10 Flowers That Attract Bees to Your Garden

There’s a lot of talk about bees today. Their populations are dwindling as their habitat is lost to development and their food supply is threatened by pesticides. While some might be happy that there’s less risk of being stung, the truth is that bees are essential for a healthy environment, productive agriculture, and a big batch of backyard blooms. If you plant a bee-friendly garden you’ll not only give these pollinators fertile foraging grounds, but enjoy a boost in the beauty of your garden as well. With busy bees grazing on your property, you’ll see more blooms on your flowering plants, and higher yields in your veggie garden. These 10 flowers are some of bees’ favorites, and we bet you’ll love them, too.

Lavender

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Lavender Attracts Bees

If you already havelavenderin your yard, then you might have noticed that when it’s in bloom, it attracts bees like a magnet. That’s because the fragrant plant has both pollen and nectar to feed the bees. Another huge benefit is that it blooms during a midsummer gap when bees are usually the hungriest but have fewer pickings. Because lavender is very productive, you can even cut some blooms to enjoy in a vase indoors and there will still be plenty leftover for a bee-friendly feast.Available onAmazon; $15.99 per plant.


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Sunflowers

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Sunflowers Attract Bees

Sunflowers are ashowstopper in the garden. With their impressive height and bright blooms, it’s easy to see why gardeners are attracted to them. Bees, on the other hand, are drawn to the smorgasbord of both pollen and nectar found in the plant's small tubular flowers that make up the plant's large centers. Bees enjoy the banquet, and the gardener's reward for sharing the bounty is larger sunflower seeds in greater quantity.Available onHome Depot; $2.49 for one packet of organic seeds.


Related:10 Foolproof Flowers Anyone Can Grow

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Lamb’s Ear

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Lamb’s Ear Attracts Bees

This greenish-gray plant lives up to its name, with leaves that are as soft and fuzzy as a lamb’s ear. Not only is lamb’s ear hardy, tolerating a multitude of soil and sun conditions, but it sends up spikes of purple flowers in late spring and early summer that attract bees like crazy. Plant it, and its nectar will attract not only bees, buthummingbirds, as well.Available onAmazon; $15.95 per plant.


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Black-Eyed Susan

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Black-Eyed Susan Attracts Bees

Native to North America, black-eyed Susan (also known as rudbeckia) isa cheerful addition to any garden—and a honeybee favorite. Bees are attracted to the bright yellow, brown-centered flowers, and enjoy sucking up the nectar. Coming back year after year, it’s a hardy perennial that you’ll never need to replant.Available onAmazon; $19.35 per plant.


Related:10 Things to Do Now for a Better Garden Next Year

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Butterfly Bush

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Butterfly Bush Attracts Bees

Butterfly bush, as its name implies, attracts butterflies because its large, bright flowers are chock full of nectar. The same thing that makes it popular with butterflies, attracts bees, too. Theselow-maintenance shrubsflower in late summer and early fall, with fragrant blooms that make beautiful cut flowers.Available onAmazon; $17.99 per plant.


Related:10 Fast-Growing Plants for (Almost) Instant Curb Appeal

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Chives

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Chives Attract Bees

Because they flower early in the 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 the perennial powerhouse is easy to grow in almost any region and climate. An added bonus? The flavorful herb isgreat for cooking. Blend some with a dab of butter to top fresh bread and biscuits and you’ll be hooked, just like the bees.Available onAmazon; $4.99 per plant.


Related:Do These 8 Things and Never Pay for Plants Again

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Coneflower

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Coneflower Attracts Bees

The purple coneflower, also known as echinacea, is one of the biggest bee attractors. Drawn to thewildflowerfor its color, bees forage on both the nectar and the pollen that the plant produces. It blooms for a long period duringmid-summer to fall, providing many months of nectar for the bees.Available onBurpee; $15.95 per plant.


Related:8 No-Care Plants for Killer Curb Appeal in Every Season

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Salvia

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Salvia Attracts Bees

Salvia comes in both annual and perennial varieties—either of which will attract bees. With many different types, it's easy to find one that works best for your花园的条件. These flowering plants come in an array of colors, blooming in purple, red, and blue, so there’s bound to be a variety of salvia that you’ll enjoy.Available onBurpee; $12.95 per plant.


Related:8 Things to Know Before You Set Foot in a Plant Store

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Grape Hyacinth

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Grape Hyacinth Attracts Bees

Grape hyacinth 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 withhyacinth, which is a completely different flower. Full of sweet nectar and pollen, bees love grape hyacinth's tiny blue blossoms.Available onBurpee; $9.95 for 15 bulbs.


Related:11 Age-Old Gardening Tips to Completely Ignore

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Sedum

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Sedum Attracts Bees

Sedum, also known as stonecrop, offers a late summer and autumn buffet to bees and butterflies alike. From the low and creeping ground cover Goldmoss, to the long-stalked Autumn Joy, there are more than 500 varieties from which to choose. Thehardy and drought-tolerant plantsare easy to grow, and easily accessible for bees. Pick whatever your heart desires, because the bees like them all.Available onBurpee; $10.95 per plant.


Related:The Best Low-Maintenance Ground Covers for Your Garden

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A Win Win

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A Win Win

You provide the flowers for a happy bee habit and in return the buzzin' pollinators give a boost to your garden.

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