The global population of bees and other pollinators is declining due to habitat loss and insufficient forage. Since large natural areas are diminishing, the collective efforts of home gardeners are increasingly important for supporting these insects. Gardens, even small ones, can act as crucial foraging stops, providing a steady supply of nectar and pollen. Selecting the right flowering plants ensures that local bee populations have the resources they need throughout the entire season.
Floral Characteristics That Attract Pollinators
Bees perceive the world differently than humans, relying on specific flower traits to identify food sources. The color spectrum visible to bees favors shades of blue, purple, and yellow, but they are generally unable to see red. Their vision extends into the ultraviolet (UV) range, allowing them to see patterns on petals invisible to the human eye. These UV markings often act as “nectar guides,” directing the bee toward the center of the flower where the pollen and nectar rewards are located.
The physical structure of a flower dictates which bee species can access its resources. Many native bees, including mining bees and sweat bees, prefer open, disk-shaped flowers that provide a stable landing platform. Other species, such as long-tongued bumblebees, are equipped to reach the nectar at the base of deeper, tubular flowers (e.g., bee-balm).
The best flowers for bees offer both nectar (carbohydrates for energy) and pollen (protein and fats for larval development). Heavily cultivated ornamental varieties, particularly those with a “double-petal” structure, often produce significantly less pollen and nectar. The dense, layered petals of these hybrid flowers can also physically block a bee’s access to the food reward. For maximum benefit, gardeners should prioritize flowers that have a simple, single-petal structure, ensuring the pollen and nectar are readily available.
Recommended Plants for Seasonal Support
Ensuring a continuous bloom cycle is the most effective way to support bees, which require food from early spring emergence through late autumn. The first flowers of the year are particularly important for queen bumblebees as they establish new colonies. Early spring support can be provided by small bulbs like Crocus, and flowering shrubs or trees such as Willow (Salix) and Apple (Malus), which offer a large volume of pollen and nectar.
As the season progresses, gardeners should integrate robust mid-summer bloomers to sustain the growing bee population. Perennials like Coneflower (Echinacea), Alliums, and Catmint (Nepeta) are excellent choices for their extended bloom times and abundant nectar. Herbs such as Thyme (Thymus) and Lavender (Lavandula) are also highly attractive, offering tiny, nectar-rich flowers that appeal to a wide variety of bee species. Incorporating flowering shrubs and trees, like Linden (Tilia), provides a substantial and efficient food source in a condensed area.
The transition to late season requires planting species that flower well into the cooler months to provide essential energy stores for winter. Asters and Goldenrod are among the most valuable late-season bloomers, offering dense clusters of flowers when many other plants have finished. Succulents like Sedum, or Iceplant, also flower in the autumn and are reliably covered in foraging bees. Choosing native species is highly recommended because they are co-evolved with local bee species and provide the most appropriate and nutrient-dense pollen and nectar.
Safe Gardening Practices for Pollinator Health
The effectiveness of planting for pollinators can be undermined by common garden maintenance practices. The use of systemic insecticides, particularly neonicotinoids, poses a significant threat to bees. These chemicals are absorbed by the plant and expressed in the pollen and nectar, poisoning the food source that the bees collect.
Gardeners should eliminate the use of broad-spectrum pesticides, opting instead for manual removal of pests or least-toxic alternatives as a last resort. If pesticide application is necessary, it should be done late in the evening when bees are not actively foraging to minimize exposure.
Beyond food, bees require clean water and safe nesting sites. A shallow dish of water with pebbles or moss, often called a bee bath, provides a safe place for bees to drink. Many native bees, such as mining bees and digger bees, nest in the ground, so leaving small areas of bare, undisturbed soil is helpful. Leaving hollow plant stalks standing over winter also offers valuable nesting and overwintering habitat for stem-nesting bee species.