For plants specific to your growing region, check the USDA database at plants.usda.gov or ask at your local nursery.
Paniculata, Zones 3 to 9
This hardy native perennial has fragrant, blue-pink blooms in mid to late summer.
Lobelia, Zones 3 to 9
A native perennial that grows up to 3 feet, it has showy red blooms in mid- to late summer and into fall.
Aster, Zones 4 to 9
The aster is a late fall plant that’s important for pre-hibernation bumblebee queens. Blue, lavender, pink or white flowers look lovely as ground cover, along borders or in containers.
Echinacea purpurea, Zones 3 to 8
This native wildflower is simple to grow and has masses of tall purple blooms. Recent cultivars come in other colors, but stick with natives for the most nectar value.
Eupatorium purpureum, Zones 3 to 9
Primarily known as a butterfly plant, this perennial also attracts bees with its fragrant pink-purple blooms. It prefers moist soil where it can shoot up to 9 feet tall.
Liatris, Zones 3 to 9
These purple or white beauties support a broad community of butterflies, including monarchs, swallowtails, skippers and sulphurs. They grow up to 3 feet tall.
Helianthus, annual Sunflowers are a favorite of many bee species. Easy to establish and tolerant of most soils, sunflowers can grow almost anywhere.
Solidago, Zones 3 to 10
With its feathery yellow blossoms, goldenrod provides late-season forage for honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, beneficial wasps, soldier beetles and more.
Rudbeckia, Zones 3 to 10
Its bright yellow blooms and dark brown centers offer a cheery spot for bees and other insects. Some varieties feature orange and red petals or bicolored blooms.
Monarda, Zones 3 to 10
Bee balm is a vigorous native that boasts fragrant purple, pink, red or white flowers. Despite its name, it also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Janet Hulbert-Young says
Where can I buy the seed for Bee Balm?
Cecilia says
Amazon.com sells a variety of bee balm seeds.
Lois says
Jung Seeds, Pinetree Seeds, Parks Seeds and Swallowtail Seeds are among several companies who sell bee balm seeds along with all sorts of flower and vegetable seeds.
Jo-Ann says
If you have a friend who has some. Get them to share some ants with you. Mine have gone crazy. I dig the them up in spring give them to those who ask and mine fill in again.
Roxie says
Thank you for these plants I have an avocado tree that also needs bee pollenatimg
Barbara Harrison says
I have searched my area of Sarasota FL for Joe Pye Weed and can’t find it anywhere. I know it grows here because I found it in a ditch. Are there seeds, or you need to start with a baby plant?
Dianne Taylor says
My husband likes to plant the MAMOTH SUNFLOWERS. They really grow
tall some get 6-8 ‘
tall. He plants two Long rows in the veg. garden each
Spring. The blooms are huge !!! Beautifull.
Rebekah says
Do all different types of sunflowers attract bees?