Bees are vital to our food supply; they pollinate 33% of the world’s crops. Unfortunately, populations have declined due to habitat loss and pesticide use.
Make your yard bee-friendly with these plants that bees love!
Dill
Dill grows well in most climates. Plant it in full sun for best results. It flowers all summer long, which is perfect since bees require a lot of pollen and sugar water to keep up their strength during the summer months when native flowers aren’t blooming yet.
Lavender
Lavender is easy to grow from seed or even cuttings, which can make it difficult to weed out of flower beds! Be sure not to over-water this thirsty plant, and it will reward you with a fragrant addition to your summer evenings.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers thrive in most climates but prefer full sun for the best blooms and healthiest roots. To grow the biggest flowers, ensure that you give them rich soil, lots of water, and some fertilizer. Bees love these large and bright yellow blooms!
Morning glory
This climbing plant has beautiful blue or white flowers that bees just can’t resist. It thrives in warm climates, but be careful as its fast-growing vines can become invasive if not contained! Give this one room to sprawl by not planting it directly next to a structure like a home or shed. A few morning glory plants here and there will give the bees a lot of blooms.
Alyssum
These tiny white or pink flowers are easy to grow in most climates and reach only 9 inches tall! This ground cover is perfect for areas with poor soil, as it won’t mind not having rich compost added each spring. Alyssum is also deer resistant, which helps keep hungry creatures out of your bee-friendly garden!
Cosmos
Cosmos come in many different colors, but all attract bees. Look for single flower varieties like “Candystripe” or “Sonata Mixed”. They require minimal care (full sun, water only when dry) and bloom all summer long. Bees love them!
Phlox
Phlox is a popular, easy-to-care-for perennial that prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Plant in clumps of 3 or more for the most blooms. Phlox is deer resistant and drought tolerant, making it a must-have in any bee garden!
Sunflowers (cont’d)
Sunflower seed heads are great for both bees and bird enthusiasts! The black oil sunflower seeds will attract cardinals and yellow finches, while the grey striped sunflower seeds will entice mourning doves into your yard. Bees love them all!
Coral bells
Coral bells are deer-resistant perennials that measure 9 inches tall, with flowers that range from pinkish-white to red-orange. They are adaptable to most soils but prefer well-draining soil in order to avoid root rot. Bees love the bright blooms!
Echinacea
This sunflower relative is often planted for its colorful flowers, but bees love it for its pollen and nectar! Look for purple coneflower varieties in shades ranging from pale pink to deep purple. No matter which color you choose, expect a bee-friendly garden full of life!