Bees come in all shapes and sizes—from the familiar honeybee to tiny solitary bees—and they all rely on flowers for nectar and pollen. Growing a variety of bee-friendly flowers will attract and support a healthy, diverse bee population in your garden.

Why Focus on Diverse Bees?

• Different bee species have different flower preferences.
• Some bees prefer certain shapes, colors, or bloom times.
• Supporting diverse bees boosts pollination and ecosystem health.

Key Tips for a Bee-Friendly Garden

• Plant native flowers — bees evolved with these plants.
• Choose a variety of flower shapes and colors — to suit different bee species.
• Bloom times should overlap through spring, summer, and fall — so there’s always food.
• Avoid pesticides — harmful to bees.
• Provide habitat — leave some bare soil or small wood piles for nesting solitary bees.

Top Flower Picks for Diverse Bees

1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

• Attracts honeybees, bumblebees, and many solitary bees.
• Long-lasting blooms with a strong scent.
• Thrives in sunny, well-drained spots.

2. Echinacea (Coneflower)

• Loved by bumblebees and sweat bees.
• Daisy-like shape provides easy access to pollen.
• Blooms mid-summer to fall.

3. Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)

• Large open faces attract honeybees and carpenter bees.
• Great for late summer and fall.
• Provides seeds for birds after blooming.

4. Bee Balm (Monarda)

• Tubular flowers favored by long-tongued bees like bumblebees and mining bees.
• Spreads nicely in sunny to partially shaded areas.
• Strong fragrance that bees find irresistible.

5. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

• Tall spires with tubular flowers attract bumblebees.
• Prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.
• Blooms in late spring to early summer.

6. Wildflowers Mix (Native species mix)

• A mix like clover, black-eyed Susan, cosmos, and lupine supports many bee species.
• Offers varied bloom times and flower shapes.
• Easy to grow in most soils.

7. Heather (Calluna vulgaris)

• Provides nectar late in the season.
• Attracts bumblebees and solitary bees.
• Ideal for acidic soil gardens.

8. Thyme (Thymus spp.)

• Small flowers attract tiny solitary bees.
• Grows low and dense; great ground cover.
• Aromatic herb that’s also useful in cooking.

Seasonal Flower Planning for Bees

Final Tips

• Water source: Bees need water—place shallow water dishes or natural puddles.
• Leave some wild corners: Don’t mow everything, let some weeds and grasses grow.
• Observe and learn: Watch which flowers attract which bees and adjust planting accordingly.