What Flowers do Honey Bees like the Best?

Flowers that Honeybees Like the Best

Honey bees play an essential role in our ecosystem, pollinating a significant portion of the plants that provide us with food, fiber, and other resources. But did you know that not all flowers are created equal when it comes to attracting these industrious insects? In this blog post, we'll explore the top flowers that honey bees simply can't resist, so you can turn your garden into a pollinator paradise!

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

• Aromatic and beautiful, lavender is a top choice for honey bees.

• Offers nectar-rich blooms that last from early summer to late autumn.

• Plant in full sun with well-draining soil for best results.

• Bonus: Lavender's scent is also known to be calming for humans!

Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)

• A quintessential summer flower that bees adore.

• Large, bright blooms provide ample nectar and pollen for bees to forage.

• Choose single-headed varieties for best accessibility to the flower's center.

• Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.

Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)

• Aptly named, bee balm is a magnet for honey bees.

• Vibrant, nectar-rich flowers bloom throughout the summer.

• Also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, adding more life to your garden.

• Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)

• Also known as coneflower, Echinacea is a pollinator favorite.

• Large, nectar-rich flowers bloom from mid-summer to early autumn.

• Comes in various colors, including purple, pink, white, and yellow.

• Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.

Borage (Borago officinalis)

• A prolific, easy-to-grow annual that bees love.

• Produces nectar-rich, star-shaped blue flowers from early summer to frost.

• Borage is edible, and its cucumber-flavored leaves can be used in salads and teas.

• Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

• An annual flower also known as pot marigold, highly attractive to honey bees.

• Blooms from early summer to frost in shades of yellow, orange, and apricot.

• Edible petals can be used to add color and flavor to salads or as a garnish.

• Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.

Clover (Trifolium spp.)

• A versatile, low-growing ground cover that provides ample forage for bees.

• Produces small, nectar-rich flowers from spring to late autumn.

• Choose white clover (Trifolium repens) or red clover (Trifolium pratense) for best results.

• Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil.

Catmint (Nepeta spp.)

• Another bee favorite, producing nectar-rich lavender-blue flowers from late spring to autumn.

• A hardy perennial that is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.

• Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.

• Bonus: Catmint's aroma is attractive to cats!

Salvia (Salvia spp.)

• A diverse group of plants with nectar-rich flowers that bees love.

• Blooms in various colors, including purple, blue, red, and white, depending on the species.

• Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.

• Some varieties are drought-tolerant, making them perfect for xeriscaping.

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

• A late-season bloomer that provides an essential food source for honey bees as they prepare for winter.

• Produces vibrant yellow flowers from late summer to early autumn.

• Attracts a variety of other pollinators, including butterflies and beneficial insects.

• Plant in full sun with well-draining soil; some species tolerate partial shade.

Aster (Aster spp.)

• Another late-season bloomer that offers sustenance to honey bees in autumn.

• Features daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white.

• Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil.

• A great option for adding fall color to your garden.

Foxglove (Digitalis spp.)

• Tall spires of tubular flowers that honey bees find irresistible.

• Blooms in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white, depending on the variety.

• Plant in partial shade with well-draining soil.

• Note: All parts of the foxglove plant are toxic; exercise caution if you have children or pets.

Creating a honey bee-friendly garden is not only an enjoyable way to support these vital pollinators but also a beautiful and rewarding endeavor. By incorporating a variety of the flowers listed above, you'll be providing honey bees with a diverse and continuous food source throughout the growing season. Plus, you'll be treated to a vibrant and lively garden that will be the envy of your neighbors. So go ahead and plant these bee favorites and watch your garden buzz with life!