The 10 Best Flowers For Bees: Creating A Haven For Honeybees
By planting a diverse range of flowers for bees, you can provide them with the vital resources they need to thrive. I have compiled the 10 best flowers for bees and pollinating insects that are easy to plant and maintain.
David Horstmann
— 13 min read
Have you ever considered supporting bees and pollinators by planting the best flowers for bees to help them forage nectar and pollen? If so, that’s fantastic as it’s your first step to a bee-friendly garden.
Bees and pollinators are of utmost importance to our environment. They are responsible for the pollination of a significant portion of our natural landscapes and food supply. Yet, they face threats from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change.
By planting a diverse range of flowers for bees, you can provide them with the vital resources they need to thrive. Every flower makes a difference!
In this handy little list, I have compiled the 10 best flowers for bees and pollinating insects that are easy to plant and maintain. Also, I have ordered them by blooming season.
If you can plant them all, you can ensure a continuous bloom from early spring through fall, when the insects’ season comes to an end.
Best Flowers for Bees in Early Spring
After a long winter, pollinating insects are on the lookout for food. Early-blooming flowers like crocuses and snowdrops provide a vital source of nectar and pollen. This early sustenance helps kickstart the pollinators› season.
1. Crocus (Crocus spp.):
Kicking off our list of the best flowers for bees are the early bloomers, such as crocuses. These cheerful flowers are one of the first signs of spring and a beacon of sustenance for bees emerging from their winter slumber.
How to plant Crocus
To plant crocus, choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. Crocus bulbs, or corms, are typically planted in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost.
Crocus can be planted in clusters or drifts for a naturalistic look, or in rows for a more formal appearance. Plant the corms about 10cm (4”) deep and 5cm (5”) apart, with the pointed end facing up.
How to care for Crocus
Crocus flowers require very little care once established.
Water the corms after planting to encourage root growth, but be careful not to overwater, as crocus prefers well-drained soil.
Once the flowers bloom in early spring, you can water them lightly if the weather is particularly dry.
After the flowers have faded, allow the foliage to die back naturally, as this helps the plant store energy for the next year’s blooms.
2. Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis):
Snowdrops are another early bloomer that provides a crucial food source for bees. These delicate white flowers will push through the snow, offering nectar and pollen to bees and pollinators when little else is available.
How to grow Snowdrops
To plant snowdrops, choose a location with moist, well-drained soil, preferably in partial shade.
Snowdrop bulbs, or ‹Galanthus› bulbs, should be planted in the fall. As with crocus bulbs, plant them about 10cm (4”) deep and 5cm (5”) apart with the pointed end facing up.
Snowdrops naturalize well, meaning they will spread and multiply over time, so consider this when choosing your planting location.
How to care for Snowdrops
Caring for snowdrops is pretty much like looking after Crocus flowers. Snowdrops are low-maintenance plants and require minimal care once they’re settled in.
Water the bulbs after planting to help them establish roots, but be cautious not to overwater. Snowdrops prefer well-drained soil.
Once the flowers bloom in late winter or early spring, snowdrops are generally self-sufficient. They do not require additional watering unless the weather is unusually dry.
After the snowdrop blooms to die down naturally. This helps the next year’s blooms.
Best Flowers for Bees in Late Spring to Summer
During late spring to summer, having a variety of flowers in your garden is essential for bees and pollinators.
This period is a busy time for these insects, as they are actively foraging, building colonies, and pollinating a wide range of plants.
Flowers like lavender, borage, and chives offer abundant nectar and pollen, helping to sustain pollinator populations.
3. Lavender (Lavandula spp.):
Lavender are probably what I would call the “best flowers for bees”. They’re my favourite flower for bees.
Lavender is not only beloved for its fragrance and beauty, but also for its ability to attract bees. Besides being great for the environment, lavender is also awesome for cooking, crafts and making things smell nice.
How to plant Lavender
There are several varieties of lavender, so select one that is suited to your climate and intended use. Some popular varieties include English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) for cooler climates and French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) for warmer areas.
Choose a sunny spot and well-drained soil, mixing in some sand or gravel if needed. Plant in spring or early fall, setting each plant about 45-60 cm (18-24”) apart. Dig a hole as deep as the pot and twice as wide, place the lavender in, fill with soil, and water well. That’s it!
How to care for Lavender
Lavender does not like wet feet, so be careful not to overwater. Water only when the soil is dry, and avoid getting water on the foliage, as this can promote fungal diseases. Lavender is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established.
In the spring, prune the plants to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape them. This will also encourage new growth and prevent the plants from becoming woody.
4. Borage (Borago officinalis):
Borage, with its beautiful blue star-shaped flowers, is a bee magnet. They are a bit fussier than the other plants on the list, but having them in your garden is totally worth it.
How to plant Borage:
To plant borage, choose a sunny to partially shaded spot with well-drained, fertile soil. Sow the seeds directly into the ground after the last frost, planting them about 1.5cm (1/2”) deep. If you want to grow them in rows, space the seeds approximately 30cm (12”) apart.
Borage seeds typically germinate within 5 to 15 days, and it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist during this period.
Once the seedlings have sprouted and are a few inches tall, thin them out. Space them about 30-45cm (12 -18”) apart, to give them enough room to grow fully.
How to care for Borage
Borage is a relatively low-maintenance plant with lovely star-shaped blue flowers that are a hit with bees. To care for borage, water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells, to ensure steady growth and flowering.
5. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea):
Foxgloves offer bees a rich source of nectar with their tall spikes of tubular flowers. It adds height and colour to any garden.
How to plant Foxglove
For planting foxglove, choose a location with moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Foxglove thrives in dappled sunlight. You can start foxglove from seeds or young plants. If planting seeds, sow them directly into the ground in late spring or early summer.
Cover the seeds lightly with soil, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist until germination, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
If you’re planting young foxglove plants, space them about 30-45cm (12-18”) apart to give them room to grow.
How to care for Foxglove
Foxglove is relatively easy to care for once established. Water the plants regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods.
As biennials, foxgloves typically flower in their second year, producing tall spikes of tubular flowers that are highly attractive to bees and their pollinating friends.
6. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum):
Chives are not only a culinary delight but also a favourite among bees. They’re versatile and easy-to-grow (and delicious).
How to plant Chives
To plant chives, choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. You can start chives from seeds or small plants.
If using seeds, sow them directly into the ground in early spring, about 5mm (1/4”) deep and spaced about 20-30cm (8-12”) apart.
Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. If planting small chive plants, space them about 20-30cm (8-12”) apart to allow for growth.
How to care for Chives
Chives are hardy and require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. At my trailer in the greenery of Switzerland, I have some chive that’s been sitting for years. I have not touched it once and have not even planted it myself.
During dry spells, make sure you support your chive with some water. But that’s about it.
Make sure you allow your chives to flower will attract bees and other pollinators. They are drawn to the purple, globe-shaped blooms.
After the flowers fade, cut back the plants to encourage new growth. Chives are perennial, which means they’ll return year after year, offering up a tasty herb for your dishes and a sweet source of nectar for bees.
Best Flowers for Bees in Late Summer to Fall
In late summer to fall, bees and pollinators as prepare for the colder months ahead. Plants like sedum, goldenrod, and echinacea bloom during this time, providing a crucial source of nourishment.
These late-season flowers help pollinators build up their energy reserves and ensure that they have enough food to survive the winter.
7. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea):
Echinacea, or purple coneflower, is a beautiful and helpful plant to any bee garden. They are among the best flowers for bees and pollinators, plus they’re both pretty and tough.
How to plant Echinacea
To plant echinacea, choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
If you’re starting with seeds, sow them directly into the garden in late fall or early spring. Plant the seeds about 3mm (1/8”) deep and space them about 45-60cm (18-24”) apart, as echinacea plants can grow quite large.
If you’re planting young echinacea plants, dig a hole that’s about twice the size of the root ball and place the plant in the hole at the same depth it was in the pot.
Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
How to care for Echinacea
Echinacea is great at handling dry conditions. It’s pretty easy to look after once established. Water the plants regularly during their first growing season to help establish a strong and deep root system.
After that, they will only need watering during extended periods of dry weather.
Trim off old flowers to promote more blossoms and to maintain the plant’s appearance. In the fall, you can leave some of the faded flowers on the plants. This provides food for birds and to allows the plants to self-seed for the next year’s growth.
8. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus):
Sunflowers are not only stunning but also a fantastic source of food for bees. With their bright and towering blooms, they are a favourite among gardeners and pollinators alike. They are a wonderful addition to any garden and truly one of the best flowers for bees.
How to plant Sunflowers
To plant sunflowers, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Sunflowers are not picky about soil type. They do need plenty of sunlight to grow tall and strong. Sow sunflower seeds directly into the ground after the last frost when the soil has warmed up.
Plant the seeds about 2.5cm (1”) deep and about 15cm (6”) apart. If you’re planting larger varieties, space them about 30-45 cm (12-182) apart to give them enough room to grow.
How to care for Sunflowers
Sunflowers are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners.
Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Sunflowers have deep roots and can tolerate some drought once they are established.
As they grow, you may need to provide support for taller varieties to prevent them from toppling over in strong winds. You can do this by staking the plants or tying them to a fence or trellis.
At the end of the season, you can leave the dried sunflower heads on the plants to provide food for birds. You can also harvest the seeds for replanting or for a tasty snack.
9. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.):
Goldenrod is a vital source of nectar for all kinds of pollinators in the fall. With its bright yellow plumes, it’s one of the best flowers for bees in late summer. Altough a great plant for bees and pollinators, here in Switzerland, they’re an invasive species.
How to plant Goldenrod
To plant goldenrod, choose a spot in your garden that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.
Goldenrod is tolerant of a variety of soil types but prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH. You can start goldenrod from seeds, divisions, or nursery plants.
If planting seeds, sow them directly in the garden in late fall or early spring. Plant divisions or nursery plants in the spring or early fall, spacing them about 45-60cm (18-24”) apart to allow for mature growth.
How to care for Goldenrod
Goldenrod is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that requires minimal watering once established.
Water the plants regularly during their first growing season to help them establish a deep root system.
After the blooming season, you can leave the dried flower heads on the plants to provide winter interest and habitat for beneficial insects.
10. Sedum (Sedum spp.):
Sedum, or stonecrop, provides is one of the best flowers for bees in late summer and fall. This hardy succulent that adds texture and colour to any garden. I remember watching bees buzzing around the sedum blooms in my parents’ garden when I was younger.
How to plant Sedum
To plant sedum, choose a location with full sun to light shade and well-drained soil.
If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider mixing some sand or gravel to help with drainage. Sedum can be planted in the spring or fall.
When planting small plants or divisions, make sure they’re buried in the ground up to the same level they were in their pots. This helps them adjust better to their new home in your garden.
Space them about 15-30cm (6-12”) apart, depending on the variety. For sedum seeds, sow them on the surface of the soil and do not cover them, as they need light to sprout.
How to care for Sedum
Water the plants lightly until they are established, then reduce watering as sedum is very drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
After the blooming season, the dried flower heads can be left on the plants for winter interest and to provide habitat for beneficial insects.
Embrace the Bee-Friendly Gardening!
By incorporating these ten best flowers for bees into your garden, you’re providing essential resources for honeybee colonies.
However, the journey doesn’t stop there. Make sure you adopt bee-friendly practices, such as avoiding pesticides, providing water sources, and leaving some areas of your garden wild. This further enhance the health and well-being of your local population.
Remember, every small action contributes to a larger impact! Let’s grow our gardens with purpose, mindfulness, and an appreciation for the incredible work of our little furry buzzing friends.