9 Plants That Attract Bees

By Shelby Davidson

Butterflies, bees, and flower-feeding birds all have a sweet tooth. They need pollen and nectar from flowers to power their flight and nourish offspring. Bees can see colors well and rely on vision to find nectar. They are most attracted to blue, purple, violet, white, and yellow flowers. Many different native bee species can be found visiting the composite flowers of ‘Sunset Orange’ Gaillardia with their rich, abundant nectaries. You will find the vibrant spires of Dark Blue Moody Blues™ Veronica buzzing with bees all summer long. Numerous species are also attracted to the small flowers of ‘Princess Dark Lavender’ Verbena and Azure Skies™ Heliotrope.

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‘Sunset Orange’ Gaillardia

This compact plant holds its shape and its blooms do not fade. It produces heavy blooms early spring to fall. Low water use.

USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Learn more about ‘Sunset Orange’ Gaillardia

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Dark Blue Moody Blues™ Veronica

Bright spikes of flowers will bloom all season long, right up until the first frost. Use in mass plantings or mixed with roses and perennials. Its compact shape is just right for containers.

USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9
Exposure: Full Sun

Learn more about Dark Blue Moody Blues™ Veronica

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‘Princess Dark Lavender’ Verbena

A true garden performer with no breaking apart. Vivid green foliage against crowns of rich, pale purple blooms that form masses of color. Blooms spring until fall.

USDA Zones: 8, 9, 10, 11
Exposure: Full sun

Learn more about ‘Princess Dark Lavender’ Verbena

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Azure Skies™ Heliotrope

A low growing, spreading perennial with light lavender flower clusters. Incredibly heat tolerant. Use as ground cover or in planters. We call this perennial “bambi-proof.”

USDA Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Exposure: Full Sun

Learn more about Azure Skies™ Heliotrope

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Ever Sapphire™ Agapanthus

Large bi-color flowers change from blue in the throat to white on the petal’s edge and are surrounded by green, strap-like foliage. Blooms open in spring, re-blooming through summer.

USDA Zones: 8, 9, 10, 11
Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Learn more about Ever Sapphire™ Agapanthus

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‘Amistad’ Salvia

Dark purple flowers with nearly black calyx bloom constantly from early spring until frost. Amistad is more compact and has a fuller habit than other guaranitica types. Flowers are also a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds.

USDA Zones: 8, 9, 10, 11
Exposure: Full Sun

Learn more about ‘Amistad’ Salvia

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Ultra Violet™ Buddleia

This exciting buddleia grows compactly into an attractive rounded shape, unlike other butterfly bushes that often become tall and lanky. Its violet blooms are a beacon for butterflies and honeybees, and Ultra Violet™ reblooms well from late spring into fall.

USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Exposure: Full sun

Learn more about Ultra Violet™ Buddleia

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Crazy White™ Echinacea

Large daisy-like flowers with drooping, pure petals surround a large orange button-shaped cone. Blooms appear earlier than other coneflower. Brings power blooming to the border garden, capable of over 100 blooms on a mature plant.

USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Learn more about Crazy White™ Echinacea

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Solar Glow™ Sunbow® Azalea Series

Brilliant spring-blooming deciduous azaleas with larger, colorful, and more showy blooms. Great for light shade and even sunnier locations. With the added attraction of honey-suckle fragrance, these are a perfect addition to your garden.

USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Learn more about Solar Glow™ Sunbow® Azalea Series

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