A garden buzzing with bees is a healthy, thriving space. Bees are essential for pollination, and planting the right flowers can make all the difference in keeping them around. The good news is that some flowers are absolute bee magnets, bringing color to your yard while supporting these vital pollinators. Here are ten of the best flowers to grow in your pollinator-friendly garden.
1. Lavender: A Fragrant Favorite for Bees
Lavender is an all-you-can-eat buffet for bees. The sweet-smelling purple blooms provide nectar all season long, making them a top pick for any pollinator garden. Plus, their drought resistance and low-maintenance nature make them a breeze to grow, even for beginners.
2. Bee Balm: The Name Says It All
Bee Balm is basically an open invitation to every bee in the area. With its bright red, pink, or purple blooms, it provides a steady source of nectar that keeps pollinators coming back. I plant Bee Balm near my vegetable garden and my tomatoes and cucumbers were thrive like never before.
3. Coneflower : A Pollinator Powerhouse
Coneflowers are tough, drought-resistant, and absolutely irresistible to bees. These daisy-like blooms with spiky centers provide nectar from summer to fall, giving pollinators a reliable food source. Not only do bees love them, but butterflies and goldfinches often stop by, making them a great multi-purpose addition to any garden.
4. Black-Eyed Susan: Bright Blooms That Bring the Buzz
These cheerful yellow flowers do more than just brighten up a garden. Black-Eyed Susans are a reliable food source for bees, offering nectar throughout the growing season. Their easy-going nature means they thrive in most conditions, so you don’t have to be a master gardener to keep them happy.
5. Sunflower: A Giant Attraction for Pollinators
Sunflowers are a feast for bees, providing both pollen and nectar. Their towering stems and large, sunny faces make them an eye-catching addition to any garden, and they double as a food source for birds later in the season. If you want to bring in pollinators while making a statement, sunflowers are a must.
6. Zinnia: Colorful Blooms That Keep Bees Coming Back
Zinnias are one of the easiest flowers to grow, and they bloom in vibrant shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow. Bees love the wide, open petals that make for easy access to nectar. I once planted a patch of zinnias on a whim, and by mid-summer, my yard was filled with happy, buzzing visitors.
7. Borage: A Bee’s Dream Come True
Borage may not be as well known as some other garden flowers, but bees go wild for its star-shaped blue blooms. This herb produces nectar continuously, making it one of the best plants for attracting pollinators. As a bonus, the leaves and flowers are edible, adding a light cucumber-like flavor to summer drinks and salads.
8. Salvia: A Long-Blooming Pollinator Favorite
Salvia is a favorite among gardeners because it blooms for months and requires minimal care. The tall spikes of blue, purple, or red flowers are filled with nectar, making them a top choice for bees. The first time I planted salvia, I was amazed at how many pollinators visited daily—it was like rush hour in my backyard.
9. Catmint (Nepeta): A Low-Maintenance Bee Magnet
Catmint is a fantastic option for those looking for a hardy, easy-to-grow plant that attracts bees. With its soft purple-blue flowers and fragrant foliage, it provides nectar for months. Plus, if you have cats, they might enjoy rolling around in it as much as the bees enjoy sipping from its blooms.
10. Clover: A Simple Yet Effective Pollinator Plant
Clover might not be the flashiest plant on this list, but it’s one of the most reliable when it comes to feeding bees. White and red clover varieties offer a steady supply of nectar and are easy to incorporate into lawns or garden beds. If you want to encourage pollinators without much effort, clover is an excellent choice.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.