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To put it simply, the best flowers for bees are ones that are native to your area.
Native plants are the species that grow naturally in a location. You can use the Native Plants Finder tool to find the best bee trees for your location.
Why is this important?
Because bees and other pollinators rely on native plants for survival. For example, in my area, leafcutter bees need native trees like Eastern redbuds (Cercis canadensis) to build their nests.
Sure, Japanese cherry blossom trees are gorgeous. But my local leafcutter bees won’t touch those with a ten-foot pole because they aren’t native to my area.
You see, native insects have evolved to have a special relationship with native plants. It’s the intricate balance of nature. Just like monarch butterflies need certain species of milkweed to lay eggs on, bees need certain species of plants to survive.
The good news?
Native plants and trees are often less maintenance than non-natives.
This is precisely why I got into gardening with native plants. I don’t have to fuss with many soil amendments or fertilizers. Most of my natives survive the heat and droughts just fine, so it’s cut down on my water bill aswell.
Plus, having happy bees, birds, and pollinators makes me feel like I’m making a real difference on my little piece of the earth.
It may not matter to most. But it certainly matters to my local pollinators.
So, in summary, use the Native Plant Finder to find trees native to your area. These will be the best trees for bees. Additionally, native trees will also help your local birds, butterflies, ladybugs, moths, and other pollinator populations.
With that in mind, I’ve included some bee flower suggestions below. Please only consider planting these flowers if they’re native to your state and region.
Pansies are lifesavers for bees because they bloom in the early spring.
Why is this important?
Because after a long winter, bees quickly need to find nectar and pollen to regain strength. So planting early spring bloomers can lay the foundation for a healthy bee population.
This is where pansies come in.
And with proper care, they can bloom throughout the year.
But aside from the fact that pansies are one of the best perennial flowers for bees, they offer gorgeous colors ranging from blue, orange, pink, purple, red, white, and yellow.
They also have heart-shaped, overlapping petals, and they’re known for their distinct contrasting center.
These spring beauties are small, only ranging 6-9 inches tall. They like full sun or light shade, and they thrive best in cooler climates. The ideal planting site will get morning sun and afternoon shade.
Pansies can be treated as either an annual or perennial, depending on the climate.
Flower color: Multicolor, blue, purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, white
Size: 6-9 inches tall
Hardiness zones: 2-11 (USDA)
2. Cornflower
When there are cornflowers, there are bees.
Cornflowers are rich in nectar which is necessary for bee survival. In fact, one study ranked wild cornflowers among the highest for nectar, compared to other types of flowers.(2)
Better yet?
Cornflowers are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seeds.
This plant thrives in full sun with low maintenance. It’s hardy, drought-tolerant, and deer resistant.
And if you want a flower that attracts bees and adds vibrancy to your garden, cornflowers will do the trick.
Cornflowers bloom in beautiful shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. They’re a wonderful addition to ornamental gardens. They reach heights of 1-3 feet tall with a width of 1-2 feet.
Attracts pollinators, repels pests, and withstands poor conditions.
We included calendulas in the top 10 flowers for bees because they’re a staple. Bees love the easy landing petals and rich pollen and nectar sources.
Calendulas blossom all season long from spring through fall. They come in a variety of colors ranging from yellow, orange, pink, and cream.
Since this plant has a long blooming season, it adds the perfect splash of color to any garden.
Calendula is easy to grow and handles poor conditions well. But, this plant thrives best in rich soil and full sun. It reaches heights of around 2 feet and has a spread of 1.5 feet.
Blooms: Spring through fall, will constantly rebloom if old booms are deadheaded
Flower color: Yellow, orange, pink, cream
Size: 1-2 feet tall
Hardiness zones: 2-11 (USDA)
4. Cosmos
Cosmos are a valuable source of food for bees. Their flowers open nicely which allows the bees to access their pollen and nectar easily.
Cosmos will grow well in the hot sun and poor soil conditions. Plus, they’re generous re-seeders.
They also add a wonderful touch of color to your flower beds. The shades range from orange, purple, pink, red, yellow, maroon, and white.
Cosmos come in tall and shorter varieties. For example, they can reach heights of anywhere between 2-6 feet.
This plant tends to germinate slowly, but it blooms fast and continues to blossom through the fall. This makes it one of the best wildflowers for bees.
Cosmos also do well when planted in large sweeps as pollinator meadows.(3)
Flower color: Multicolor, pink, orange, purple, yellow, red, or white
Size: 6-12 inches (dwarf variety) or 1-4 feet (regular variety)
Hardiness zones: 2-10 (USDA)
6. Phlox
Phlox are known for attracting honeybees and bumblebees. Their vibrant flowers and strong aroma make them one of the best flowers for bees and butterflies.
And even better:
They bloom for several weeks, so they’ll attract bees for a good part of spring and summer.
You can find phlox in nearly every hue on the color wheel. There are also several varieties of phlox, so you can find the perfect one for your garden.
The height can range from 2-4 feet with a spread of 2-3 feet. Phlox is a sun-loving perennial that thrives in moist but well-draining soil.
Overall, these pretty plants are fairly easy to grow and take care of. They like plenty of space, so plant them one to two feet apart.
These plants bloom in the fall, so they’re a crucial late-season food source for many types of bees.
Not only are they one of the best fall flowers for bees, but their vibrant colors and beautiful open centers help them stand out.
So when you plant New England asters, you can expect hoards of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
During the blooming season, the New England aster lights up your late-season landscaping with color. The colors range from blue, purple, red, pink, and white.
New England asters are deer resistant and can easily grow in a broad range of conditions. This plant thrives in full sun or light shade and can grow up to 6 feet tall, but it’s usually only 3-4 feet tall.
In northern climates, you can plant New England asters from spring to early fall. They should become established before winter.
In southern climates, you can plant them only in the spring and fall. They shouldn’t be planted in hot summer temperatures because the heat can damage the plant.
Nothing says summer like a stunning black-eyed Susan.
Are you looking for a plant that’s easy to grow and bees flock to?
You’ve found it.
Black-eyed Susans are a honeybee and bumblebee favorite. This plant produces plenty of nectar and pollen, and bees are drawn to the bright yellow flowers.
This beautiful perennial will make you smile every time you look at it because it’s got vibrant blooms with contrasting brown or black centers.
Black-eyed Susans aren’t fussy, and they bloom for a long time, so they’re a favorite among gardeners.
But that’s not all.
Bees, butterflies, and a variety of insects are attracted to the flowers. The blooms are yellow, orange, or red with a delicate sweet smell.
“Nearly everyone who has seen these plants loves them because of their almost smiley-face appearance and color,” says plant breeder Brent Horvath.
Black-eyed Susans typically grow between 1 and 3 feet tall with a spread of 12-18 inches.
If you plant bee balm in your flower beds, you’ll be a hit amongst not only bees – but hummingbirds and butterflies will love it too.
That’s why bee balm is the perfect addition to any pollinator garden.
This perennial is also called wild bergamot. It’s known for its gorgeous summer blooms of red, pink, white, or purple. The aroma is a wonderful mix between mint and oregano.
Bee balm gets its name because it was once used as a natural treatment of bee stings. It can be planted in the spring or fall, and it thrives best in full sunshine.
This plant can grow up to 4 feet tall with a spread of 3-4 feet. But, dwarf varieties are available, and they top out at about 15 inches with a spread of 18-24 inches.
Not only do cats love this plant, but bees do too.
This plant has gorgeous, long-lasting spikes that appeal to honeybees. But, given catmint’s long blooming period, you’ll see various types of bees buzzing around its blossoms.
It’s a perennial that’s resistant and can flourish even under little care. Catmints are perfect for beginner gardeners. They’re typically drought tolerant, not too picky about soil, tolerate some shade, and are resistant to deer and rabbits.
Catmints are great plants to use along pathway edges, in rock gardens, or flower beds.
This plant blooms in shades of purple, blue, white, and pink. As with most plants, the size of catmint depends on the variety you choose.
Most catmints range from 10-24 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide. Some varieties grow larger, ranging from 3-4 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
Blue globe alliums are like shining beacons for bees and other pollinators.
And there’s no doubt about it.
These gorgeous pom-pom flowers make a dramatic statement. They remind me of little bursts of fireworks.
Even better, blue globe alliums are from the onion family, so they’re typically resistant to deer and rodents. This plant has a slight onion scent, although the aroma isn’t overwhelming.
Alliums grow 12-24 inches tall and prefer full sun to partial shade. They’re perfect for someone who wants to attract bees with a plant that doesn’t need a lot of work.
Liatris is one of the great beauties of North America. It grows wild from Mexico all the way up to Canada.
And you know what?
This tall accent plant puts your bees in bee heaven. Your ears will be buzzing from the sound of the happy little pollinators.
In fact:
It’s not uncommon to see two to four bees on a single stalk of this blossom. They’re packed with pollen and nectar for bees which makes them like a pollinator buffet.
Better yet?
Liatris will be an eye-catching addition to your garden. Their growth is upright and wand-like, and they take up little space.
Liatris reach 3-4 feet tall in full sun with well-drained soil. The blossoms are pink, purple, or white. This plant is a good companion to ornamental grasses and looks gorgeous when planted in large sweeps.
Once this plant gets established, it’ll need little to no attention. For example, it handles droughts and cold weather well.
And just when you thought they couldn’t get any better?
They do.
These plants are naturally deer, pest, and disease resistant.
Liatris are planted in the spring, and flowers will typically bloom during that first year.
Besides their gorgeous blooms, the foliage remains green throughout the growing season. Then it turns into a rich bronze color during the fall.
Yarrow is a popular plant amongst gardeners because it attracts bees and deters pests. Honeybees love the yarrow’s plentiful pollen and nectar.
Yarrows are considered reliable summer bloomers. That said, some varieties even bloom in the spring and fall.
This plant offers color and vibrancy to your garden with minimal water and maintenance. It looks particularly beautiful as a ground cover or around borders.
Yarrow can reach up to 2-4 feet tall with blossoms ranging from pink, red, white, or yellow. It does best in full sun with well-drained soil.
Despite its beauty, this plant can be an invasive grower that pushes out its neighbors. But as long as you plant responsibly, you’ll be fine.
Oregano is a fragrant herb that’s irresistible to bees.
If you take a walk through any oregano garden, you’ll find plenty of bees and other pollinators buzzing around the blooms.
And this plant doubles as a wonderful seasoning for cooking.
Oregano plants need to be planted 8-10 inches apart in a sunny location. They require fertile, well-drained soil and partial shade if you’re in a warmer climate.
Their blooms come in white, pink, or purple, and they add a dash of color and aroma to your landscape.
This plant ranges from 1-2 feet tall and spreads 18-20 inches.
Since oregano is a hardy perennial, it’s easy to grow for beginners or people looking for low maintenance.
There’s a love affair going on between bees and lupine.
How come, you ask?
Lupines offer a lot of pollen that attracts bumblebees, mason bees, and wild bees. Because of this, they’re one of the best pollinating flowers for bees.
This stunning plant blooms in the spring and summer with blue, purple, pink, red, white, or yellow colors.
And you know what?
Lupines, with their colorful spikes, add a showstopping statement to your landscape.
This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and slightly cooler temperatures. They can survive in heavier soils too, as long as it’s loosened enough for their long taproots.
Lupines can reach 1-3 feet tall with a width of 1 – 1.5 feet. They thrive in sunny spots with at least six hours of direct sun. They can grow in partial shade, but their blossoms will be diminished.
Crocuses are often one of the first flowers to emerge in spring.
This makes them an important food source for bees, who need the nectar and pollen after a long winter.
Hungry bees are drawn to the beautiful blooms and detectable fragrance.
These plants do well in full sun and are low maintenance. You’ll find them in pink, red, orange, yellow, blue, white, and purple.
They also bloom in the late winter, so they’ll add a nice touch of color to your garden during the cooler months. As a bonus, rabbits, deer, and squirrels rarely bother these plants.
Crocuses are small plants, only ranging from 4-6 inches tall and wide.
Since crocuses are considered one of the best spring flowers for bees, you should plant them in the late summer or early fall to get that spring bloom.
Like humans, bees need the appropriate amount of protein, carbs, and fat in their diet.
This is where nectar and pollen come in. Pollen provides bees with their source of protein and fat, while nectar gives them their carbohydrates.
But that’s not all.
Honeybees, for example, also use pollen and nectar to help their hive survive. They use it to make honey and “bee bread” which is fed to the baby bees.
That’s why growing the best nectar-producing plants for honeybees is crucial for establishing a healthy honeybee population.
While this is a list of the best flowers for bees – it doesn’t stop there. Many of these flowers will attract other pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies.
So when you plant a bee-friendly garden, you’ll also help native pollinators.
We’ve linked to Amazon for seeds and bulbs for each plant. You can also find plants that attract bees at your local garden center.
Just remember:
The best garden flowers for bees are the ones with open centers. This allows the bees to access the florets. Too many petals block the center, and bees won’t be attracted to those plants.
There are a few things that go into picking the best flowers for bees:
1. Pick flowers with visible centers. Bees need easy access to the center florets so they can gather nectar.
2. Avoid using pesticides or any chemicals. Each year many bee colonies are destroyed or damaged by pesticides or harsh chemicals. Some of them kill bees immediately. Others may interfere with their navigational ability or impair their reproductive capacity. To be safe, avoid using pesticides in your garden.(5)
3. Pay attention to blooming seasons. Plant a variety of flowers that bloom in the spring, summer, and fall. This ensures that your local bee population has access to nectar and pollen when they need it most.
4. Group plants together. Bees love a good selection of flowers. Think of it like a bee buffet.
5. Pick plants that thrive in your hardiness zone. Hardiness zones are what gardeners use to determine which plants do well in their location. Find your hardiness zone from the map below:
Once you know your zone, you can find plants that flourish in your area.
6. Take care of your plants. I know this goes without saying, but I couldn’t go without saying it. Ensure your plants have plenty of access to water, sunlight, and ideal soil conditions for their plant type. Your bees will thank you.
7. Make sure the bees have access to water. No surprise here. Bees need water too. That said, bees can’t swim, and they’ll drown if the water bowl is too deep.
Your water source needs to be shallow and should include places for the bees to stand while they drink. Try adding marbles, rocks, or crystals to your bee waterer to give your bees somewhere to perch while they drink.
Also, check your waterer regularly. If you’re a beekeeper with a hive of honeybees, then have a bee suit and bee smoker for protection.
And finally?
You may need to make sugar water for bees to help supplement new or weak colonies.
8. Provide a safe and comfortable home. Our list of the best flowers for bees will attract a wide variety of bees. This includes honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary bees. With that in mind, buying a bee hotel will allow for a comfortable home for many types of solitary bees.
And if you’re interested in becoming a beekeeper, learn about the different types of hives like vertical or horizontal hives.
The best flowers for attracting bees are typically blue, purple, white, or yellow. That said, bees find nectar and pollen with both sight and smell.
So while you should try to find colors that bees like, don’t stress too much about it. Planting a variety of flowers with different colors and blooming seasons is your best bet.
We recommend products we love and use. This means we include products we’ve researched heavily, tried personally, and/or have come recommended by other beekeepers.
To put it simply?
We spend hours researching and testing the products we recommend.
More specifically, we look for beekeeping supplies that:
are supported by reviews from other beekeepers
have been repeatedly tested and proven effective
are high-quality and worth the cost
will make your beekeeping life easier
Our content is also written from the knowledge of experts, including beekeepers and bee experts. This allows us to educate you on bees so you can help them flourish in your community. In doing so, we strive to be honest, transparent, and unbiased in every piece of content we produce.
While we might receive compensation for some of the products we recommend, all of our picks are chosen based on quality, performance, reviews, and our personal experiences.
