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Oct 7, 2023 · Looking for some plants that will attract honeybees to your garden this season? There are many different flowering plants to choose from, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite flowers that will bring bees and other pollinators to your garden.
- Pansy
- Cornflower
- Calendula
- Cosmos
- Zinnia
- Phlox
- New England Aster
- Black-Eyed Susan
- Bee Balm
- Catmint
Pansies are lifesavers for bees because they bloom in the early spring. Why is this important? Because after a long winter, bees quickly need to find nectar and pollen to regain strength. So planting early spring bloomers can lay the foundation for a healthy bee population. This is where pansies come in. And with proper care, they can bloom through...
When there are cornflowers, there are bees. Cornflowers are rich in nectar which is necessary for bee survival. In fact, one study ranked wild cornflowers among the highest for nectar, compared to other types of flowers.(2) Better yet? Cornflowers are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seeds. This plant thrives in full sun with low maintenance...
Calendula does it all: Attracts pollinators, repels pests, and withstands poor conditions. We included calendulas in the top 10 flowers for bees because they’re a staple. Bees love the easy landing petals and rich pollen and nectar sources. Calendulas blossom all season long from spring through fall. They come in a variety of colors ranging from ye...
Cosmos are a valuable source of food for bees. Their flowers open nicely which allows the bees to access their pollen and nectar easily. Cosmos will grow well in the hot sun and poor soil conditions. Plus, they’re generous re-seeders. They also add a wonderful touch of color to your flower beds. The shades range from orange, purple, pink, red, yell...
Zinnias are a gift to both gardeners and bees. They’re easy to grow and bloom heavily with stunning colors. Not only that, but many types of bees flock to zinnia flowers. This includes honeybees, bumblebees, and other types of solitary bees. Zinnias are easy to grow directly seeded into your garden. They require only basic garden prep to sprout, an...
Phlox are known for attracting honeybees and bumblebees. Their vibrant flowers and strong aroma make them one of the best flowers for bees and butterflies. And even better: They bloom for several weeks, so they’ll attract bees for a good part of spring and summer. You can find phlox in nearly every hue on the color wheel. There are also several var...
Bees flock to New England asters. And for good reason. These plants bloom in the fall, so they’re a crucial late-season food source for many types of bees. Not only are they one of the best fall flowers for bees, but their vibrant colors and beautiful open centers help them stand out. So when you plant New England asters, you can expect hoards of b...
Nothing says summer like a stunning black-eyed Susan. Are you looking for a plant that’s easy to grow and bees flock to? You’ve found it. Black-eyed Susans are a honeybee and bumblebee favorite. This plant produces plenty of nectar and pollen, and bees are drawn to the bright yellow flowers. This beautiful perennial will make you smile every time y...
There’s no denying it. Bees love bee balm. But guess what? If you plant bee balm in your flower beds, you’ll be a hit amongst not only bees – but hummingbirds and butterflies will love it too. That’s why bee balm is the perfect addition to any pollinator garden. This perennial is also called wild bergamot. It’s known for its gorgeous summer blooms ...
Don’t let the name sway you. Not only do cats love this plant, but bees do too. This plant has gorgeous, long-lasting spikes that appeal to honeybees. But, given catmint’s long blooming period, you’ll see various types of bees buzzing around its blossoms. It’s a perennial that’s resistant and can flourish even under little care. Catmints are perfec...
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- Food And Crafts Director
- Goldenrod. Often confused with the allergy-inducing ragweed, goldenrod is actually believed to have many health benefits, including pain and inflammation reduction.
- Bee Balm. The fragrant foliage of bee balm (also know as wild bergamot) will attract pollinators to your garden. Plant in a sunny spot for spring and summer blooms.
- Black Eyed Susan. Related to sunflowers, this yellow flowering plant in a native wildflower. Sun-loving and drought tolerant, these flowers bloom starting in the summer and into the fall months.
- Borage. You can snack on borage alongside the bees. The flowers, leaves, and stems are all edible with a faint cucumber taste. USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 10.
Honey bees forage for food during what is known as the nectar flow(sometimes called the honey flow). This is the period of the year when native vegetation is blooming and conditions are good for bees to get out and about.
Plant type: Annual Bloom time: Late spring until frost Flower color: Various shades of orange, pink, purple, red, white and yellow Height: 1 to 4 feet Bee appeal: Honeybees and bumblebees flock to these colorful flowers, and many types of solitary bees as well. The nectar-rich central disk flowers are small enough that even tiny species of bees ...
Dec 24, 2020 · 1. Bee balm ( Monarda spp.) This plant is called “bee balm” because it was once used to treat bee stings, but bees really are obsessed with the flowers. There are a variety of plants in the bee balm family that are native to North Carolina. Most are aromatic and have flowers that bloom for up to eight weeks.
Feb 17, 2024 · Here are some of the most popular flowers for honey bees: anise hyssop. aster. bee balm. blanketflower. blazing star. blue vervain. fireweed. purple coneflower. salvia. Anise Hyssop ( Agastache spp .) Anise Hyssop is one of the most bee-attractive native flowers in North America.
