We all like bees and we understand their importance in the ecosystem, and although I have been stung by so many of them I still want them around.
When planning and planting your garden, it’s important to take into account how it can benefit bees and other pollinators. Things like paving, concrete and large areas of lawn can be detrimental to the insects, particularly bees, that rely on pollen and nectar.
The below is a list of my favourite beneficial bee flowers that you can plant in your garden.
1. English Lavender
Scientific name: Lavandula Angustifolia
Life cycle: Perennial shrub
Easily the best smelling flower is the English Lavender which is also very attractive to bees and other insects. Originally from the Mediterranean and currently drying out in my shed, the English Lavender is a perennial shrub that grows up to 70 cm.
English Lavender is really easy to grow with it needing next to no care. Unless you’re me, who killed 6 before I realised the problem was the ph levels of my soil.
2. Dhalia
Scientific name: Dahlia Pinnata
Life cycle: Perennial but can be grown as an annual.
The best Dhalia’s for bees are those that have an open centre for easy access to pollinators like bees and for me to smell. If you have these growing you can also expect a lot of butterflies.
3. Meadow Sage
Scientific name: Salvia Pratensis
Life cycle: Perennial
I originally thought these were ugly but Sage reminds me of witches and I like horror. So I ended up planting a couple and as they grew they were filled with bees and a nice little surprise was the birds they attracted.
4. Dill
Scientific name: Anethum Gaveolens
Life cycle: Biennial
Dill is without a doubt my favourite herb and apparently bees like it too. The foliage, also known as Dill weed, produces pollen and nectar for bees and other insects.
5. Shasta Daisy
Scientific name: Leucanthemum × Superbum
Life cycle: Perennial
Apart from being beneficial for bees, the Shasta Daisy is attractive to all insects including butterflies and other insects.
6. Dame’s rocket
Scientific name: Hesperis Matronalis
Life cycle: Perennial
A cottage garden favourite, the scented purple and white flowers attract pollinators and are commonly planted in borders or meadow gardens.
7. Candytuft
Scientific name: Iberis
Life cycle: Perennial
Candytuft is easy to grow and the bright flowers are hugely attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Want to make it easier?
If you’re looking for a simple solution to how you can create a beneficial been outdoor area you can look at our Bee and Insect Flower Mix
