Bees collect nectar and pollen from flowers to provide food for themselves and their offspring, and to help plants reproduce by moving pollen grains from anthers to stigmas of another flower.
Certain flowers feature special structures designed to guide bees directly towards their pollen or help them land safely, so when selecting cultivars with double flowers it may become harder for bees to access their food source.
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Wild Geranium
Wild geraniums are beloved native flowers, beloved by bees. Look out for woodland species such as Geranium pratense ‘Striatum’ (‘Splish-splash cranesbill’) and meadow cranesbill, Geranium sanguineum var. striatum which bloom first each spring. Additionally, these resilient plants tolerate shade conditions well while self-sowing readily.
Wild Geraniums with their vibrant pink to purple blooms attract bees of various species such as bumblebees, honey bees and leafcutter bees – including native bees such as cuckoo bees and longhorned bees – as well as caterpillars of multiple moth species.
Geranium petals feature dark lines which serve as nectar guides, helping bees find sweet nectar-laden spots on each petal. Anthers develop before stigmas to facilitate pollination while their attractive blooms attract hummingbirds as well. Plus, their seeds offer nutrition to birds and small mammals alike!
Purple Coneflower
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is beloved native plant that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds while offering ample nectar for bees. Growing wild or in home gardens alike, its long-lived blooms span from midsummer until early fall – providing much-needed pollinators!
These flowers feature ultraviolet patterns on their petals that bees can use to locate rich nectar sources, while being popular among seed-eating birds like goldfinches and chickadees.
Purple coneflowers require moderate water during their early years after being planted or transplanted, though as they mature their water needs decrease as they reach maturity. They typically thrive in well-draining soil without needing excessive fertilization; overfertilizing can cause disease to appear which weakens them further – the optimal time to fertilize would be late winter and early spring.
Prairie Spiderwort
Prairie spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) makes an excellent groundcover. Boasting grassy leaves that thrive underfoot and blooming throughout the summer season, its blooms attract pollinators-loving bees into your garden.
Minnesota is home to numerous blue wildflowers that bloom along rocky streamsides, sandy banks and open woods. Their seed pods open and close with the wind, dispersing their seeds in its wake.
This native perennial is easy to cultivate in sunny locations with average to dry soil conditions, needing only one application of fertilizer in early spring for best results.
Bumblebees love this prairie wildflower that blooms for only one day before closing up and opening new buds the next. Featuring gorgeous three-petaled blooms surrounded by grasslike foliage, it can easily be divided up in either fall or early spring to add more plants to any garden.
Cosmos
Flowers should always be blooming to provide bees with food sources during the growing season. Opt for varieties with open petals that allow bees to land on them easily and reach nectar reservoirs, while bees with long tongues may prefer tubular flowers as food sources.
Cosmos flowers, often known as daisy-like cosmos, are fast-growing annuals that provide a steady source of pollen from summer through autumn. Easy to cultivate from seed and perfect as cut flowers. Cosmos varieties with flat petals reminiscent of dahlia flowers are particularly appealing to honey bees and bumblebees.
Globe thistles (echinops) are another bee-attractant that adds color and structure to gardens and beds. One hardy perennial variety called Arctic Glow attracts bees in particular and makes an excellent choice for northern gardeners since it self-seeds and thrives even under colder temperatures.
Lupine
Bumble bees and native bees alike love this colorful bloom, making it a great choice for your garden. When selecting hybrid varieties that are self-compatible (they don’t rely on other plants to set their seeds), double flowering cultivars should be avoided due to fewer pollen grains that bees can access easily.
Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) can be found throughout New England in natural areas, powerline rights-of-way, and carefully managed reserves; its sole host plant for Karner blue butterflies and Frosted Elfin caterpillars makes this species invaluable. Russell Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) thrives in USDA zones 4-8 with full sun conditions in rich, well-draining soil; its beautiful purple or pink flower spikes may reach 7 feet tall!
