Plants for a Honey Bee

Plants such as the lilac bush attract honeybees.

Changing patterns in agriculture and urban development have decreased the forage available to honeybees throughout the United States, according to Malcolm T. Sanford, beekeeping specialist at University of Florida. There are, however, many plant varieties that still can be found that have some amount of nectar for honeybees.

Perennials

Perennials, which last for more than three growing seasons, are ideal for honeybees because they have nectar that honeybees seek. Achillea varieties christel, feuerland, marmalade and walther funcke are good garden plants for honeybees. Other perennials for honeybees include Vernonia gigantean and chile black.

Annuals

Annuals grow for one season and die. Many annuals are good for attracting honeybees. Mignonette, sunflowers, purpurascens and honeyworts are garden plants with nectar to attract honeybees. Honeyworts are especially high in nectar and honeybees enjoy these plants.

Biennials

Biennials take two growing seasons to germinate, grow and die. Normally, biennials don't flower or fruit until the second growing season. Many biennials make nice garden plants and attract honeybees. Plants include wild carrot, Canterbury bells, evening primrose and foxgloves.

Shrubs

Shrub or bushes are ideal for wildlife, including honeybees, because of the nectar content. Some shrubs and bushes ideal for around the garden include lilacs, honeysuckle, daisy bushes, butterfly bush and hydrangeas.

References

• The Melissa Garden: Plants for Honeybees
• Kari's Garden: Online Plant Catalog-Bees, Butterflies and Other Pollinators
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Beekeeping-Florida Bee Botany; Malcolm T. Sanford, Extension Beekeeping Specialist; March 2003
• Redwood Barn Nursery: Real Gardeners Plant Biennials
• British Bees: Shrubs Useful to Bees