The 22 Best Plants for Bees

Big, mounding Pride of Madeira shrubs (Echium candicans) serve as absolute magnets for honeybees. While their large span aren’t ideally suitable for containers, their purple blooms and poor soil tolerance make them a great pick for both front and backyard gardens.  

In early summer to fall, butterflies often sun as they sip on these daisylike blooms. Perennial; full sun.

Slender cones of flowers in spring and summer. Evergreen or deciduous; sun to light shade.

Slender cones of flowers in spring and summer. Evergreen or deciduous; sun to light shade.

Airy umbrellas of yellow florets in summer also attract bees. Annual or perennial; full sun.

Tiny flowers in tight clusters all year in mild climates. Evergreen shrub (annual in colder climate); full sun.

Clusters of long-tubed flowers in summer also attract hummingbirds. Perennial; sun, or light shade in hottest climates.

Star-shaped flowers appear in summer. Annual; sun or partial shade.

Draws bees and hummingbirds as long as you let the plants flower. Perennial herb; sun or partial shade.

Bright and bold, they’re beacons for honeybees. Be sure to choose pollen-bearing varieties. Annual; full sun.

Honey-scented blooms are, of course, a natural for bees. Annual; full sun or light shade.

Summer blossoms are great for bouquets, but leave a few on the plant for hummingbirds. Perennial; sun (afternoon shade in hot climates).

Tubular flowers with furry coats cluster along stems in summer and fall. Evergreen shrub; full sun.

Blooms come in many colors, from deep purple to blue, red, and pink. Perennial; partial shade in hottest climates.

Flowering stems resemble glowing torches—or pokers (hence the name). Perennial; sun or part shade.

Among our favorites, pineapple sage (S. elegans) produces red blooms in early fall and S. ‘Indigo Spires’, deep blue in summer; both are perennials. Sun.

Fragrant flowers all year in mild climates. Evergreen shrub (annual in colder climates).

Rudbeckia hirta flowers in shades of yellow, bronze, and deep red; most have knobby brown centers. Short-lived perennial or biennial.

Blue, pink, or white Scabiosa flowers resemble pincushions filled with needles. Annuals and perennials.

Daisylike Gaillardia blooms come in red, yellow, and bronze hues. G. x grandiflora ‘Frenzy’ is pictured. Perennial.

The daisylike blossoms of Echinacea (a.k.a. coneflowers), in pinks, yellows, oranges, or white, have domed centers. Perennial.

Achillea clusters of yellow, salmon, lavender, red, or white make ideal landing pads for butterflies. Perennial.