Plant Now for a Buzzing Year: Honey Bee-Friendly Flowers & Tips

The transition from cold months to warmer weather can be challenging for bees, as natural food sources may still be scarce. By planting the right flowers now, you can ensure a steady supply of early-season forage to support their health and productivity.

Honey bees are drawn to a variety of flowers that provide ample nectar and pollen. When choosing plants, look for species that are rich in nectar, easy for bees to access, and bloom throughout different seasons to provide continuous forage. Here’s a list of flowers that honey bees absolutely love:

Early Spring Bloomers (Essential for Post-Winter Foraging)

Crocus – Provides early pollen, helping bees regain strength after winter.

Snowdrops – One of the first flowers to bloom, offering nectar when little else is available.

Winter Heather – Blooms in late winter to early spring, offering an early nectar source.

Red Maple – A valuable early pollen provider.

Dandelion – A common yet vital pollen and nectar source in early spring. Let them bloom before mowing!

Grape Hyacinth – Small but packed with nectar, a great choice for early foragers.

Pussy Willow – Produces pollen-rich catkins, essential for early spring brood rearing.

Siberian Squill – A small but mighty early bloomer that offers nectar when many other plants remain dormant.

Spring & Early Summer Favorites

Apple, Cherry, & Plum Blossoms – Fruit trees provide an abundance of nectar and pollen in early spring.

Rosemary – A hardy herb that blooms early, offering an important nectar source.

Clover (White & Red Clover) – One of the most favored flowers for honey bees, providing nectar well into summer.

Alliums – These globe-shaped flowers are highly attractive to bees.

Lavender – A summer staple, loved for its nectar-rich blooms.

Foxglove – Tall and tubular, perfect for long-tongued bees like honey bees.

Lupines – These spiky blooms are nectar-packed and favored by pollinators.

Borage – A star-shaped flower that refills with nectar quickly, making it a top choice for bees.

Summer Blooms (High Nectar & Pollen Yield)

Sunflowers – A favorite for their rich pollen and large, bee-friendly centers.

Bee Balm (Monarda) – Lives up to its name as a bee magnet.

Thyme, Oregano, & Mint – These herbs attract bees when they flower.

Coneflowers (Echinacea) – A long-blooming favorite for both bees and butterflies.

Black-Eyed Susan – A great mid-to-late summer nectar source.

Hollyhocks – Tall and full of pollen-rich blossoms.

Cosmos – A beautiful and easy-to-grow annual that bees love.

Late Summer & Fall Essentials (Prepping Bees for Winter)

Goldenrod – A critical late-season nectar source, helping bees build winter reserves.

Asters – One of the last flowers to bloom, providing vital nectar for honey bees before winter.

Sedum (Stonecrop) – Attracts bees in late summer and fall with its nectar-rich clusters.

Joe-Pye Weed – A wildflower that produces abundant nectar well into fall.

Rosemary – Since rosemary can bloom in both early spring and late fall, it serves as a dual-season nectar source.

Bell & Bee Tips for a Thriving Bee Garden

Go Native – Choose plants that are native to your region for better adaptability, higher nectar yields, and a stronger food source for local pollinators.
Avoid Pesticides – Even organic pesticides can be harmful to bees. Opt for natural pest control methods and companion planting techniques instead.
Plant in Clusters – Bees prefer to forage in patches of the same flower species rather than scattered blooms, making their work more efficient.
Ensure Continuous Blooms – Mix early-, mid-, and late-season bloomers to provide a consistent food supply from the first warm days of spring through fall.
Provide a Water Source – Bees need water just as much as nectar. Add a shallow dish with pebbles or a bee-friendly water fountain to your garden.
Avoid Hybrid Varieties – Many modern hybrid flowers are bred for appearance rather than nectar and pollen production, making them less beneficial for bees.
Grow Herbs – Many culinary herbs, such as thyme, lavender, oregano, and mint, are excellent sources of nectar and pollen when allowed to flower.

By planting these honey bee-friendly flowers and following these tips, you’ll create a vibrant, nectar-rich environment that supports pollinators throughout the seasons. A little effort now means a garden buzzing with life all season long!

Happy planting!

Join the Buzz

What are your favorite bee-friendly flowers to grow? Have you noticed honey bees visiting certain colors more than others in your garden? Let us know your observations in the comments!

Bell & Bee Apiary