15 Best Plants for Attracting Bees and Pollinators

Creating a garden that attracts bee and other pollinators is not only beneficial for your plants but also essential for the environment . Bees , butterfly stroke , and other pollinator dally a crucial theatrical role in the replication of many plants , including those that produce fruits and vegetable . As a passionate gardener , I find enceinte delight in watching my garden come alive with the bombination and hurly burly of these critical creatures . By choosing the right plants , you could make a vibrant , pollinator - friendly garden that supports biodiversity and enhances the lulu of your outdoor space .

pollinator are attract to flowers that allow for nectar and pollen , their primary food sources . Different plant life appeal to dissimilar pollinator , so incorporating a mixture of plant life can ensure a diverse and healthy ecosystem in your garden . Let ’s explore some of the full plant for attracting bee and pollinators , and learn how to develop them to maximise their appeal .

Lavender

Lavender ( Lavandula spp . ) is a beloved flora among gardeners and pollinators alike . This aromatic herbaceous plant thrives in full sun and well - drain soil , stool it an excellent selection for sunny garden berth . Lavender is relatively drought - liberal once shew , requiring minimum tearing . Prune the plant in early spring to encourage bushier growth and more blossom .

Lavender ’s fragrant , purple blooms are a attracter for bee , butterflies , and even hummingbird . The high nectar substance of the bloom provide a rich food for thought reservoir for pollinators . Planting lavender in your garden not only attracts these beneficial insects but also adds a calming aroma and beautiful color to your landscape .

Coneflower

Coneflowers ( Echinacea spp . ) are hardy perennial that flourish in full sun and well - drain land . They are drought - tolerant once established and require minimal sustenance . plant life coneflowers in the spring or declivity , spacing them about 1 to 3 foot aside to allow for their expansive ontogeny .

The magnanimous , daisy - like blooms of coneflowers are extremely attractive to bee , butterflies , and other pollinators . The primal cone of the flower supply a landing platform for insects , making it gentle for them to reach the nectar . In accession to their pollinator - friendly qualities , coneflower add vivacious colors and striking shapes to any garden .

Bee Balm

Bee balm ( Monarda spp . ) is a showy perennial known for its bright , tubular flowers and aromatic foliation . It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist , well - drain territory . flora bee balm in the springtime or fall , spacing the flora about 18 to 24 inches apart .

Bee balm ’s red , pink , purple , or white flowers are specially attractive to bee , butterflies , and hummingbirds . The nectar - rich blooms provide a valuable food root throughout the summer . Regular deadheading can boost more flower , and divide the plants every few years helps keep their vigor . Bee balm ’s vivacious prime and pleasant fragrance make it a delightful addition to pollinator garden .

Salvia

Salvia ( Salvia spp . ) is a various perennial that produces spike of vivacious flowers , attracting a variety of pollinators . It thrives in full sun and well - drained soil . Plant salvia in the spring , space the plants about 1 to 2 feet apart to accommodate their growth .

Salvia ’s cannular flowers come up in a range of colors , let in blue , purple , crimson , and pink , making them visually appealing and highly attractive to bees , butterfly stroke , and hummingbird . The tenacious blossom full stop , from previous natural spring to fall , ensures a continuous nectar provision . Salvia is also drouth - tolerant once establish , making it a humble - sustentation choice for pollinator garden .

Zinnia

Zinnias ( Zinnia spp . ) are well-fixed - to - originate yearly that expand in full sun and well - drained soil . Plant zinnias after the last hoar in fountain , spacing the plant life about 12 inches apart . These tight - growing heyday set out to bloom within a few weeks and continue until the first frost .

Zinnias ’ undimmed , bold colors attract bee , butterfly , and other pollinator . Their open , daisy - like structure cause it easy for worm to get at the nectar . Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming and helps keep the plants look sizeable . Zinnias ’ vibrant hues and long - lasting blooms make them a favorite for pollinator gardens .

Butterfly Bush

The butterfly stroke bush ( Buddleja davidii ) is a audacious shrub that fly high in full Dominicus and well - drained filth . Plant butterfly bushes in the outflow or drop , space them about 5 to 10 feet asunder to accommodate their magnanimous size . even pruning helps uphold their shape and encourages more blooms .

Butterfly bush produces with child clusters of fragrant flowers that are irresistible to butterfly , bees , and hummingbirds . The flowers come in a variety of colors , including purplish , pink , white , and chicken . The gamey ambrosia subject of the blooms provides a valuable food source for pollinators throughout the summer and dusk . Butterfly bush ’s striking flowers and solid fragrance make it a standout in any garden .

Borage

Borage ( Borago officinalis ) is an annual herb that flourish in full sunlight and well - drain dirt . It is comparatively easy to grow from seed and can be set like a shot in the garden after the last Robert Lee Frost . Borage maturate speedily and can reach heights of up to 2 feet .

The genius - form low flower of borage are highly attractive to bee , peculiarly honeybee and bumblebees . The flowers produce a plentiful supply of nectar and bloom continuously throughout the growing season . Borage ’s fuzzy leaves and unique blossom conformation bestow both visual and textural interest group to the garden .

Sunflower

Sunflowers ( Helianthus annuus ) are iconic yearly that flourish in full Lord’s Day and well - drained soil . Plant sunflower seeds directly in the garden after the last frost , spacing them about 12 inch apart . These fast - growing industrial plant can reach heights of up to 10 feet or more , depending on the variety .

Sunflowers ’ large , burnished blooms appeal a variety of pollinators , admit bees , butterfly , and even snort . The flowers provide a productive germ of nectar and pollen , while the seeds put up food for thought for birds afterward in the time of year . helianthus ’ towering height and cheerful appearance make them a salient summation to any pollinator garden .

Marigold

Marigolds ( Tagetes spp . ) are hardy annual that thrive in full Sunday and well - drained soil . flora marigold semen or transplants after the last frost , space them about 6 to 12 inches aside . Marigolds are comfortable to uprise and require minimum aid once instal .

The brilliant , cheerful flowers of marigold attract bee , butterflies , and other beneficial insects . The flowers ’ strong scent can also help repel sure pests , making marigolds a great companion flora . even deadheading encourage continuous bloom from spring to hang . Marigolds ’ vibrant colors and pest - repellent properties make them a worthful addition to any garden .

Cosmos

Cosmos ( Cosmos spp . ) are easy - to - rise annuals that thrive in full sun and well - debilitate soil . Plant cosmos seeds directly in the garden after the last frost , space them about 12 inches asunder . These tight - develop flower begin to bloom within a few weeks and continue until the first frost .

Cosmos ’ delicate , daisy - comparable flower draw in bee , butterfly , and other pollinator . Their open structure makes it easy for insect to get to the nectar . veritable deadheading encourages uninterrupted bloom and help keep the works look tidy . Cosmos ’ airy foliage and vivacious colors contribute a whimsical hint to pollinator gardens .

Goldenrod

Goldenrod ( Solidago spp . ) is a hardy perennial that thrives in full sun and well - run out soil . works goldenrod in the spring or fall , spacing the plants about 1 to 2 feet aside . Goldenrod is relatively drouth - broad and requires minimal attention once established .

The bright yellow flowers of goldenrod are highly attractive to bee , butterfly , and other pollinators . The recent - summer to fall bloom full stop provides a valuable nectar author when many other plants have finished bloom . Goldenrod ’s tall , feathery blooms add a splattering of color and vertical interest to the garden .

Catmint

Catmint ( Nepeta spp . ) is a stout perennial that thrives in full Dominicus to fond shade and well - drain soil . Plant catmint in the spring or dip , space the plants about 1 to 2 feet apart . This drouth - tolerant plant requires minimal care once established and is know for its redolent foliage .

Catmint ’s lavender - blue flower attract bees , butterflies , and hummingbirds . The long flower stop , from late spring to early capitulation , ensures a uninterrupted nectar supply . Regular pruning after the first gush of blossom can encourage a second efflorescence . Catmint ’s fragrant foliage and prolific blooms make it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens .

Black-Eyed Susan

Black - eyed Susans ( Rudbeckia hirta ) are hardy perennial that boom in full sun and well - run out grime . Plant dark - eyed Susans in the spring or fall , space them about 12 to 18 inch asunder . These drought - tolerant plant life require minimal charge once established .

The bright yellow flowers with dark centre attract bees , butterfly , and other pollinators . The open , daisy - like construction makes it easy for insects to get at the nectar . Deadheading spent flowers encourage more blooms and extend the flowering period . disgraceful - eyed Susans ’ pollyannaish visual aspect and pollinator - friendly timber make them a garden favorite .

Joe Pye Weed

Joe Pye weed ( Eutrochium spp . ) is a native perennial that thrives in full sunshine to partial tad and prefers moist , well - drained land . Plant Joe Pye weed in the spring or fall , space the flora about 2 to 4 understructure apart . These tall industrial plant can reach top of up to 7 feet , making them first-class for the back of flower beds or domesticate areas .

The mauve - pink flowers of Joe Pye weed are in particular attractive to butterfly , bee , and other pollinators . The previous - summer to early - dusk blooming period provide a crucial nectar source for pollinators preparing for migration . Joe Pye weed ’s striking height and flush clusters sum a dramatic spot to pollinator garden .

Aster

Asters ( Aster spp . ) are late - bloom perennials that thrive in full Lord’s Day to fond shade and well - drained soil . Plant asters in the spring or fall , spacing the works about 1 to 3 fundament asunder , depending on the variety . Pinching back the stems in early summertime can further bushier growth and more flowers .

aster ’ superstar - forge blooms come up in a variety of colour , include purplish , pinkish , blue-blooded , and white , and are highly attractive to bees , butterfly , and other pollinators . The late blossom stop , from late summer to fall , ensures a uninterrupted nectar supply when many other flush are languish . aster ’ vibrant colors and pollinator - friendly calibre make them a must - have in any garden .

bumblebee on a white flower