Though they’re often thought of as pests, bumblebees are actually essential to the pollination of many flowers and crops. In fact, according to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, bumblebees are responsible for the pollination of 60 different crop species in North America alone, including tomatoes, blueberries, and squash.
Given their importance, it’s no surprise that gardeners everywhere are looking for ways to attract these furry little creatures to their gardens. Here are some of the best flowers for bumblebees.
Coneflowers
Coneflowers, also known as echinacea, are a great source of nectar for bumblebees. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, white, and yellow. Coneflowers bloom from early summer to fall – exactly when bumblebees need them most.
Bee Balm
Bee balm is another excellent flower for attracting bumblebees. Like coneflowers, bee balm comes in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white. Bee balm blooms from mid-summer to early fall – again, perfect timing for when bees need nectar the most.
Bonus:
Bee balms are also attractive to hummingbirds.
Lavender
Lavender is well known for its relaxing properties, but did you know that it’s also great for attracting bees? Bumblebees love lavender flowers because they’re easy to land on and packed with nectar.
Lavender blooms from late spring to early summer – just when bees are starting to become active after their winter dormancy period.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to attract bumblebees to your garden this year, consider planting some coneflowers, bee balm, or lavender. These flowers are not only beautiful but also provide bees with the nectar they need to survive.