15 Flowers That Attract More Bees Than Sunflowers

sunflower get a lot of attention when it come to attract bees , and for good reason — they’re big , bright , and carry with pollen . But they ’re not the only option in the garden that bees love . In fact , some flowers are even more appealing to pollinator , offering a rich intellectual nourishment source or blooming earlier in the time of year when bees are just starting to scrounge .

If you ’re curious about advance bee dealings in your yard or garden , you might be surprised by how many other bloom pull more weight than sunflowers . From flyspeck wildflowers to bold , colorful perennials , there ’s a wide diverseness that can support your local bee population — and add up something special to your garden while they ’re at it .

Lavender

Lavender ’s intoxicating perfume and vibrant purple blooms captivate not only humans but also bee . The soft hum of bees around lavender patches is a testament to its irresistible allure . This perennial plant provide a continuous root of ambrosia , flourishing in gay climates with well - enfeeble grunge . It ’s a favorite in garden where bees are encouraged to thrive . As a bonus , lavender is also a grotesque improver to homemade sachets and culinary dishes . Did you know ? Lavender crude oil has been used for 100 for its calming properties . Its presence in a garden adds both stunner and utility .

Borage

Borage , with its star - shaped blue flush , is a magnet for bees . These delicious blooms are not only attractive but also edible , adding a Cucumis sativus - similar flavor to salad . Borage is an annual herb that grows easily and prolifically , making it an excellent pick for bee - friendly gardens . Its flowers acquire abundant ambrosia , assure bees are well - fed throughout the bloom season . Historically , borage has been tie in with courageousness , earning it the sobriquet ‘ herb of gladsomeness . ’ Whether you ’re a nurseryman or a chef , borage offers versatility and appeal .

Bee Balm

Bee Balm , also known as Monarda , is a striking bloom fuck for attracting bee more than helianthus . Its tubular red , pink , and empurpled flowers provide comfortable access for buzzing visitors . This recurrent plant thrives in North American gardens , tender both ravisher and practicality . Bee Balm is also measure for its medicinal properties , often used in tea to alleviate coldness and digestive issues . The plant ’s name reflects its chief part in the ecosystem : a unguent for bees ! A garden filled with bee balm is alive with color and activity , a true sanctuary for pollinators .

Coriander

Coriander , ordinarily known as cilantro , surprises many with its ability to draw bee . While make love for its flavorful leaves , its lowly white flowers are a beacon for bees . These blooms ply splendid nectar resources , serve sustain bee populations . Coriander grow quickly and can be constitute in various climates , earn it a various addition to garden . Not just for culinary use , its seeded player are harvested as a spice , known as coriander . Bee lovers will enjoy seeing their gardens teem with aliveness when cilantro is in bloom , declare oneself both usefulness and beauty .

Foxglove

Foxglove ’s towering spikes of tubular flower are not only dramatic but also resistless to bees . These biyearly plants thrive in woodland and garden scope , offering ambrosia - filled Melville Bell - regulate blossom . Each bloom is a feast for bees , who retrieve the shape complete for pollination . Historically , foxglove has been used in medicine , notably for heart condition . Despite its looker , observe that foxglove is toxic if ingested . In a garden , it remain firm as a Junoesque invitation to bees , ensure their even visits . The presence of foxglove adds elegance and ecological value .

Cosmos

Cosmos , with its delicate , daisy - like petals , is a favorite for bees seeking nectar . These annual blossom are easy to maturate , requiring minimal care while offering vibrant shades of pink , ashen , and orangish . Cosmos heyday throughout summer , create a long - lasting sideboard for bees . Its front in a garden not only pleases pollinator but also add a splash of color . Historically , cosmos has been symbolized as the flower of peace , bringing concordance to gardens . By imbed universe , gardeners lead to bee conservation while enjoying a picturesque landscape painting .

Thyme

Thyme , a basic in herbaceous plant gardens , surprise many with its bee - draw in capacity . Its modest , purple flowers are a rich source of nectar , drawing bees throughout its blooming time of year . arise thyme is well-situated ; it prosper in gay , well - drained conditions . Not only does it play a crucial theatrical role in supporting bee populations , but it ’s also a must - have in kitchens . Its redolent leaves flavor a variety of dishes . Thyme ’s dual purpose — culinary and ecological — have it indispensable . Gardens with thyme allow for a refreshing odor and a vital resource for bees .

Echinacea

Echinacea , or coneflower , is renowned for its medicative properties and bee - favorable nature . Its large , daisy - like prime with prominent central conoid attract bees effortlessly . These perennials are not only beautiful but also audacious , thriving in diverse clime . Echinacea is often used for boost resistant health , adding a functional prospect to its ornamental entreaty . A garden featuring echinacea is both lively and beneficial , with bees thirstily visiting for nectar and gardener savor its wellness welfare . This bloom body forth resilience and beauty , making it a garden staple .

Marjoram

Marjoram , often overshadowed by its culinary first cousin oregano , is a concealed gemstone for bee attraction . Its tender lily-white and pink blossom are a rich nectar reservoir , drawing bee with their subtle fragrance . Marjoram thrives in Mediterranean climates , preferring cheery , well - drained spot . Beyond its solicitation to bees , marjoram offers culinary versatility , enhancing various sweetheart with its sweet , redolent flavor . By planting marjoram , gardeners support bee population while enjoying a fragrant and useful herb . It ’s a small yet impactful addition to any bee - favorable garden .

Zinnia

Zinnias , with their bluff and brilliant blooms , are irresistible to bees . These annuals total in a spectrum of colors , ply a visual feast and rich ambrosia . Easy to rise and keep , zinnias flourish in cheery gardens , appeal bees throughout their bloom time of year . Their long - hold up flower make them favorites for cut and floral arrangements . Historically , zinnias have symbolized lasting friendly relationship , mirror their role in corroborate bee populations . Planting zinnias enriches gardens with color and activity , ensuring a bouncy environment for all .

Hollyhock

Hollyhocks , with their hulk stalks and turgid , round blossoms , make an impressive sight that bees ca n’t resist . These biennials offer blooms in various shades , include deep Red and pinks , providing ambrosia in copiousness . Hollyhocks thrive in sunny placement and are pure for adding meridian to garden borders . They ’re also steep in history , having beautify cottage garden for centuries . Their presence in a garden not only attract bees but also append a nostalgic charm . althea stand as both a visual and bionomical asset in bee - favorable spaces .

Anise Hyssop

Anise Hyssop offers a delicious fragrancy , aggregate the scents of anise and mint candy , which bee find irresistible . Its tall spike of empurpled flowers provide a feast of nectar throughout summertime . This recurrent thrives in full sun and well - drain soil , making it an splendid pick for bee - friendly gardens . Apart from its attraction to bee , anise plant Hyssopus officinalis is used in herbal teas and as a decorative plant . Its redolent presence append sensory appeal to gardens , creating a haven for pollinator and a pleasing atmosphere for garden fancier likewise .

Goldenrod

Goldenrod , often misunderstood as an allergen , is actually a lively nectar source for bee . Its bright yellow flowers bloom in late summer , providing essential nourishment as other blooms fade . This hardy perennial grows in various conditions , from hayfield to garden , check bees have access to food . Goldenrod also holds traditional medicinal uses , admit remedies for colds and grippe . Its presence in gardens supports biodiversity , offering both beaut and public-service corporation . Planting goldenrod help sustain bee populations , contributing to a healthier ecosystem .

Catmint

Catmint , with its lavender - dreary blooms , offer more than just cosmetic stunner . bee are drawn to its aromatic flowers , which provide a stiff nectar supply . This perennial is drought - patient of and thrives in well - drain soil , making it a springy pick for gardens . Beyond its appealingness to bees , catmint is loved by gardeners for its retentive blooming period and ability to dissuade pest . Its lull scent also makes it a favorite in herbal practice . A garden with catmint is not only bee - friendly but also a serene retreat for nature lovers .

Globe Thistle

The Globe Thistle stand up out with its spiky , spherical efflorescence that are a radio beacon for bee . This bold flower , with its metal blue hue , furnish a striking visual contrast in any garden . Bees are overwhelmingly drawn to its rich nectar and pollen .

conceive of a cheery dayspring where the garden amount live with the Movement of Holy Warriors of bees circling this unique plant life . The Globe Thistle ’s resilience establish it a ducky among nurseryman , thrive in various climate .

Interestingly , despite its barbellate appearance , this bloom is a gentle giant in the garden , attracting more bees than the helianthus .

15 Flowers That Attract More Bees Than Sunflowers