Stop Planting These 9 ‘Pollinator-Friendly’ Flowers – Bees Actually Avoid Them (Try These 14 Instead)

It ’s easy to get into that anything labeled “ pollinator - friendly ” is a guaranteed hit with bees , but that ’s not always the case . Some popular garden center picks have the right selling , but not much to provide when it comes to factual ambrosia or pollen . Bees know the difference — and they tend to skip right on over them .

If you ’re planting with pollinators in judgement , it helps to go with flowers that sincerely pull their weight . There are plenty of beautiful selection that bees and other beneficial insects actually flock to , and switch a few underachiever for the real deal can make a noticeable divergence . It ’s less about following the label , and more about choose plant that actually do the business .

Begonia

Begonias are admired for their vibrant , waxy blooms and lush foliation , making them a garden favourite . However , these flowers are more about esthetics than function when it come to attracting bees . begonia lack the productive nectar that bees seek , causing these buzzing insects to pass them by in favour of more rewarding options . gardener may love them for their color and scummy maintenance , yet for bee enthusiasts , begonias might not be in the lineup . believe other options if your goal is to create a bee - friendly environs . Begonias , despite their beauty , fall myopic in this vital purpose .

Impatiens

Impatiens , with their shiny , jewel - like flowers , thrive in the tad , adding a spattering of colour to darker garden corners . However , these plant do n’t offer bees the ambrosia they hunger , making them less attractive to our seethe friends . Impatiens are often chosen for their power to flourish with minimal sunlight , but they should not be the primary selection for a pollinator - friendly garden . Their lack of bee entreaty is noteworthy , as bee look elsewhere for their floral feast . While gardeners bask their vivacious hues , bees simply buzz on past tense without a second glance .

Petunia

Petunias are a staple in many garden , adore for their trumpet - mold blooms and extended color palette . Despite their popularity among humans , bees are typically indifferent to genus Petunia . The flowers do not produce a significant amount of nectar , which is what bee chiefly seek out . Petunias are often chosen for hanging baskets and window boxes due to their cascading growth habit . However , if your aim is to attract bee , Petunia might not be your top selection . Their visual appeal does not render to bee attraction , making them a less efficient option for pollinator gardens .

Geranium

Geraniums , with their robust blooms and appealing fragrance , are a common sight in gardens around the world . Yet for bee , these flower are more panache than substance . geranium do not provide the of the essence nectar or pollen that bees need , resulting in a lack of interest from these important pollinators . While they may append charm and elegance to garden beds and border , geranium fall short in supporting bee populations . For those looking to naturalize a more impactful pollinator garden , other alternative should be consider that offer more sustenance for bee .

Marigold

Marigolds , with their bold yellow and orangish hues , are lionize for their pest - repelling attribute and easy growth . However , these vibrant blooms do not entice bee as they grow minimum ambrosia . While they might bet a significant theatrical role in deterring garden pests , marigold do little to attract the busy buzz of bee . Many gardeners works marigolds for their hardiness and brilliant color , but those aiming to make a bee - favorable blank may want to look elsewhere . Their lack of nectar makes marigolds an unlikely choice for bee enthusiasts .

Fuchsia

Fuchsias are known for their striking , cernuous rosiness that swing like elegant earring from advert basket . Though a feast for the eyes , these flower do n’t attract bee in the fashion one might expect . Fuchsias typically do n’t provide the nectar bees are seek for , making them less appealing to these busy pollinator . While they grace many gardens with their vivacious front , fuchsia come little as a bee attractant . nurseryman look to entice bees should debate other flowering choice that are richer in ambrosia and more likely to draw a buzzing crowd .

Zinnia

Zinnias , with their bright , bold colour and diverse floral shape , are a nurseryman ’s delight . However , their appeal to bees can be inconsistent . While some bees may visit zinnias from time to time , these flowers do n’t systematically provide the ambrosia and pollen that support bee population . Zinnias are democratic for their long - lasting flower and comfort of growth , name them a basic in many gardens . Yet , for those focus on bee attraction , zinnias might not be the most dependable choice . Other flowers volunteer more substantial rewards for bees , which prefer richer source of sustenance .

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums , often called ‘ mums , ’ are cherished for their former - season bloom and variety of colors . Despite their popularity , these flower are not especially bee - friendly . Mums are bred for visual appeal rather than nectar production , making them less attractive to bee . As a resolution , they do n’t contribute much to supporting bee population , especially during vital late - season periods . Gardeners may love mums for their put up knockout and hardiness , but if the goal is to substantiate pollinators , other plant choices should be consider . Mums may deck a garden , but they do n’t sustain it .

Rose

Roses , the quintessential symbols of love and beauty , entrance with their graceful blooms and bewitch fragrance . Yet , many modern rosiness cultivar are design for esthetic over nectar production , leaving bees uninterested . While some wild and heirloom varieties may still attract bees , the intercrossed roses commonly incur in garden often do not . Roses are celebrate for their visual and olfactory solicitation , but for those seeking to sustain bee populations , they might not be the most effective choice . deal including more bee - friendly plant alongside your roses to create a balanced garden ecosystem .

Lavender

Lavender , with its soothing odor and soft purple flowers , is a bee magnet . These plant offer ample ambrosia , making them a favorite among pollinator . Not only do they attract bees , but they also add a tranquilize perfume to any garden . Lavender is renowned for its versatility , thriving in various climates and serving multiple intention , from culinary to medicative utilization . Gardeners often set lavender for its ability to take up in bees and butterflies , making it an fantabulous option for a pollinator - friendly garden . get the gentle hum of bee among lavender blooms be your garden ’s melody .

Sunflower

sunflower , with their towering stalks and effulgent facial expression , are beloved by bee . These heyday offer plentiful nectar and pollen , shit them an first-class choice for pull and supporting pollinator populations . sunflower are not only a spectacular garden feature of speech but also a worthful resource for bee , providing upkeep throughout the growing time of year . Their cheerful appearance and practical benefits make them a front-runner among gardener and bees alike . look at planting sunflower to make a vivacious and pollinator - friendly environment that boost biodiversity and supports vital ecosystem .

Coneflower

coneflower , also roll in the hay as Echinacea , are adored by bee for their abundant nectar . These hardy perennials flourish in various conditions , offering heyday that attract a wide range of mountains of pollinators . Coneflowers are not only beautiful but also good , contributing to a fly high ecosystem . gardener loot coneflowers for their resiliency and vivacious colour , make up them a staple fibre in pollinator gardens . By planting coneflower , you ply bees with a reliable germ of victuals and enhance your garden ’s ecological impingement . Let your garden buzz with life by including these essential pollinator plants .

Bee Balm

Bee Balm , with its vibrant , tubular flower , know up to its name by draw in bee like a magnet . This plant offers plenteous ambrosia , making it an idealistic choice for attract pollinators . Bee Balm is also do it for its aromatic leaf and is often used in herbal remedies . Gardeners appreciate its power to attract not only bees but also butterfly and hummingbird . plant Bee Balm in your garden will make a live and bombinate environment , sustain a diverse reach of pollinators . Enhance your garden ’s vitality and biodiversity with this indispensable plant .

Borage

Borage is a bee ’s delight , offering star - shaped , puritanical - imbue blooms that are deep in ambrosia . This annual herbaceous plant is not only attractive to pollinators but also utile in the kitchen . Borage is know for its cucumber vine - like tang , often used in salads and drinks . gardener value tailwort for its power to ego - seed , making it a low - maintenance addition to pollinator gardens . By embed borage , you provide a consistent nutrient source for bees , ensuring your garden remains a haven for these essential creatures . rent borage add colour and purpose to your outdoor space .

Black-eyed Susan

Black - eyed Susans , with their cheery chicken petal and dark centre , are a favorite among bees . These perennials are easy to develop and offer abundant nectar , making them a staple in pollinator gardens . Black - eyed Susans thrive in various soils and conditions , adding bright , upbeat bloom to any landscape . Gardeners love them for their resilience and power to attract a broad range of pollinator . By including Black - eyed Susans in your garden , you support bee population and produce a vibrant , colorful environment . Celebrate the lulu and benefits of this essential pollinator industrial plant .

Cosmos

Cosmos , with their finespun , daisy - like bloom , are a bee ’s haven . These annuals extend a foresighted bloom period and abundant nectar , making them an excellent pick for attracting pollinators . Cosmos are easy to grow and prosper in well - drained soil , providing a burst of color throughout the spring up time of year . gardener appreciate cosmos for their small sustentation and power to draw in bees , butterfly stroke , and hummingbird . By planting cosmea , you enhance your garden ’s appeal and ecological encroachment , put up a diverse range of pollinator . rent your garden come alert with the beauty and utility of cosmos .

Aster

aster , with their vibrant bloom and late - season flowering , are a crucial resource for bee . These perennial cater ambrosia when few other plants do , extending the forage season for pollinators . Asters are hardy and adaptable , prosper in various conditions and adding rich colour to gardens . nurseryman value asters for their ability to attract bees and accompaniment biodiversity . By planting aster , you secure your garden remains a critical resource for pollinators well into the fall . Enhance your garden ’s ecological significance by include these essential previous - blooming blossom .

Goldenrod

Goldenrod , often mistaken for a mourning band , is a powerhouse for pollinators , offering abundant ambrosia and pollen . This sturdy perennial blooms late in the time of year , providing crucial resource for bees preparing for winter . Goldenrod is adaptable and easy to grow , thriving in various status and add vivacious xanthous hues to any garden . nurseryman appreciate goldenrod for its bionomical benefits and power to attract a wide-eyed range of pollinator , including bee and butterflies . By planting goldenrod , you support biodiversity and create a palmy pollinator habitat .

Joe-Pye Weed

Joe - Pye Weed , with its towering height and clusters of pink efflorescence , is a magnet for pollinator . This aboriginal recurrent thrives in moist stain , offering ambrosia - rich flowers that attract bees , butterfly stroke , and other beneficial dirt ball . Joe - Pye Weed is valued for its ecological benefit and power to support biodiversity . Gardeners love it for its salient presence and long blooming period , which extends from summertime into spill . By embed Joe - Pye Weed , you enhance your garden ’s environmental encroachment and create a supportive home ground for pollinators .

Milkweed

Milkweed is renowned for its role in support sovereign butterfly stroke , but it ’s also a bee pet . These plants offer abundant nectar and are well-heeled to grow , make them an excellent pick for pollinator gardens . Milkweed is essential for monarch butterfly cat , providing the lonesome food source for their larva . gardener economic value milkweed for its bionomical grandness and ability to attract a broad range of pollinator . By planting milkweed , you support both bees and butterfly stroke , make a vivacious and biodiverse surround in your garden .

Salvia

Salvia , with its spiky blooms and copious colors , is a favorite among bee . These perennial offer abundant ambrosia , making them an excellent pick for pollinator gardens . Salvia is soft to farm and thrives in sunny locations , leave a burst of color throughout the season . Gardeners apprize salvia for its low sustentation and ability to attract a diverse scope of pollinators , including bees and hummingbirds . By plant salvia , you enhance your garden ’s appeal and ecological meaning , supporting a thriving pollinator population .

Thyme

Thyme , although primarily known as a culinary herbaceous plant , offer up small , ambrosia - copious flowers that pull in bees . These low - growing flora are perfect for cheery spots and sway garden , provide both beauty and service program . Thyme is easy to grow and maintain , create it a versatile addition to any garden . Gardeners prize thyme for its ability to attract pollinator and its practical function in the kitchen . By imbed thyme , you put up bee populations while enjoy the benefits of clean herbaceous plant . Let thyme sum up savor and ecological value to your garden .

Lantana

Lantana , with its vivid clusters of little blooms , brings an explosion of color to any garden . But did you know it ’s a magnet for bees ? Unlike other flower that bees might bypass , lantana draws them in with its sweet ambrosia .

Its resiliency in hot climate makes it a favorite in sunny garden . With minimal care , lantana thrives and blooms throughout the time of year . Its appeal is n’t just ocular ; the fragrancy is an added delectation for both bees and humans .

So , if you aim to create a bee - friendly haven , think planting lantana , a true pollinator ’s joy .

Stop Planting These 9 ‘Pollinator-Friendly’ Flowers – Bees Actually Avoid Them (Try These 14 Instead)