Bee friendly flowers: the most popular varities
Supporting bee populations in your garden or landscape is one of the best ways to contribute to local ecosystems. Bees are essential pollinators, and by planting the right flowers, you can help provide them with the food, pollen, and nectar they need to thrive. Here’s a florist guide to the best flowers for encouraging bee populations, including tips on planting and care to make your garden as bee-friendly as possible.
1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
- Best Varieties: English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and French lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
- Bloom Time: Late spring through early fall
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy soil
- Why Bees Love It: Lavender’s vibrant purple flowers are rich in nectar and highly aromatic, drawing bees with both color and scent.
2. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
- Best Varieties: Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) and Scarlet bee balm (Monarda didyma)
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Why Bees Love It: This wildflower is a favorite among bees and butterflies, with a flower shape that allows bees easy access to the nectar.
3. Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)
- Best Varieties: Common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and Perennial sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani)
- Bloom Time: Late summer through fall
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Tolerant of a range of soils but prefers well-drained
- Why Bees Love It: Sunflowers provide a high volume of pollen, and their large, open blooms make them easy for bees to land on.
4. Borage (Borago officinalis)
- Best Varieties: Common borage (Borago officinalis)
- Bloom Time: Spring to early fall
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil, tolerates poor soil
- Why Bees Love It: Borage flowers are filled with nectar and can replenish their nectar supply within minutes, attracting bees throughout the day.
5. Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
- Best Varieties: Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy or clay soils
- Why Bees Love It: The cone-shaped flower heads are rich in nectar and have a long bloom period, making them a sustained food source.
6. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
- Best Varieties: Common black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer to fall
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Tolerates various soil types; prefers well-drained
- Why Bees Love It: These bright, cheerful flowers offer an abundance of nectar and pollen, attracting a wide range of bees, including honeybees and bumblebees.
7. Crocus (Crocus spp.)
- Best Varieties: Spring crocus (Crocus vernus) and Autumn crocus (Crocus speciosus)
- Bloom Time: Early spring or late fall
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Why Bees Love It: Crocuses bloom early in spring or late in fall, offering an essential food source when other flowers are scarce.
8. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
- Best Varieties: Stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida) and Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
- Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil, drought-tolerant
- Why Bees Love It: Goldenrod is a late-season bloomer, providing a crucial food source for bees as they prepare for winter.
9. Wildflowers (Various Native Species)
- Popular Types: California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Blazing star (Liatris spicata), Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
- Bloom Time: Varies by species, often throughout summer
- Light: Usually full sun
- Soil: Adaptable to various soil conditions
- Why Bees Love It: Native wildflowers are particularly well-suited to local bee species, providing natural food sources and habitat.
10. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
- Best Varieties: Meadow sage (Salvia nemorosa), Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea)
- Bloom Time: Early summer through fall
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Why Bees Love It: Salvias have nectar-rich tubular flowers that are perfect for long-tongued bees, especially bumblebees.
Tips for a Bee-Friendly Garden
1. Choose Native Plants: Native plants are typically the best choice for local bee species, as they’ve evolved together and will thrive without much maintenance.
2. Plant in Clusters: Bees are more attracted to clusters of the same flower. Aim to plant each species in groups of at least three to five.
3. Create a Blooming Calendar: To support bees year-round, plant flowers that bloom in different seasons so bees can find food throughout the year.
4. Avoid Pesticides: Many pesticides are harmful to bees. Opt for natural pest control methods if needed.
5. Provide Water: Bees need water for hydration and cooling. Create a shallow water dish with pebbles so they can drink safely.
6. Consider Shade and Shelter: A few taller plants or small shrubs provide bees with places to rest and find shade on hot days.
Creating a bee-friendly garden with a variety of these flowers will not only help local bee populations but will also enrich your garden with beauty and vitality all season long.
