Create a thriving garden that supports your honey bees year-round. Get expert tips, plant recommendations, and seasonal planning guides.
Get our printable list of 50+ bee-friendly plants with bloom times and planting zones
These plants provide excellent nectar and pollen sources for honey bees throughout the growing season.
| Plant Name | Bloom Time | USDA Zones | Nectar Value | Pollen Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender | June-August | 5-9 | High | Medium |
| Sunflower | July-October | 3-9 | High | High |
| Bee Balm | July-September | 4-9 | High | Medium |
| Purple Coneflower | June-August | 3-9 | Medium | High |
| Black-Eyed Susan | June-September | 3-9 | Medium | High |
| Cosmos | June-October | 3-10 | Medium | Medium |
| Salvia | May-October | 5-9 | High | Low |
| Catmint | May-September | 3-8 | High | Medium |
| Zinnia | June-Frost | 3-10 | Medium | High |
| Aster | August-October | 3-8 | High | High |
Plan your garden for continuous nectar flow throughout the entire season.
March-May
June-July
July-August
August-September
September-November
Go beyond the basics with our comprehensive guides covering every aspect of successful pollinator gardening.
Complete guide to selecting, planting, and caring for wildflower seeds that attract bees and butterflies.
Step-by-step instructions for building perfect nesting sites for solitary bees and beneficial insects.
Month-by-month planning guide for maintaining year-round blooms and healthy pollinator habitat.
Avoid common pitfalls that reduce garden effectiveness. Expert solutions for design and maintenance problems.
Research-backed recommendations for the top 25+ plants that provide maximum support for bees and butterflies.
Access all our pollinator garden guides, downloadable resources, and expert recommendations in one place.
Bees need clean water sources near your pollinator plants for optimal foraging.
A healthy pollinator garden supports strong bee colonies. Use our AI-powered hive analysis to track how your garden improvements affect hive health.
The best flowers for honey bees include lavender, sunflowers, clover, basswood, and wildflowers like goldenrod and aster. Choose plants that bloom at different times to provide nectar throughout the season.
Even a small 4x4 foot garden can make a difference! However, larger gardens (100+ square feet) provide more significant benefits. Focus on plant diversity and seasonal succession rather than just size.
Spring (after last frost) is ideal for most regions. Fall planting works well for perennials in milder climates. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date for best results.
Yes! Bees need clean, shallow water sources. Add a bee landing pad like stones or sticks to prevent drowning. Change water regularly to prevent mosquito breeding.