As gardeners, many of us seek to create not just beautiful spaces but also environmentally-friendly ones. A garden that attracts pollinators, especially bees, is a healthy, thriving garden. With bees crucial to pollination, which in turn supports the growth of many plants and food crops, it is essential to provide them with the right flowers. Bedding plants are perfect for adding vibrant colors to your garden while also offering bees a reliable food source. This guide will introduce you to the top 10 bedding plants that can help support and nurture your local bee population.
Why Bees Matter in Your Garden
Before diving into the specifics of which bedding plants are best for bees, it’s important to understand why bees are so vital. Bees are the primary pollinators for many of the world’s crops, as well as ornamental flowers. Without them, the pollination process would be hindered, leading to a reduction in food availability and the beauty of our gardens. Supporting bee populations is an act of sustainability and an easy way to make a positive impact on the environment.
Bedding plants are a great choice for gardeners looking to make a bee-friendly garden because they offer vibrant colors and easy maintenance, attracting bees and other beneficial insects.
Top 10 Bedding Plants For Bees
1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is a classic choice for a bee-friendly garden, and for good reason. Its fragrant, purple spikes are irresistible to bees, especially during the summer months. Lavender thrives in sunny, well-drained soil and requires minimal care once established. Planting lavender near seating areas or pathways can bring a gentle, calming fragrance to your garden while also helping bees gather nectar. Lavender is perfect for attracting not only honeybees but also bumblebees.
2. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers are not just beautiful, but also incredibly practical when it comes to supporting bees. Their large, bright blooms are packed with nectar and pollen, making them a bee magnet. Bees are drawn to the flowers’ vibrant yellow petals, and the plant’s tall stalks create a striking visual element in any garden. While sunflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil, they are easy to grow and can be a wonderful addition to any bee-friendly bedding.
3. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage, with its star-shaped blue flowers, is another bedding plant that attracts bees in abundance. This herb is known for its ability to self-seed, meaning once planted, it will often return year after year. Borage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its flowers bloom from late spring to early summer. The plant’s nectar-rich flowers are particularly loved by honeybees, making it a fantastic option for your bee-friendly garden.
4. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
As the name suggests, bee balm is a plant made for bees. This perennial herb blooms in clusters of bright pink, red, or purple flowers that bees find irresistible. Bee balm thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making it perfect for a variety of garden conditions. Not only does bee balm provide bees with much-needed nectar, but its aromatic leaves can also be used in teas, making it a useful and beneficial addition to any garden.
5. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping thyme is a low-growing herb that forms a dense, fragrant mat of tiny pink, purple, or white flowers. These flowers attract bees, especially during early spring and summer. Thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is ideal for ground cover or between stepping stones. Its dense growth creates a perfect environment for bees to forage while offering a pleasant scent and texture underfoot.
6. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Cosmos is a charming annual flower known for its airy, feathery foliage and large, daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. These plants are adored by bees, particularly in late summer and early fall when other nectar sources may be less abundant. Cosmos thrives in full sun and can grow in a variety of soil types, making it an easy and attractive bedding plant that will continue to support bees throughout the growing season.
7. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea, or coneflower, is a hardy perennial with distinctive daisy-like flowers in vibrant shades of purple, pink, and white. The flowers have prominent, spiky centers that hold an abundance of nectar and pollen, making them perfect for bees. Echinacea attracts a wide range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is a great addition to any bee-friendly garden.
8. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Sweet alyssum is a versatile and fragrant bedding plant that attracts bees throughout the spring and summer. Its tiny white, purple, or pink flowers create a lovely carpet of color in your garden. Sweet alyssum thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, or as ground cover. This low-growing plant is a favorite of honeybees, who can often be seen buzzing around its delicate flowers.
9. Clovers (Trifolium spp.)
Clover is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance ground cover plant that provides bees with a steady supply of nectar throughout the growing season. The flowers come in various shades of white, pink, or purple, and the plant itself is highly attractive to honeybees and bumblebees. Clover can be grown in lawns or as a part of your bedding plant selection. It thrives in partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for gardens with different conditions.
10.Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)
While geraniums are typically known for their vibrant colors and long blooming season, they also provide a steady food source for bees. The plants’ rich nectar and bright flowers make them irresistible to pollinators. Geraniums thrive in full sun and can tolerate various soil types, making them a versatile option for both containers and bedding. Their flowers attract not only bees but also butterflies, making them a great choice for creating a pollinator-friendly garden.
Creating a Bee-Friendly Garden with Bedding Plants
When selecting bedding plants for bees, it’s important to consider a few key factors:
Color: Bees are particularly attracted to flowers that are purple, blue, white, and yellow. Bright, vibrant colors are most likely to draw their attention.
Flower Shape: Bees prefer flowers with open, flat faces, where they can easily access the nectar and pollen. Plants with tubular or highly complex flowers may be less accessible to them.
Continuous Blooming: Choose plants that bloom at different times during the growing season. A variety of early, mid, and late-season flowers ensures that bees have a continuous food source throughout the year.
Conclusion
Creating a bee-friendly garden with bedding plants is a rewarding endeavor. Not only will your garden be filled with beautiful colors and textures, but it will also play a vital role in supporting local pollinator populations. Whether you choose fragrant lavender, vibrant sunflowers, or dainty creeping thyme, each plant will offer something unique to your garden and to the bees. By thoughtfully selecting plants that provide both beauty and nourishment, you can create a sanctuary for these important insects while enhancing the health and vibrancy of your garden. Happy planting!
