Support the world’s hardworking pollinators by learning what potted plants attract bees. In this post, we explain which plants are most effective in drawing these essential insects to your garden, contributing to a thriving ecosystem.
For those looking to create a vertical herb garden, our guide on how to plant a vertical herb garden offers step-by-step instructions.
Additionally, if you’re seeking expert advice on keeping pests out of your herb garden, don’t miss our post on how to keep pests out of herb garden. Dive in and learn how to create a bee-friendly garden that promotes pollination and a healthy environment.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Potted plants can attract bees to your garden. |
| Bees are important pollinators that help plants grow and produce food. |
| Some of the best potted plants for attracting bees include lavender, sunflowers, and herbs like thyme and rosemary. |
| To make your garden more attractive to bees, you can also provide a water source, avoid using pesticides, and choose plants that bloom at different times throughout the year. |
| By attracting bees to your garden, you can help support local ecosystems and promote the growth of fruits, vegetables, and other plants. |
Lavender
Lavender is a perennial plant that is native to the Mediterranean but is now grown throughout the world.
Lavender has a long history of use in herbal medicine, with some claims that it can help with anxiety, depression and insomnia. In addition to its medicinal uses, lavender also attracts bees and other pollinators.
Lavender has a strong scent that helps attract bees to your garden.
Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea is a perennial plant that can grow up to 2 feet tall. It produces flowers in a wide range of colors, including shades of purple and pink.
Echinacea purpurea blooms in the summer, spring and fall (June through September). They do not bloom during winter months because they need warm temperatures to thrive.
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Bergamot
Bergamot is a citrus fruit that is grown in many parts of the world. It has been used for centuries, and there are many different uses for bergamot.
Bergamot is used to make tea and it also makes an ingredient in perfume and cologne. The oil from the fruit can be extracted from the peel of the plant to make some of these products as well.
Bergamots are hardy plants that grow quickly when they have good soil and adequate sunlight and warmth, which makes them a great choice if you want to attract bees into your garden or yard because bees like this type of plant!
Bee balm (Monarda sp.)
Bee balm, also known as “Oswego tea,” is a perennial native to North America. It produces beautiful purple flowers that bees love.
Bee balm attracts butterflies and hummingbirds as well as bees. The leaves can be used in teas or made into vinegar or infused oils for use in cooking and skincare products.
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
This perennial blooms from summer through fall, attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The flowers come in shades of purple and pink, but really stand out against the lush green leaves.
Purple coneflower is also drought tolerant and deer resistant. It grows best in full sun or partial shade with average to dry soil that’s rich in organic matter.
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Buttercup squash (Cucurbita maxima)
Buttercup squash is a perennial, a vine, and a bush. Buttercup squash is an annual or biennial plant that grows from seeds.
Buttercup pumpkins have large leaves in the shape of flowers and can grow up to six feet tall in the summer time.
Buttercup pumpkins are easy to grow outside but need plenty of sun and water throughout the day. This vegetable can be eaten right out of its shell or cooked into pies or soups, making it perfect for gardeners who love fresh vegetables!
Crocus
Crocus flowers are a favorite of bees and butterflies. Crocus plants are easy to grow in pots, as they don’t require much sunlight. They can be grown from seed if you want to have an indoor garden during the winter months.
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Cosmos
Cosmos is a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family. It is native to the Americas, where it is found throughout the warmer regions.
Cosmos has been cultivated for thousands of years in the Americas, and it was introduced into European gardens during the 16th century. Cosmos looks best when planted in summer or autumn because its flowers are larger than those on other types of plant, such as cockscomb or cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus), which bloom earlier in springtime and have petals that are smaller than those on cosmos flowers.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
A perennial flower that can grow up to 10 feet tall, this plant attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and wasps. In addition to being an important food source for many other animals, the sunflower is a great choice for your garden if you’re looking for plants that attract bees.
Bachelor buttons (Centaurea cyanus)
Bachelor buttons (Centaurea cyanus) are a beautiful addition to your garden. They’re a flowering plant that attracts bees for pollination.
These plants do well in full sun or partial shade and prefer soils that drain well. Bachelor buttons grow in zones 4 through 8, so if you live outside these zones you’ll need to choose another bee-friendly plant from the list below!
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Pumpkin/Squash (Cucurbita pepo)
Pumpkin, or squash, is a vine. The fruit of this plant is edible and can be used in many ways, including pies and soups. Pumpkins are also high in vitamin A which helps to strengthen eyesight and reduce signs of aging. They attract bees because they have flowers that produce nectar as well as pollen
Cosmos (Cosmos sp.)
This perennial is a great choice for bees and other pollinators. The large blooms are attractive to a variety of insects, including butterflies, and they’re easy to grow in containers or beds. Cosmos can be grown from seed or bought as plants from nurseries or garden centers.
They are very hardy and will tolerate drought conditions well, making them perfect for hot summers days! If you live in an area where winters get cold and wet, you may want to plant cosmos in pots that can be brought indoors during winter months (or bring your potted plants inside).
Zinnia sp
Zinnia sp. is a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family, native to Mexico and much of the United States. They are annuals or perennials growing to 80 cm tall. These flowers are pollinated by bees and butterflies.
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Conclusion
Hopefully this list of bee-friendly plants has given you plenty of ideas for your own garden! And remember, if bees are having trouble pollinating your vegetable or fruit plants, then it’s time to consider adding some potted plants in the yard. Bees will love them just as much as you do!
Further Reading
20 Flowers That Attract Bees To Your Garden: Check out this article from Country Living for 20 flowers that attract bees to your garden, including sunflowers, lavender, and wildflowers.
How to plant for bees and butterflies – even in the tiniest urban outdoor spaces: The Guardian offers some tips and tricks for planting in small spaces to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
How to Attract Bees to Your Garden: Learn from MasterClass about how to attract bees to your garden, including planting flowers and providing water sources.
And here’s the FAQs section with five questions and answers:
FAQs
What plants are best for attracting bees to my garden?
Some of the best plants for attracting bees to your garden include lavender, sunflowers, wildflowers, and herbs like thyme and rosemary.
What are some things I can do to make my garden more attractive to bees?
To make your garden more attractive to bees, you can plant a variety of flowers, provide a water source, avoid using pesticides, and choose plants that bloom at different times throughout the year.
What types of bees will I attract to my garden?
You can attract a variety of bees to your garden, including honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary bees.
How can I ensure that my garden is safe for bees?
To ensure that your garden is safe for bees, avoid using pesticides and herbicides, provide a water source, and plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year.
What can I do to help bees thrive in my community?
To help bees thrive in your community, you can plant a pollinator garden, support local beekeepers, and educate others about the importance of bees and how they can help protect them.
For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.