of it , it ’s a brawny magnet for late - season pollinators .
It grow best in full sun and well - drained land , tolerating passion and drouth with ease . This humbled - maintenance shrub requires little pruning by from shaping in early leaping . It copulate well in interracial borders or as a flowering foundation works .
Bluebeard is audacious in USDA zones 5 through 9 . Its mid to previous summertime bloom provide much - needed ambrosia for bees when many other plants have finish flowering . The open structure of the flower crap it comfortable for pollinator to access nutrient .
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
Lilac is a beloved bound - bloom shrub know for its dim clusters of fragrant , lavender to white blooms . While admired for its nostalgic smell , its former - season flowers are an excellent nectar source for emerging bees .
It prefers full sun and well - drain , slightly alkalic soil . Lilac requires minimal care once established but benefits from light pruning after blooming to encourage future flower production . It ’s perfect for hedges or as a standalone garden feature .
Hardy in USDA zona 3 through 7 , lilac blooms in mid to late spring . Its hard perfumed flowers pull bumblebee , solitary bees , and even the occasional Apis mellifera , help to defend pollinator at the head start of the growing season .
Spirea (Spiraea spp.)
Spirea is a versatile deciduous shrub with little , clustered flowers in white , pinkish , or cerise depending on the variety . Its neat growth drug abuse and profuse flowering make it a staple in landscape design and a worthful plant for pollinators .
It grows well in full sun to light shade and opt jolly moist , well - drained land . Spirea is very low-spirited - upkeep , and some types flower more than once if lightly pruned after the first flowering .
Spirea thrives in USDA zones 4 through 9 . Its dense flower clusters are a true nectar generator , peculiarly for bees and other little pollinator . Some species flower in early spring while others go on into summer , providing on-going support for louse life .
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Hawthorn is a diminished , ornamental tree or large shrub with clusters of white to pinkish flowers that bloom profusely in late leap . Though spiny , it volunteer a wealth of nectar and pollen , making it highly worthful to bees .
It prefers full Lord’s Day and well - drained soil but is adaptable to various shape let in pathetic , stony territory . Hawthorn is idealistic for hedgerows , wildlife garden , and aboriginal plant landscapes . It also producesred berriesin fall that provender doll and small mammal .
Hardy in USDA geographical zone 4 through 8 , Hawthorn flowers attract a broad scope of bees , let in Apis mellifera , bumblebees , and James Mason bees . The spring heyday offer up a reliable early - season food source , while the plant ’s social organisation supports wildlife year - round .
Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Redbud is a small , ornamental tree that produces vibrant pink to magenta flowers in early spring , often before its heart - shape leaves appear . Its striking flowered exhibit enshroud stark offset and supply vital early - season nectar for pollinators .
It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist , well - drained land . Redbud is comfortable to grow and lowly - maintenance , making it ideal for household garden , woodland borders , and native landscapes . Prune lightly to asseverate social structure after flowering .
Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9 , Redbud flowers in early springtime when few other plants are blooming . Its blossoms are fertile in nectar and attract native bee , including pansy bumblebees andcarpenter beesemerging from winter dormancy .
Dogwood (Cornus spp.)
dogwood are beloved flower trees and shrub that make clusters of small , star - corresponding bloom surrounded by large , flashy bract . Their early bloom and graceful form make them a staple in decorative garden and woodland landscape .
They prefer partial shade and systematically moist , well - drain soil , though many species also permit full sun . Dogwoods profit from a layer of mulch and occasional pruning to remove fifth wheel or shape the canopy .
Most dogwood varieties are hardy in USDA zone 5 through 9 . Their springtime flower draw native bees and small pollinators . afterward in the season , cornel fruits provide solid food for birds , raise their economic value to wildlife and pollinator - well-disposed garden .
Willow (Salix spp.)
Willows are tight - growing trees or shrub with long , flexible branch and narrow leave of absence . In early spring , they grow fuzzy catkins loaded with nectar and pollen , which are a crucial food author for bees awakening from wintertime .
Willows thrive in full sun and moist to plastered soils , often found near streams , ponds , or other low - lying areas . They farm quickly and may require snip to manage size of it and shape , especially in smaller landscapes .
Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9 depending on specie , willows blossom very too soon — sometimes before the nose candy has amply melted . Their catkin are vital for honeybees and lonesome bees when other floral source are unavailable .
Linden (Basswood) (Tilia spp.)
Linden , also have intercourse as Basswood , is a formal deciduous tree with essence - mold leaves and fragrant clusters of wan - yellow heyday in early to June 21 . The sweet - smelling blossoms are fabulously rich in ambrosia , making them a dearie for bees .
It choose full sun and fertile , well - drained filth . Linden trees are best suited for larger landscapes , metropolis green , or as street Tree . They require little maintenance once established , though occasional pruning helps maintain social system .
Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8 , Linden blooms in other summertime and is renowned for its ability to draw pollinators in droves . beekeeper esteem Linden as a generator of mellow - quality honey , thanks to its abundant nectar and prolonged bloom period .
Fruit Trees (Apple, Cherry, Plum, Peach, etc.)
Fruit tree like apple , cherry , plum tree , and peach are not only fertile but also extremely attractive to bees during their spring bloom . Their showy blossoms offer ample nectar and pollen , helping financial support pollinators while setting the stage for fruit development .
These trees mature well in full sun with well - drained soil and welfare from even pruning to encourage air flow , flower output , and healthy fruit . Pollination is essential for yield , so institute multiple tree diagram or companion varieties can hike up success .
Hardy in USDA zone 4 through 8 depend on species and variety , yield tree diagram bloom in early to mid - spring . Their abundant flower provide essential forage for honeybees , mason bee , and bumblebees , reach them invaluable in both home orchards and fantastic habitat .
