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

It ’s easy to assume that anything labeled “ pollinator - friendly ” is a guaranteed smasher with bees , but that ’s not always the eccentric . Some popular garden centre picks have the right marketing , but not much to offer when it comes to literal ambrosia or pollen . Bees know the departure — and they run to skip right over them .

If you ’re imbed with pollinator in mind , it helps to go with flowers that truly pull their weight unit . There are raft of beautiful option that bee and other good insects in reality flock to , and swap a few underperformer for the actual stack can make a noticeable difference . It ’s less about follow the label , and more about choosing plant that in reality do the job .

Begonia

begonia are admired for their vibrant , waxy blooms and lush foliation , urinate them a garden front-runner . However , these prime are more about aesthetic than function when it do to attract bees . Begonias lack the rich ambrosia that bees search , causing these buzzing insect to pass them by in favor of more rewarding options . gardener may jazz them for their coloring and low upkeep , yet for bee enthusiast , begonia might not be in the lineup . Consider other options if your destination is to create a bee - favorable surroundings . begonia , despite their dish , fall short in this vital role .

Impatiens

Impatiens , with their bright , jewel - similar flowers , boom in the tint , tally a splash of color to darker garden quoin . However , these plants do n’t bid bee the nectar they thirst , making them less attractive to our buzzing protagonist . Impatiens are often chosen for their ability to flourish with minimum sunlight , but they should not be the primary pick for a pollinator - favorable garden . Their want of bee appeal is far-famed , as bee bet elsewhere for their floral feast . While gardeners bask their vibrant hue , bees simply buzz on past times without a second coup d’oeil .

Petunia

Petunias are a staple in many garden , adored for their trump - mould heyday and blanket color pallette . Despite their popularity among man , bee are typically indifferent to petunias . The flowers do not bring about a significant amount of nectar , which is what bee in the first place seek out . petunia are often chosen for hanging baskets and window box seat due to their cascading growth habit . However , if your design is to appeal bees , petunia might not be your top choice . Their visual appeal does not understand to bee attraction , making them a less effective choice for pollinator garden .

Geranium

geranium , with their robust blooms and appealing fragrance , are a common stack in garden around the world . Yet for bees , these flowers are more dash than substance . Geraniums do not provide the essential ambrosia or pollen that bees need , resulting in a lack of stake from these all important pollinators . While they may contribute charm and elegance to garden beds and molding , geranium fall forgetful in supporting bee populations . For those looking to cultivate a more impactful pollinator garden , other alternatives should be turn over that offer more bread and butter for bees .

Marigold

Marigolds , with their bold yellow and orange hue , are celebrated for their pest - repelling properties and easy growth . However , these vibrant blooms do not entice bee as they produce minimum nectar . While they might play a significant character in deterring garden pests , marigold do footling to draw in the officious buzz of bee . Many gardeners industrial plant marigolds for their hardiness and brilliant color , but those get to make a bee - friendly space may need to attend elsewhere . Their lack of nectar makes marigolds an improbable alternative for bee enthusiasts .

Fuchsia

Fuchsias are make out for their prominent , pendulous blooms that dangle like elegant earring from hanging basketful . Though a spread for the middle , these flower do n’t attract bees in the way one might expect . Fuchsias typically do n’t offer the nectar bees are search for , do them less sympathetic to these busy pollinator . While they adorn many gardens with their vivacious presence , fuchsia fall short as a bee attractant . Gardeners looking to entice bee should count other unfolding options that are richer in nectar and more potential to draw a buzzing crowd .

Zinnia

Zinnias , with their bright , bold people of colour and various floral shapes , are a gardener ’s pleasure . However , their appeal to bees can be discrepant . While some bee may call in zinnias occasionally , these flowers do n’t systematically render the ambrosia and pollen that hold up bee populations . Zinnias are popular for their long - lasting bloom and ease of growth , making them a staple in many garden . Yet , for those focused on bee magnet , zinnias might not be the most dependable alternative . Other flowers offer more substantial reward for bees , which prefer deep sources of sustenance .

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums , often called ‘ Dendranthema grandifloruom , ’ are cherished for their late - season blooms and variety of people of color . Despite their popularity , these heyday are not particularly bee - friendly . Mums are engender for visual appeal rather than nectar production , making them less attractive to bees . As a event , they do n’t contribute much to fend for bee population , peculiarly during critical late - season geological period . Gardeners may love Chrysanthemum morifolium for their enduring beauty and hardiness , but if the goal is to support pollinators , other plant choices should be considered . Mums may grace a garden , but they do n’t sustain it .

Rose

Roses , the quintessential symbols of love and dish , captivate with their elegant heyday and enchanting fragrance . Yet , many modern pink wine cultivar are designed for aesthetics over nectar production , will bees uninterested . While some wild and heirloom variety may still attract bees , the hybrid roses commonly found in gardens often do not . Roses are lionize for their visual and olfactory appeal , but for those seek to sustain bee populations , they might not be the most effective alternative . Consider including more bee - well-disposed plants alongside your roses to make a balanced garden ecosystem .

Lavender

lilac , with its soothe scent and finespun regal flowers , is a bee magnet . These plant declare oneself deep ambrosia , make them a deary among pollinators . Not only do they attract bee , but they also add a simmer down sweetness to any garden . Lavender is famed for its versatility , expand in various climate and serving multiple purposes , from culinary to medicinal use . Gardeners often plant lavender for its ability to draw off in bee and butterflies , make it an excellent choice for a pollinator - well-disposed garden . Let the docile hum of bees among lilac blooms be your garden ’s melody .

Sunflower

Sunflowers , with their loom shuck and refulgent face , are beloved by bee . These flowers offer sizeable nectar and pollen , making them an excellent pick for draw and supporting pollinator population . Sunflowers are not only a dramatic garden feature but also a worthful resource for bees , providing sustenance throughout the growing season . Their cheerful visual aspect and virtual benefit make them a favourite among gardeners and bees alike . moot planting sunflowers to produce a vibrant and pollinator - friendly surroundings that advance biodiversity and supports lively ecosystem .

Coneflower

coneflower , also do it as Echinacea , are adore by bees for their abundant nectar . These hardy perennials thrive in various conditions , tender blossom that pull in a panoptic range of pollinator . Coneflowers are not only beautiful but also beneficial , contributing to a prosper ecosystem . gardener prize coneflowers for their resiliency and vivacious colors , make them a staple in pollinator garden . By planting coneflowers , you provide bees with a true rootage of sustenance and raise your garden ’s ecologic impingement . Let your garden bombinate with life by including these all important pollinator plants .

Bee Balm

Bee Balm , with its vibrant , tubular blooms , lives up to its name by drawing in bee like a attractor . This plant offers rich ambrosia , pass water it an ideal choice for draw pollinators . Bee Balm is also lie with for its aromatic foliage and is often used in herbal remedy . Gardeners take account its ability to appeal not only bees but also butterfly stroke and hummingbirds . Planting Bee Balm in your garden will create a lively and buzz environment , supporting a diverse range of pollinator . Enhance your garden ’s vitality and biodiversity with this substantive plant .

Borage

Borage is a bee ’s delight , offering maven - influence , low - hue blooms that are rich in ambrosia . This annual herbaceous plant is not only attractive to pollinator but also useful in the kitchen . Borage is known for its Cucumis sativus - like flavor , often used in salads and crapulence . Gardeners time value tailwort for its power to self - come , making it a blue - maintenance addition to pollinator garden . By planting borage , you provide a uniform food source for bee , ascertain your garden remains a haven for these all-important creatures . Let tailwort add colouring and purpose to your outdoor space .

Black-eyed Susan

Black - eyed Susans , with their gay icteric petal and benighted gist , are a favorite among bees . These perennials are well-heeled to grow and provide abundant nectar , making them a staple in pollinator gardens . Black - eyed Susans thrive in various soils and conditions , sum up lustrous , pollyannaish blooms to any landscape . Gardeners have sex them for their resilience and ability to draw a wide range of pollinators . By let in black-market - eyed Susans in your garden , you support bee populations and make a vivacious , colourful environment . fete the smasher and benefits of this essential pollinator industrial plant .

Cosmos

Cosmos , with their ticklish , daisy - corresponding blossom , are a bee ’s oasis . These annuals offer a foresighted blooming stop and abundant nectar , making them an excellent alternative for attracting pollinators . macrocosm are easy to grow and thrive in well - drained land , providing a burst of coloration throughout the uprise season . Gardeners revalue creation for their low maintenance and ability to attract bee , butterfly , and hummingbirds . By plant cosmos , you enhance your garden ’s ingathering and ecological impact , bear out a various range of pollinator . Let your garden amount alive with the beauty and utility of cosmos .

Aster

Asters , with their vivacious blooms and late - season unfolding , are a of the essence resourcefulness for bees . These perennials put up nectar when few other plant do , extending the forage season for pollinator . Asters are audacious and adaptable , thriving in various conditions and adding full-bodied color to garden . gardener time value aster for their power to attract bees and support biodiversity . By planting aster , you check your garden remain a vital resource for pollinator well into the fall . Enhance your garden ’s ecological significance by admit these essential previous - blooming prime .

Goldenrod

Goldenrod , often mistake for a sess , is a powerhouse for pollinators , offering abundant nectar and pollen . This stout repeated bloom tardily in the season , supply crucial resource for bee preparing for wintertime . Goldenrod is adaptable and gentle to grow , thrive in various conditions and adding vibrant yellow hues to any garden . Gardeners treasure goldenrod for its ecological benefits and ability to pull a wide range of pollinators , including bees and butterflies . By planting goldenrod , you support biodiversity and produce a thriving pollinator home ground .

Joe-Pye Weed

Joe - Pye Weed , with its towering height and clustering of pink blooms , is a magnet for pollinators . This native repeated thrives in moist soils , offering nectar - rich flower that attract bees , butterfly , and other beneficial insect . Joe - Pye Weed is valued for its ecological benefits and power to plunk for biodiversity . Gardeners love it for its outstanding presence and longsighted blooming period of time , which extends from summertime into fall . By planting Joe - Pye Weed , you enhance your garden ’s environmental impact and create a supportive home ground for pollinators .

Milkweed

Milkweed is renowned for its use in supporting milkweed butterfly butterflies , but it ’s also a bee favorite . These plants offer abundant nectar and are easy to rise , make them an splendid pick for pollinator garden . Milkweed is essential for monarch butterfly caterpillar , providing the sole food source for their larvae . Gardeners value milkweed for its ecological importance and ability to appeal a wide range of pollinator . By planting milkweed , you support both bees and butterflies , creating a vibrant and biodiverse surroundings in your garden .

Salvia

Salvia , with its spiky bloom and rich colour , is a favourite among bees . These perennial offer up abundant nectar , making them an excellent pick for pollinator gardens . Salvia is easy to grow and fly high in cheery locations , providing a burst of color throughout the season . Gardeners prize salvia for its low maintenance and power to attract a diverse image of pollinators , including bees and hummingbird . By planting salvia , you enhance your garden ’s appeal and ecological signification , endure a thriving pollinator population .

Thyme

Lantana

Lantana , with its intense clusters of small blooms , bring an explosion of color to any garden . But did you know it ’s a attractive feature for bees ? Unlike other prime that bee might bypass , lantana draws them in with its scented ambrosia .

Its resilience in raging climate makes it a favorite in sunny gardens . With minimal maintenance , lantana thrives and efflorescence throughout the season . Its appeal is n’t just visual ; the fragrance is an tote up joy for both bees and humans .

So , if you direct to make a bee - favorable haven , consider planting lantana , a true pollinator ’s pleasure .

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