The Most Gorgeous Flowering Plants that Will Attract Bees

When you’re planning (and planting) your flower beds, you’re likely most focused on what flowers you should have in your garden, the easiest flowers to grow, and the color palette of the best annuals that will compliment your home’s exterior house paint color. But one other important topic to consider is how to create a bee-friendly space. After all, not only are they crucial to the health of the planet and survival of mankind, but bees pollinate plants, including fruit trees, vegetables, and other ornamental plants. In fact, it’s estimated that honeybees pollinate 75 to 85 percent of all food crops. (There’s a term “busy bee” for a reason!)

All of that to say, it’s in our best interest to create bee destinations around our homes with plenty of flowering plants and healthy nectar for them to eat. Bees are particularly attracted to bee balm, echinacea, snap dragon, and hostas, as well as a number of other wildflowers like California poppies and evening primrose. Fun fact: Did you know that bees have excellent color vision? For this reason, they flock to yellow, purple, blue, and white flowers. It’s best to avoid eucalyptus, ferns, and lemongrass, and skip toxic pesticides and herbicides that can be harmful to bees. Instead, choose bee-friendly organic fertilizers.

Check out this list of 20 flowers that attract bees for a pretty, healthy, and bee-friendly garden.