# Flowers to Feed the Bees

- Link: https://lifeandwork.blog/flowers-to-feed-the-bees/
- Published: 2026-07-06T20:09:33-05:00
- Author: Bert Swope

[Pollinators](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-sweet-marigolds-are-an-easy-garden-herb-to-grow/)
are essential to your garden’s success, so why not invite bees and butterflies over
with some beautiful blooms?

Bees are insatiable and seek out flowers that provide them with both nectar and 
pollen.

Bees appreciate classic flowers like alyssum, cleome, and [zinnias](https://lifeandwork.blog/plant-a-morsel-for-pollinators/)
because they’re easily located and accessible.

## Alyssum

Alyssum is a low-growing perennial or annual that’s grown for its beautiful white,
pink, or violet flowers. It’s easy to grow and often used as bedding plants or in
containers like hanging baskets and window boxes.

The flower serves as a good weed suppressant and attracts beneficial [pollinators](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-zinnias-flowers/)
to the garden. It can be planted in vacant spaces or between rows of vegetables 
to suppress weeds and act as protection from pests.

Many varieties of alyssum are cool-season annuals, meaning they stop blooming during
hot weather to conserve energy. However, some newer hybrid varieties can withstand
higher temperatures and provide you with longer bloom time.

Sweet alyssum flowers thrive in gardens when given full sun, partial shade, and 
well-drained soil. As this flower requires moderate nitrogen, add a time-release
fertilizer at planting and reapply monthly after blooms fade.

Alyssum plants can become wilting if their soil becomes too wet or they become infected
with diseases like clubroot. Yellow leaves indicate an infection rather than death–
not necessarily that the plant itself has succumbed.

## Cleome

If you want to attract bees and butterflies to your garden, cleome is an ideal flower
to plant. It’s a low-water, drought-tolerant native flower with vibrant purple blooms
that attract many bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Cleome is native to most USDA growing zones and blooms from early summer until frost.
It makes a lovely addition to any cottage garden or naturalized meadow setting.

Bees love this annual as it provides them with a steady source of nectar for pollination
and honey production. Not only does it make an attractive cut flower, but it is 
also easy to grow from seeds.

Cleome seeds require a warmer temperature than most summer annuals, so they should
be planted after the soil has warmed up. Ideal germination temperatures should range
between 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 68-70 degrees at night.

Cleomes are drought tolerant and thrive in sunny conditions with well-draining soil
and moderate watering during the growing season. Once established, they become resistant
to pests and mildew. If the plants become overcrowded, thin them out for a neat 
and tidy garden appearance.

## Zinnias

[Zinnias](https://lifeandwork.blog/mini-clover-and-microclover-lawn-benefits/) are
an especially beloved flower for bees. Not only do they offer plenty of nectar, 
but they’re easy to grow in your garden as well. Plus, their low-to-the ground height
makes them great for adding some seasonal color into the mix.

[Zinnias](https://lifeandwork.blog/why-plant-sunflowers/) come in an array of colors
and bloom sizes, such as single, double, and semi-double flowers. They can be planted
indoors or outdoors on beds and borders for beautiful flower arrangements.

Can be planted as early as early spring and typically bloom by midsummer. They prefer
full sun and well-drained soil.

Queen Red Lime’ [zinnias](https://lifeandwork.blog/mini-clover-and-microclover-lawn-benefits/)
are especially attractive to bees due to their large blooms that provide plenty 
of nectar, pollen, and butterflies.

[Zinnias](https://lifeandwork.blog/why-plant-sunflowers/) are incredibly adaptable
plants, capable of growing in virtually any garden setting as long as they get full
sun and fertile soil. Some even thrive in dry or sandy conditions.

[Zinnias](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-sweet-marigolds-are-an-easy-garden-herb-to-grow/)
make an ideal starter plant, blooming quickly from seed to flower. Not only are 
they hardy and can thrive in containers or garden beds, but they’re also pest and
disease tolerant – so you can directly seed or transplant into the garden once soil
temperatures have reached 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

## Sunflowers

[Sunflowers](https://lifeandwork.blog/why-plant-sunflowers/) are one of the most
beloved flowers to cultivate. Not only are they easy to grow and high energy, but
they also provide valuable food sources for birds and bees.

[Sunflowers](https://lifeandwork.blog/plant-a-morsel-for-pollinators/) not only 
make an excellent bee food but also offer abundant pollen and nectar. Pollen provides
essential protein for bees while nectar gives them energy.

Honey bees are the traditional commercial [pollinators](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-sweet-marigolds-are-an-easy-garden-herb-to-grow/)
of [sunflowers](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-sweet-marigolds-are-an-easy-garden-herb-to-grow/),
but other kinds of bees like bumblebees can also be beneficial. To encourage more
bees in your garden, plant [sunflowers](https://lifeandwork.blog/plant-a-morsel-for-pollinators/)
and monitor which [pollinators](https://lifeandwork.blog/plant-a-morsel-for-pollinators/)
visit them.

Some varieties of [sunflowers](https://lifeandwork.blog/gardening-how-to-grow-zinnias-flowers/)
can self pollinate, spreading pollen between florets in a single disc. However, 
insect pollination is more effective for these flowers.

Bees can also distribute pollen between florets on one disc, increasing genetic 
diversity within a plant. Furthermore, they transfer pollen between rows for improved
seed survival between successive generations of sunflower seeds.

If you want to attract bees to your garden, try planting classic yellow sunflower
varieties. These plants thrive in warm temperatures and can withstand drought conditions
once established. However, be aware that they tend to be heavy feeders so be sure
to provide them with adequate food and water regularly.

## Salvia

Salvia is a favorite flower among bees due to its extended bloom period. Bees typically
visit salvia starting in the spring and continue to visit until September or October
of each year.

Growing this flower in your garden will attract all types of [pollinators](https://lifeandwork.blog/why-plant-sunflowers/),
such as butterflies and hummingbirds, while its sweet scent keeps deer and rabbits
away from your gardens. It also makes an excellent decorative item.

Growing Salvia in your garden is easy! Simply plant it directly on the ground or
in containers. Make sure your soil drains freely, and there is plenty of sun exposure
for best results.

Some salvias develop woody stems after flowering, which can be left unpruned. Use
clean scissors to prune them back to an inch or two above soil level with sharp 
garden shears.

Salvia feeds bees, and many varieties of it are also beneficial to other wildlife.
Hummingbirds love them for their nectar-filled treats, and they also tend to be 
drought-resistant.

When selecting salvias for your garden or yard, there are plenty of varieties to
choose from. Plant them alongside lilac bushes and other flowers known to attract
bees, such as [marigolds](https://lifeandwork.blog/why-plant-sunflowers/).

## Calendula

If you want to grow flowers that bees love most, calendula is your perfect choice.
Also known as pot marigold or English marigold, this perennial flower provides plenty
of pollen and nectar for bee hives.

This plant is an absolute joy to grow and blooms throughout the season. Optimal 
conditions for growing this species are full sun or partial shade; however, it can
also thrive in shade if given enough moisture. Furthermore, its cold-hardiness means
it can handle occasional frosts without issue.

These vibrant orange-yellow flowers make stunning bouquets or can be dried and used
as an herbal tea or added to salads. Furthermore, the petals make for great natural
food coloring that can substitute for expensive saffron.

As with all herbs, be sure to consult a physician before using them for any health
condition. Herbs can interact with medications and supplements and cause unwanted
side effects.

Calendula can be applied topically for various skin conditions. It helps alleviate
rashes, eczema, burns, and reduce inflammation. Furthermore, it has been known to
be taken internally to support the immune system as well as promote cellular repair
and growth.

## Culinary Herbs

Many culinary herbs can attract bees, including oregano (Origanum), lovage (Levisticum
officinale), basil (Ocimum basilicum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and thyme(
Thymus vulgare). These plants can be used in soups, salads, vinaigrettes, stews,
tomato sauces, meat dishes, and desserts.

Herbs that attract bees are also beneficial for pollinating other plants and flowers
in the garden. They provide bees with a varied source of food, which is essential
for their health and well-being.

Basil is another bee-friendly herb, blooming from early spring until late summer.
It’s easy to grow and requires minimal care; it thrives in full sun with well-drained
soil.

Sage is a widely-used herb known for its medicinal qualities and flavor. It features
long, circular leaves with an intense peppery taste that can be enjoyed fresh, dried,
or infused in oil. Sage has many uses; it can be eaten fresh, dried, or infused 
in oil.

Herbs taste delicious and beneficial for your health as they’re low in calories 
and packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants that may prevent certain diseases.
Furthermore, herbs may aid weight loss by increasing satiety levels, slowing down
eating frequency.

Feeding Bees and Butterflies With 3D Printed Sugar Flowers

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