If you want to help save the bees, your garden is a great place to start. The right plants not only add vibrant color and texture—they also provide food and shelter for pollinators.
These 14 bee-friendly flowers are as beautiful as they are beneficial. Add a few to your yard, and watch the buzz begin.
Crocus
One of the first blooms of spring, crocus gives bees an early source of nectar. These small but mighty flowers peek out even in late winter. Plant them en masse for maximum impact.
Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)
Tall, elegant spikes of white or lavender flowers attract all kinds of pollinators. Native to North America, it thrives in moist soil and full sun. It blooms mid to late summer—just when bees need it most.
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Despite its name, this native plant is a pollinator powerhouse. Its tall, mauve-pink blooms provide abundant nectar, especially for bumblebees. It also thrives in less-than-ideal soils.
Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum muticum)
This highly aromatic herb draws in more pollinators than many flashier flowers. Its silvery-green bracts are just as eye-catching as its tiny blooms. It’s easy to grow and spreads beautifully in pollinator patches.
Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)
This tall wildflower produces spikes of tiny violet flowers that bees and butterflies adore. It thrives in damp, sunny spots and adds a whimsical feel to any garden. It’s especially loved by long-tongued bees.
Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium)
Spiky, globe-like flowers and spiny foliage make this native plant stand out. Its nectar-rich blooms are a bee favorite—especially native bees. It’s drought-tolerant and makes a striking structural element.
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
This fluffy, white-flowered native is a late-summer lifesaver for bees. It blooms when most other flowers are fading and thrives in moist areas. Its foliage also has a unique, fused-leaf structure.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
A cousin to bee balm, wild bergamot has a subtler, softer lavender hue. It’s beloved by native bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies alike. Bonus: It has a beautiful minty scent and resists deer.
Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)
Bright yellow umbels light up spring gardens and feed early pollinators. It’s one of the earliest nectar sources for bees and looks fantastic mixed with other natives. Its ferny foliage adds texture, too.
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Low-growing and fragrant, sweet alyssum is often overlooked—but bees love it. Its clusters of tiny white or purple flowers bloom over a long season. It's great for borders, containers, and filling empty spots.
Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)
Despite its name, this plant can spread—but it’s worth it. Its tubular pink blooms are perfectly suited to long-tongued bees and hummingbirds. It blooms late in the season and thrives in sun or partial shade.
Stokes’ Aster (Stokesia laevis)
This perennial produces big, frilly flowers in blue, lavender, or white. Bees can’t resist the open, daisy-like blooms, which last from early summer to fall. It’s also heat-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)
This drought-tolerant native adds texture with its ferny leaves and fuzzy purple blooms. Bees love the nectar, and it fixes nitrogen to improve soil health. It’s perfect for wildflower meadows and dry spots.
Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)
These unique blue to purple flowers open in the morning and close by afternoon, drawing early bees. Spiderwort is incredibly low-maintenance and spreads naturally. Its grass-like foliage adds a soft touch.
Your garden can be a haven for bees with just a few thoughtful additions. These 14 blooms will bring color, charm, and pollinator power to your outdoor space.
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