Feed the bees, and they’ll feed your garden.
While any flower is better than none, not all plants are equally bee-friendly. Bees prefer blooms with open access to nectar and pollen, and some plants offer vital forage at key times of year—like early spring and late fall, when other flowers are scarce. Choose a variety of plants from the lists below to build a garden that will be buzzing with life.
Why Plant for Bees?
Planting for bees isn’t just good for the pollinators—it’s good for your entire garden. When bees thrive, so do your flowers, fruits, and vegetables. These hardworking insects increase pollination rates, which means bigger blooms, more vibrant color, and better yields on crops like tomatoes, squash, and berries.
But bee populations are under threat. Habitat loss, overuse of pesticides, and disease have led to sharp declines in both native bees and honeybee colonies. By choosing plants that offer nectar and pollen, especially throughout the early spring and late fall when other food sources are scarce, gardeners can provide a vital lifeline to these essential pollinators.
Even a small patch of bee-friendly plants—like a few herbs in a pot or a clump of sunflowers by your fence—can make a big difference. And many of these plants are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and beautiful to boot. The more we plant with bees in mind, the more we support the health of our ecosystems, our food supply, and the planet.
Tips for a Bee-Friendly Garden
- Plant in clusters: Bees prefer large patches of the same flower.
- Aim for all seasons: Mix early bloomers with late-blooming plants to feed bees year-round.
- Skip pesticides: If you have an infestation threatening your plants, use an organic spray at night while bees are not active.
- Add water: A shallow dish with pebbles gives bees a safe place to drink.
- Go native: Native bees evolved with native plants—and prefer them.
Perennials
| Plant Name |
Used As |
Bee Benefit |
| Bee Balm (Monarda) | Nectar | Highly attractive to bumblebees and long-tongued bees |
| Coneflower (Echinacea) | Nectar, Pollen | Visited by a wide range of native bees |
| Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) | Nectar, Pollen | Attracts solitary bees and bumblebees |
| Goldenrod | Nectar, Pollen | Late-season resource for many bee species |
| Asters | Nectar, Pollen | Vital fall forage for native bees |
| Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) | Nectar | Supports both bees and butterflies |
| Yarrow (Achillea) | Nectar | Flat flowers ideal for small bees |
| Joe-Pye Weed | Nectar | Bee magnet during late summer |
| Blazing Star (Liatris) | Nectar | Popular with native solitary bees |
Annuals
| Plant Name |
Used As |
Bee Benefit |
| Zinnias | Nectar | Attract many generalist bee species |
| Cosmos | Nectar | Easy access for small bees |
| Sunflowers | Nectar, Pollen | Loved by native bees and honeybees |
| Borage | Nectar | Especially attractive to honeybees |
| Calendula | Nectar, Pollen | Good early-season forage for bees |
Shrubs & Vines
| Plant Name |
Used As |
Bee Benefit |
| Bluebeard (Caryopteris) | Nectar | Late-season nectar for bees |
| Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) | Nectar | Spherical flowers draw native bees |
| Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) | Nectar | Attractive to long-tongued bees |
| Virginia Creeper | Nectar | Provides nectar for native bees in shady areas |
Trees
| Plant Name |
Used As |
Bee Benefit |
| Redbud | Nectar, Pollen | Critical early-season resource for bees |
| Tulip Poplar | Nectar | Produces abundant nectar for honeybees |
| Maple | Pollen | Early pollen source for bees |
| Willow | Nectar, Pollen | Vital spring forage for native bees |
Herbs
| Plant Name |
Used As |
Bee Benefit |
| Lavender | Nectar | Loved by honeybees and bumblebees |
| Thyme | Nectar | Tiny flowers ideal for small bees |
| Mint | Nectar | Attracts many native bees |
| Oregano | Nectar | Produces abundant flowers for bees |
| Chives | Nectar | Early bloomer visited by many bees |
