Plants For Bees
Updated: 29th January 2021
Here is a list of garden plants and shrubs for bees that
will provide forage for at least one species of bee. Many of these
plants will attract honey bees and different types of bumble bees as well as
solitary bees.
If you are short of space, see my tips about gardening for bees in small spaces.
Most people can accomodate at least a few of these flowers to attract bees and butterflies into their gardens, even if only in pots dotted around the yard.
At
the bottom of this page you'll also find links to further lists of plants
for bees, shrubs, herbs, and more.
Beautiful bumble bee on Scabious (Pincushion Flower).Since first writing this page several years ago, I have also added my page of over 30 Fantastic Garden Flowers For Bees - in alphabetical order, and with more photographs.
The following lists are grouped by seasons:
- LATE WINTER - SPRING GARDEN PLANTS
- SPRING - SUMMER GARDEN PLANTS
- SUMMER – AUTUMN GARDEN PLANTS
- AUTUMN - WINTER GARDEN PLANTS
LATE WINTER - EARLY SPRING GARDEN PLANTS FOR BEES
Hairy Footed Flower Bee (male) on Pulmonaria.Due to variations in climate and conditions, flowering times may differ from region to region, and this may also affect foraging, as well as the distribution of different bee species. Contrary to popular misconception, honey bees may be seen foraging in cooler temperatures during January and February.
Bumble bees, with their furry coats, may also be found foraging on cooler
days. In fact, bumble bees are increasingly being seen to forage during
the cool winter months in some countries, meaning that late and very early flowering
plants are vital for bumble bees.
Above: honey bee (Apils mellifera) on winter heather.Here is a list of winter / early flowering plants and shrubs for bees:
Daphne
Mahonia
Winter Aconite
Crocus
Sweet box
Daffodil (try native wild types - e.g. if you live in the UK, try Narcissus pseudonarcissus)
Genista
Dicentra
Pulmonaria (Lungwort)
Gorse (Ulex)
Rosemary (Rosemarinus)
Flowering Currant (Ribes)
Primrose (Primula vulgaris)
Bluebell (Choose native varieties)
Cowslip (Choose native varieties)
Snakeshead (Fritillaria meleagris)
Winter Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima, Lonicera purpusii)
Bugle (Ajuga)
Ground Ivy
Snowdrops (Galanthes) – single flowered varieties
Winter Heathers (Erica carnea)
Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis)
SPRING - SUMMER GARDEN PLANTS FOR BEES
During the Spring and Summer, all types of bees (and other pollinating insects) are rearing their broods.
A typical honey bee colony may consist of around 50,000 to 60,000 workers, as well as having larvae to feed.
Bumble bee
colonies may be fragile - fewer than half survive, and solitary bees
are in need of undisturbed nesting sites, as food is gathered for
storing in egg cells to feed newly developing larvae.
Plenty of bee friendly plants are therefore vital during the Spring and summer to ensure survival of colonies.
Many of these plants will also attract and benefit a range of other pollinators. For example, Milkweed is vital for Monarch butterflies. It's worth following the planting instructions very carefully to help ensure success, because some varieties have quite fussy requirements. I recommend Milkweed Asclepias tuberosa as a variety that is tolerant of dry and moist soil, but please note, it does need a lot of sunshine.
Bumble bees love wallflowers.There is, however, a range of great seeds available, with some lovely varieties. Choose a native seed supplier and beware of illegal imports.
Poppy (Papaver)
Polemonium (Jacob's Ladder)
Foxglove (Digitalis)
Bistort
Crane’s-bill
(Geranium)
Chives
Bugle (Ajuga)
Borage officinalis
Comfrey (Malus)
Honey Suckle (Lonicera)
Delphinum (Lakrspur)
Potentilla (Cinquefoil)
Passion Flower (Passiflora)
Muscari
Thyme
Sweetpea (Lathyrus)
Campanula
Lupin (Lupinus)
Rosa rugosa
Sea Holly
(Eryngium)
Columbine (Aquilegia)
Penstemon
Salvia
Wallflowers
Hebe
Allium
Agapanthus
Sweet Pea
SUMMER – AUTUMN GARDEN PLANTS FOR BEES
Bloomed furrow bee (male) on Solidago (golden rod). Solidago is popular with a range of solitary bees, bumble bees, and is also visited by honey bees.During
the late summer and autumn, these plants will continue to feed late
developing broods, as well as those bees that have already developed
into working adults.
Hollyhock
Scorpion Weed (Phacelia)
Dahlia
Purple Loosestrife (note, in some countries this is considered
invasive - please check your region
Sedum
Golden Rod (Solidago)
Cornflower
Verbena
bonariensis
Veronica
Zinnia
Nasturtium
Salvia
Prairie mallow
Verbascum
Scabious (Pincushion Flower)
Sneezeweed
Bumble bees on HelianthusSunflower (Helianthus)
Watermint
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum)
Lavender
Nepeta (Catmint)
Bugle (Ajuga)
Bergenia
Rudbeckia
Cosmos
Monarda (bee balm)
Erigeron (Fleabane)
Salvia (Sage)
Oregano (Origanum)
Bergamot
Sweet Sultan (Amberboa Muricata)
Japanese anemone
Mint (Mentha)
Echinacea (coneflower)
Coneflower - Echinacea are attractive to bees and will also be visited by butterflies.
AUTUMN - WINTER GARDEN PLANTS FOR BEES
Ivy (hedera helix)
is loathed by some, but it is one of the few plants for bees that aid
survival of the late foragers. The pollination of ivy then allows
berries to develop, thus feeding a number of birds over the winter
months, as well as providing excellent shelter. A wall or fence with ivy growing up over it will accommodate more wildlife than without it. Late autumn flowering fruits and food crops may also provide a good source of nectar and pollen for bees.
Ivy hedera helix
Autumn raspberries
Viburnum
Common Heather (Calluna vulgaris)
FREE PDF DOWNLOAD:
Planning And Planting A Bee Friendly Garden
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