7 Flowers That Attract Bees to Your Garden

We have all heard about the dwindling honeybee population and the impact this will have on our food supply. So, today, let's talk about bees and how to attract them into our garden. Here are the 7 most colorful flowers that attract bees to your garden:

 

1) Butterfly Bush

The butterfly bush, with its large bright flowers that are full of nectar, attracts butterflies as well as bees. This low-maintenance bush flowers late summer to early fall. The blossoms are great cut flowers for your vase. You can choose from several color varieties.

2) Lavender

You may already have Lavender in your garden and if you do, you will have noticed what a bee magnet Lavender is. This fragrant beauty has both nectar and pollen for the bees. Additionally, it blooms during the mid-summer gap when bees tend to be the hungriest due to diminished blooms they can feed on. But you get to enjoy some Lavender too by cutting some and putting them in a vase and still have plenty left for the honey-bees. 

3) Black-Eyed Susan

 

 

Rudbeckia aka Black-Eyed Susan is a North American native and another honey-bee favorite. Bees can't help but be attracted to the bright yellow, brown-centered beauties and their nectar. This is a hardy perennial that comes back year after year blessing you with its cheerful beauty.

 

4) Echinacea aka Coneflower

Echinacea is one of the biggest bee attractors in addition to a beautiful flower in your garden. Drawn to the flower for its color, bees forage on both the nectar and the pollen that the plant produces. Coneflowers bloom for a long period from mid-summer to fall, providing many months of nectar for the bees.

5) Salvia

Did you know that Salvias are available in both annual and perennial varieties? Either one of which will attract bees due to the vibrant color. With many different types, it's easy to find one that works best for your garden. These flowering plants come in an array of colors, blooming in purple, red, and blue, so chances are you will find one that fits your color scheme in your yard.

6) Grape Hyacinth

 

This is one of the most fragrant blooms in the early spring garden. So, it’s no wonder that bees come buzzing to these beautiful bulbs. Earning its name from its tight clusters of flowers that resemble grapes, this plant shouldn't be confused with Hyacinths which is a completely different flower. Full of sweet nectar and pollen, bees love grape Hyacinth's tiny blue blossoms. 

7) Chives

One of the first flowers of the spring season, Chives will provide some of the first nectar for bees coming out of their winter dormancy. Chives are a good choice for gardeners because this perennial powerhouse is easy to grow in almost any region and climate. Plus, this flavorful herb is great for cooking. Blend some with your cream cheese or with a dab of butter to top your baked potato and you’ll be hooked, just like the bees. 

Of course, there are many more plants known to attract honey bees.  We just listed the 7 that we like the best.

Although Shamrock Landscape Company is not planting flowers in your garden, they are a well-known and respected mowing company serving Benicia, Vallejo, and American Canyon. Give them a call if you -rather plant than mow at (707) 647-2000 or visit their website  - if you would like more information.