Bees are our most important pollinators and play a large role in every aspect of our ecosystem. They support the growth of trees, crops, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other plants. Bees contribute to complex, interconnected ecosystems that allow a diverse number of different species to co-exist. Did you know that 90% of all plants require cross-pollination to spread and thrive? Without Bees, our gardens would not flourish and our food supply would deplete.
Bee Friendly! If you are planning your garden or backyard space, it is important to consider our friendly neighborhood Bees. The good news is there are ways gardeners can help Bee populations bounce back. Planting a Bee-friendly garden will not only lead to healthy and vibrant plants, it will ensure that Bees continue to play their critical role in our ecosystem. Check out our Top 10 Bee friendly flowers and plants you can have in your garden or outdoor space.
Top 10 Bee Friendly Flowers & Plants
1. Lavender
Lavender plants are rich in nectar, they bloom for a long period of time and honey bees just love them! Lavender is also known as a natural pest repellent that you can place near patios and porches. The scent deters mosquitoes, flies, fleas, and other problem insects while attracting butterflies and bees.
2. Honeysuckle
The honeysuckle is a sweet smelling vine that is known to be easy to grow and quick to bloom. Song birds and Humming birds also really love this vine.
3. Mint Plant
Mint is very easy to grow! The flowers that the mint plant produces attracts bees from mid-summer and onwards.
4. Sunflowers
The bright, large sunflower heads have a large supply of nectar and pollen for their pollinators. They attract all kinds of bees. The showy outer ray petals help attract the pollinators. Bees go from flower to flower within the disc, becoming covered with pollen.
5. Lilacs
Who doesn’t love lilacs? They are easy to grow, they come in seven different colours and are low maintenance. Most shrubs grow at eye-level and give off a sweet, floral fragrance to keep the bees and butterflies coming back for more.
6. Wisteria
Lilacs are easy to grow, they come in seven different colours and are low maintenance. Most shrubs grow at eye-level and give off a sweet, floral fragrance to keep the bees and butterflies coming back for more.
7. Calendula "Pot Marigold"
Calendula is also known as Pot Marigold, is super easy to grow, good in containers, and it even produces edible flowers. Calendula is attractive to wild bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
8. Buddleias "Butterfly Bush"
Choose a butterfly bush (Buddleia) that blooms in a color visible to bees, and your garden will become the botanical equivalent of a truck-stop diner for convoys of the nectar-transporting insects. Bees approach their job of keeping butterfly bushes pollinated and prolifically seeding with great enthusiasm.
9. Celosia
Celosia flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Planted near a vegetable garden, it will help ensure pollination and fruit set on the vegetable plants. Bonus tip: Celosia flowers that are growing well indicate alkaline soil.
10. Cosmos
This is another easy to grow annual that is available in a range of heights and flower colours. Plant Cosmos, and the bees will come. They are very easy to maintain: simply remove spent flowers and the plants will continue to bloom all summer.
Do you have a bee friendly garden? What are your favourite plants, herbs or flowers to attract bees?
Let us know in the comment section below.
We would love to hear from you!
