Bees are crucial in pollinating the plants we grow for food and beauty. While native plants are ideal for attracting native bees, ornamental flowers can also nourish and support bee populations.
When choosing flowers for your garden, selecting those that bloom at different times throughout the growing season and that bees are attracted to is essential. This will encourage bees to visit your garden regularly. Some flower varieties are known for attracting bees and other pollinators.
Create an ideal pollinator habitat by growing the plants and flowers bees love most. Bees are particularly attracted to various colors, including yellow, purple, blue, and white. Some of the best plants and flowers for attracting bees include:
Table of contents
Spring flowers bees love most
Bee balm (Monarda)
Bee balm, also known by its scientific name Monarda, is a vibrant and fragrant flower that’s a favorite among bee enthusiasts. Its unique crown-like appearance and aromatic leaves make it a standout in any garden.
Native Americans have historically used bee balm as a medicinal plant, especially for its antiseptic properties.
Bees are particularly attracted to the bright colors and sweet nectar of the bee balm. As they move from one flower to the next, they aid in pollination, ensuring a vibrant and fruitful garden.
For the bees, the nectar serves as a rich food source, while for gardeners, the plant helps increase the yield of any nearby fruiting plants.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9 (access this interactive USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for more info)
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil, prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH
- Color: Ranges from bright red to pink and purple
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea (or purple coneflower) is a hardy perennial that boasts large, vibrant purple petals. It’s not just a visual treat but also a magnet for bees and butterflies.
The name “echinacea” is derived from the Greek word “echino,” meaning hedgehog, referring to its spiky central cone. This gorgeous plant has traditionally been used in herbal remedies, mainly to boost the immune system.
Bees are drawn to echinacea due to its large flower head, which provides an ample landing platform. The flower’s nectar is rich and nutritious for bees.
Related: Bee-friendly garden for every season: A beginner’s guide
For gardeners, echinacea is a low-maintenance plant that adds a splash of color and helps support the local bee population.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Color: Typically purple, but can range from pink to white
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum)
Snapdragons are iconic for their dragon-shaped flowers that ‘snap’ open and close when squeezed. They come in a riot of colors and can grow in varying heights, making them a versatile choice for gardens.
The snapdragon’s botanical name, Antirrhinum, means “like a snout,” which aptly describes the flower’s unique shape. In Victorian times, Snapdragons symbolized grace and deception due to their mouth-like shape.
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Snapdragons are intriguing for bees. The bees land on the flower’s lip, causing it to open and allowing the bee to access the nectar inside.
This interaction not only feeds the bees but also aids in pollinating the flower. Gardeners benefit from a prolonged flowering season and the delightful activity of bees in their gardens.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Color: Wide range including red, yellow, pink, white, and purple
Summer flowers to attract bees
Hostas (Hosta)
Hostas, often called plantain lilies, are primarily known for their lush foliage. However, their delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers are a favorite among bees during the summer months.
Hostas are native to northeast Asia and were introduced to Europe in the late 18th century. They are shade-loving plants, perfect for those tricky parts of the garden with little sunlight.
Related: 8 Garden Bee Species You Want to See in Your Yard
While the foliage of hostas is a treat for the eyes, their flowers are a treat for bees. The nectar-rich flowers are a reliable food source for bees during the summer. For gardeners, hostas provide the dual benefit of beautifying shaded areas and supporting bee activity.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (access this interactive USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for more info)
- Required Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
- Required Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Color: Flowers range from white to lavender
California poppies (Eschscholzia californica)
The California poppy, the state flower of California, is a bright, cup-shaped flower that can paint landscapes with its golden hue.
Despite its delicate appearance, the California poppy is drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soil conditions. The flowers close at night or during cloudy weather and reopen with the morning sun.
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Bees are attracted to the California poppy’s vibrant color and abundant pollen. The flower’s simple structure allows easy access for bees, ensuring they get ample nectar.
Gardeners benefit from the poppy’s resilience and its ability to attract pollinators.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Color: Bright orange to yellow
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Evening primrose is a unique plant that blooms in the evening, releasing a sweet scent and showcasing its bright yellow flowers. Besides these beautiful flowers attracting bees and other pollinators (like moths), their seeds have medicinal properties and are often used in supplements.
Bees, especially those active during the cooler parts of the day, are drawn to the evening primrose’s nectar. The plant’s extended blooming time ensures bees have a consistent food source.
Related: Easiest Bees to Raise: Top 6 Choices for Hassle-Free Beekeeping
For gardeners, the evening primrose is a delightful addition that brings nighttime beauty and activity to the garden.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Color: Bright yellow
Goldenrod (Solidago)
Often mistaken for an allergen, goldenrods are tall, vibrant plants that produce cascading yellow flowers. Goldenrods are often falsely blamed for hay fever, but the real culprit is ragweed, which blooms around the same time.
There are over 100 species of goldenrod, and they can be found in various habitats.
Related: Bee-Safe Insecticides: How to Choose Bee-Friendly Pest Control Options
Goldenrod flowers are rich in nectar, making them a favorite late-summer food source for bees. The plant’s tall stature makes it stand out, attracting bees from afar. For gardeners, goldenrods are a burst of color in late summer when many other plants have finished blooming.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Can tolerate a variety of soil types
- Color: Bright yellow
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-Eyed Susans are cheerful, daisy-like flowers with a dark brown center and golden-yellow petals. The plant’s name is believed to be inspired by an old English poem where Susan is a lover who has been left by a sailor.
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The contrast between the dark center and bright petals acts as a beacon for bees. The flat landing surface and abundant nectar make it a favorite among pollinators. For gardeners, Black-Eyed Susans are easy to care for and provide a long-lasting display of color.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Color: Golden-yellow with a dark brown center
Flowers for attracting bees in late summer and fall
Borage (Borago officinalis)
With its star-shaped blue flowers, borage is one of the best plants for attracting bees during the late summer. Its edible flowers have a cucumber-like taste, making them a favorite in culinary dishes as well.
Related: How to Design and Build a Bee-Friendly Garden: Essential Tips
Borage is also known as “starflower” due to its distinctive shape. Historically, borage was believed to bring courage and was consumed by Roman soldiers before battles.
Borage flowers are a rich source of nectar, making them one of the best flowers for attracting bees. Their continuous blooming pattern ensures that bees have a consistent food source.
For gardeners, borage is not only beautiful but also beneficial for soil health.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11 (access this interactive USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for more info)
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Color: Bright blue
Related: Why Is There No Honey in My Hive? 8 Factors Every Beekeeper Should Know
Chive flowers (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chive flowers, with their purple puffball-like appearance, are a culinary delight and among the best plants for attracting bees in the late summer.
Apart from the flowers, chive leaves are used in various dishes for their mild onion flavor. Chive flowers can be used to make flavored vinegar.
The spherical shape of chive flowers provides an excellent landing platform for bees. Their nectar-rich centers make them a favorite among pollinators, ensuring they are among the best flowers for attracting bees.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Color: Purple
Lupine (Lupinus)
Lupines, with their tall spires of colorful flowers, are a sight to behold in any garden. They are among the best plants for attracting bees during the fall.
With their vibrant and showy flowers, lupines are a type of legume that play a crucial role in enriching soil by fixing nitrogen. As a result, they provide a natural source of nutrients for other plants.
Additionally, lupines have been revered in folklore for centuries, with many believing they possess protective powers.
Lupines have a unique flower structure that requires bees to push past the petals to access the nectar, aiding in pollination. Their vibrant colors and rich nectar content make them one of the best flowers for attracting bees.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Slightly acidic, well-draining soil
- Color: Range from blue and purple to red, pink, and white
Catmint (Nepeta)
With its lavender-blue flowers and aromatic foliage, catmint is a bee magnet. It’s one of the best plants for attracting bees and other pollinators.
While catmint is loved by bees, it’s also a favorite among cats, similar to catnip. It has been used in traditional medicine for its mild sedative properties.
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The continuous bloom of catmint flowers throughout the summer and fall ensures a steady food source for bees. Their aromatic nature not only attracts bees but also repels pests, making them one of the best flowers for attracting bees and benefiting the garden.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Color: Lavender-blue
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula, often known as pot marigold, boasts bright orange or yellow flowers. It’s a visual treat and one of the best plants for attracting bees.
Calendula has been used for centuries for its skin-healing properties. The petals are edible and can be used to add color to salads.
Bees are particularly attracted to the bright colors of calendula. The nectar-rich flowers are a reliable food source for bees, making calendula one of the best flowers for attracting bees.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Color: Bright orange to yellow
Other bee-friendly herbs and flowers for your garden
Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender, with its fragrant purple spikes, is undeniably one of the best plants for attracting bees. Originating from the Mediterranean, this herb is loved by bees and gardeners for its drought resistance and delightful aroma.
Historically, lavender has been used for its calming properties. Bees are particularly drawn to its scent and nectar-rich flowers. The sight of bees buzzing around lavender is a testament to its status as one of the best flowers for attracting bees.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9 (access this interactive USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for more info)
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil
- Color: Purple
Potentilla (Potentilla)
Potentilla, or cinquefoil, is a hardy perennial with bright yellow, white, or orange flowers. It is lovely to bees, making it an ideal plant for bee attraction.
Its flowers’ simplicity allows bees easy access, ensuring they get ample nectar. For gardeners, potentilla is a low-maintenance plant that adds a splash of color throughout the summer.
Related: Bumblebee Pot: A Garden Essential You Never Knew You Needed
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Color: Yellow, white, or orange
Viburnum (Viburnum)
Viburnum is a diverse genus of shrubs known for its ornamental flowers and berries. The nectar-rich flowers are a reliable food source for bees, making viburnum one of the best plants for attracting bees.
Bees benefit from the plant’s extended blooming time, and birds enjoy the following berries.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-9
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well-draining soil
- Color: Typically white, but some species have pink flowers
Aster (Aster)
Asters, with their daisy-like flowers, are a late summer to fall blooming favorite. They are particularly important as they provide nectar when many other flowers have finished blooming. Their vibrant colors and rich nectar content make them one of the best flowers for attracting bees.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Color: Range from blue and purple to red, pink, and white
Sunflower (Helianthus)
Sunflowers are an iconic plant known for their tall stalks and bright yellow petals. Apart from being visually appealing, they are also one of the best plants for attracting bees. The large flower head provides an ample landing platform for bees, and the following seeds are a favorite among birds.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Color: Bright yellow
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Sweet Alyssum, with its tiny white, pink, or purple flowers, is a ground cover that’s a favorite among bee enthusiasts. Its honey-scented flowers are a magnet for bees, making it one of the best flowers for attracting bees.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, well-draining soil
- Color: White, pink, or purple
Cleome (Cleome)
Cleome, commonly known as the spider flower, features tall stems adorned with airy clusters of flowers. Due to its unique appearance and nectar-rich blooms, it is among the best plants for attracting bees.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Color: Pink, white, or lavender
Zinnias (Zinnia)
Zinnias are a magnificent burst of vibrant colors that can instantly uplift the beauty of any garden. From the warm shades of yellow, orange, and red, to the soothing pastels of pink, purple, and white, zinnias offer a broad spectrum of hues to choose from.
Their effortless growth and low maintenance make them a beloved choice among gardeners and a valuable addition to any landscape. But what truly sets them apart is their ability to attract bees with their flat landing surfaces and abundant nectar.
With their sweet fragrance and delightful appearance, zinnias create a welcoming environment for these buzzing pollinators, making them one of the most bee-friendly flowers in the garden.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-10
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Color: Wide range including red, yellow, pink, white, and purple
Salvia (Salvia)
The vibrant and colorful salvia is a favorite among buzzing bees. Its spiky flowers, with their tubular shape, provide a convenient gateway to the nectar inside, making it one of the most alluring plants for bees.
However, it’s not just bees that show interest in this plant; the sight of hummingbirds hovering around salvia is common.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-10
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Color: Blue, red, pink, or white
Verbena (Verbena)
Verbena is a versatile plant that can be grown as a perennial or annual. Its clusters of small flowers are a bee magnet, making it one of the best flowers for attracting bees. The prolonged blooming season ensures a steady food source for bees.
Good to know:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- Color: Ranges from purple and blue to pink and red
Frequently asked questions
What plants are best for attracting bees?
Numerous plants are excellent for attracting bees. Some of the best plants for attracting bees include Bee Balm, Echinacea, Snapdragon, Hostas, and California Poppies. It’s essential to have a mix of flowers that bloom at various times throughout the growing season to ensure bees have a consistent food source.
What are some other pollinators that can be attracted to a garden?
Apart from bees, gardens can attract a variety of pollinators. These include butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, beetles, and even some species of bats. Plants like butterfly bush, milkweed, and fuchsia can attract butterflies. At the same time, tubular flowers like trumpet vine and salvia are favorites among hummingbirds.
What are some perennial flowers that attract bees?
Perennial flowers return year after year, providing a consistent source of nectar for bees. Some bee-friendly perennials include Lavender, Aster, Goldenrod, and Lupine. These plants add beauty to gardens and support bee populations by offering them nectar throughout various seasons.
What are some annual flowers that attract bees?
Annual flowers complete their life cycle in one growing season, but they play a crucial role in attracting bees. Some of the best flowers for attracting bees on an annual basis include Sunflowers, Zinnias, Cleome, and Sweet Alyssum. These flowers tend to bloom profusely, providing ample nectar for bees.
What are some herbs that attract bees?
Herbs are a fantastic addition to any garden, serving dual purposes for culinary uses and attracting pollinators. Some herbs that bees love include Lavender, Chives, Borage, and Salvia. Planting a mix of these herbs can ensure that bees have a variety of nectar sources to choose from.