Bedding plants, typically purchased as annuals in garden centers, not only brighten up garden beds but also play a vital role in supporting pollinators like bees. These plants provide bees with both nectar and pollen, which are essential for their survival and pollination efforts, benefiting your garden’s vegetable plants in the process. Selecting the right bedding plants for both aesthetic appeal and bee activity can create a thriving garden for both you and beneficial insects. Here are eight excellent bedding plants that will attract bees and enrich your garden:
- Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Alyssum is a small, fragrant flower that blooms early in the season, often before most summer plants. This plant’s tiny flowers in white, pink, or purple are perfect for the edges of containers or garden beds. Alyssum’s honey-scented nectar attracts hoverflies and other beneficial insects, particularly in the evening when its fragrance is most noticeable.
- Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus and Cosmos sulphureus)
Cosmos are bee favorites, especially the delicate pink variety Cosmos bipinnatus. The fine, feathery foliage and abundant flowers appeal to many types of bees. While seedlings of pink cosmos grow slowly, Cosmos sulphureus (orange and yellow varieties) grows quickly from seed, making it a great option for gardeners looking for fast results.
- Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds with open-centered flowers are excellent for attracting bees. Choose varieties like Little Gem, which have an accessible structure, allowing bees to easily gather nectar. French marigolds are particularly popular among pollinators, and they can be grown year after year by saving seeds from your favorite plants. - Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora)
Also known as moss rose, portulaca is a sun-loving, heat-tolerant plant that is highly attractive to bees, particularly honeybees. Its flowers, which close at night and during rainy weather, protect the pollen, making it a valuable resource. Opt for single or semi-double varieties, as bees prefer those with open centers. - Salvias (Salvia spp.)
Salvias, particularly Salvia coccinea (scarlet sage), are highly favored by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Their tubular flowers are well-suited for long-tongued bees and other pollinators. With minimal care, salvia plants can bloom for months, providing ongoing nectar for bees throughout the growing season.
- Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons are perfect for bumblebee pollination, as their large flowers require the strength of bumblebees to open. Bees are drawn to varieties with vibrant stripes or veins in the petals. By pinching back the first flower spike, you can encourage more blooms, extending their pollination benefits to bees. - Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers are a powerhouse plant for attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees, beetles, and flies. Their large blossoms provide ample nectar and pollen. Sunflowers are versatile, as they can be started from seeds or seedlings, and planting them in succession ensures a long blooming season to benefit pollinators throughout the summer.
- Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are a favorite of bees, thriving in the warm summer months. When selecting zinnia varieties, choose those with single flowers, as bees have easier access to the nectar and pollen in the open centers. Tall zinnias also make great cut flowers, while the shorter varieties are more resistant to diseases.
By incorporating these bee-friendly bedding plants into your garden, you not only create a beautiful space but also provide essential resources for pollinators. The more diverse the flower forms in your garden, the more likely you are to support a wide variety of bees and other beneficial insects, promoting a healthy and productive garden.