Wondering "does lavender attract bees?" We've covered several pollinator FAQs and complied pollinator-friendly plants.
10 Bee-Friendly Plants to Make Your Garden a Pollinator Paradise
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Lavender
If you ever wondered, does lavender attract bees, then you’ll be pleased to know it’s a great addition. Lavender is one of the most versatile plants on our list, ideal for gardens, pots, flowerbeds and anywhere else you want to include it.
If you’ve grown lavender outdoors before, you know that it is popular among bees. If you want bigger, bushier lavender plants, then grow it in raised flower beds with good drainage—lavender hates heavy soils that stay wet for long periods of time.
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Oregano
As a general rule, common herbs like oregano, sage and basil are very attractive to bees when they flower. Oregano is best grown in a pot, where it is easy to control and harvest. Otherwise it can take over a flowerbed and grow into more of a problem than a useful herb. Keep it in well-drained soil and do not overwater.
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Lilacs
Beautiful, fragrant lilacs are always a good idea if you have the space—and it’s not hard to see why bees love them. Lilacs love well-drained soils and the sun, and they grow into large bushes over time, so leave plenty of space for these bee friendly plants to grow when starting your garden.
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Clover
We’re not talking about the clover that’s taking over your lawn, we’re talking about a larger flowering variety that is far more at home in your garden. While you may have to protect it from hungry creatures, bees will love it. Just remember to plant it more like grass and treat it like a groundcover (please don’t step on bees though) as an alternative to a lawn.
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Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle needs no introduction: Famed for its scent and orchid-like flowers, honeysuckle is an amazing addition to any garden among garden flower plants. They come in bush or climber form based on the variety, which gives you a lot of options for placement (growing them around patios or decks is common for the fragrance). Like lilacs, honeysuckles can grow surprisingly large after a couple of years, so take note of space.
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Sedum
For a swath of rich color in a flowerbed, nothing works quite like sedum—and it’s a common target for bees looking for a rich source of pollen. Plant seeds well apart and give them space to grow together over time.
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Hyacinth
Looking for something a little more bold and beautiful? Hyacinth is popular among bee species and is a great way to build up a flower bed worthy of showing off. Additionally, hyacinth plants are quite adaptable in terms of where they can grow, as long as the soil is well-drained. Plant these bulbs in autumn for best results.
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Bee Balm, Monarda
As the name implies, bees love the bee balm plant, and this spiky flower can provide some important exotic flavor to your yard. Unlike many of the plants on our list, the bee balm doesn’t mind wet soil and more marshy ground, making it more flexible when it comes to planting in clay or tougher soils.
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Aster
Aster can be planted in spring, doesn’t mind cool air and quickly grows into a bright and beautiful flower. These plants work best in a pot or similar confined space, which also helps when these bee friendly plants start to droop a little.
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Berries
Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries—if you like growing berries in your yard, keep in mind that as long as they flower, the bees will like them, too. Note that not all varieties of berries will produce edible berries, especially in the first year of growth, so plan appropriately if you have your eye on the food aspect.
FAQs
Why would I want to plant bee-friendly flowers?
“Besides the fact that they’re beautiful to look at, it’s one of the easiest things you can do to support your local ecosystem. Bees are the quiet workforce in your yard, keeping things pollinated and balanced,” says Rolston.
What are the most affordable bee-friendly plants?
To attract bees, “you don’t need anything fancy,” says Rolston. She recommends black-eyed susans, coneflowers, lavender, and bee balm. “Most of these spread on their own, so you’ll end up with more next season without spending a dime,” she says.
About the Expert
- Melissa Rolston is the Chief Strategy Officer at Paramount Landscaping Inc., an award-winning landscape company based in Canada. They offer lawn care, tree trimming, and garden installation where their experts help enhance outdoor spaces with vibrant color and lush greenery.
