Best Flowers for Bees: Create a Pollinator Paradise
Support essential pollinators by planting bee-friendly flowers. Learn which blooms bees love most and how to create a garden that buzzes with life all season long.
Bees are responsible for pollinating about one-third of our food supply. By choosing the right flowers for your garden, you can support these vital pollinators while enjoying beautiful blooms from spring through fall.
What Bees Look For
Color Preferences
- - Blue and purple (favorites)
- - Yellow and white
- - Pink and violet
- - Bees can't see red
Flower Shape
- - Open, flat flowers
- - Tubular for long tongues
- - Clusters of small blooms
- - Easy landing platforms
Other Factors
- - Native plants preferred
- - Single blooms over doubles
- - Fragrant flowers
- - Pesticide-free gardens
Why Native Plants Matter
Native bees have evolved alongside native plants for thousands of years. These flowers produce the right nectar and pollen that local bees need, and they bloom at the right times.
Top Bee-Friendly Flowers by Season
Spring Blooms
Mid-Spring Favorites
Peak spring foraging time for growing bee colonies.
- - Cherry Blossoms
- - Apple blossoms
- - Bluebells
Summer Powerhouses
Sunflower Family
Herb Garden Stars
- - Basil (let it flower)
- - Oregano
- - Thyme
- - Mint
Fall Food Sources
Critical Late-Season Flowers
Bees need to build winter food stores. These fall bloomers are essential.
- - Chrysanthemums
- - Dahlias
- - Late-blooming salvias
Creating a Bee-Friendly Garden
Garden Design Tips
- 1Plant in clusters - Groups of the same flower are easier for bees to find
- 2Plan for continuous bloom - Ensure something flowers from March to October
- 3Include variety - Different bee species prefer different flower shapes
- 4Provide water - Shallow dish with pebbles for safe drinking
- 5Leave some bare ground - Many native bees nest in soil
Avoid These Practices
- - Pesticides and insecticides
- - Double-flowered varieties
- - Excessive mulching
- - Removing all dead stems in fall
Helpful Practices
- - Let some lawn turn to clover
- - Create brush piles for shelter
- - Install bee houses for solitary bees
- - Choose organic methods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single best flower for bees?
Lavender is often considered the best all-around bee flower. It blooms for months, is drought-tolerant, and attracts numerous bee species. Plant multiple varieties for extended bloom time.
Do bees like marigolds?
Single-flowered marigolds can attract bees, but the common double-flowered varieties are less useful since bees struggle to access their nectar. Choose single varieties like Signet marigolds.
Can I attract bees to a balcony or small space?
Absolutely! Containers with lavender, herbs (let them flower), and small sunflower varieties work wonderfully. Even a window box with catmint or salvia will attract bees.
Are there bee-friendly flowers for shade?
Yes! Try foxglove, bleeding heart, and lungwort for shady spots. Many woodland natives thrive in partial shade and support pollinators.
Creating a bee-friendly garden benefits far more than just bees. You'll enjoy increased pollination for your vegetables, beautiful blooms, and the satisfaction of supporting vital ecosystems. Start with lavender and sunflowers, then expand your pollinator paradise from there.
Source: Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation - Pollinator conservation research
Local Flower Team
Local Flower
The Local Flower team is dedicated to helping you discover beautiful blooms and connect with talented florists in your area.