What Kinds of Shrubs Attract Bees?

Agastache

• Agastache is a perennial herb available in more than a dozen types. This plant produces fragrant, showy blossoms that attract a number of pollinators, most often hummingbirds and bees. Agastache flowers are trumpet-shaped and come in three main colors: orange and pink, which are favored by hummingbirds, and blue, which attracts butterflies and bees. Most varieties of Agastache are hardy growers and will produce large numbers of flowers throughout the life of the plant. They should be planted in areas with full or partial sun and well-draining soil, and once established require little more than occasional deep watering.

Lavender

• Lavender is available in nearly a dozen types. Depending on the growing region, it will produce color nearly year-round, which adds visual interest to the garden. No matter the type, lavender produces fragrant nectar that's attractive to bees. Lavender is a perennial shrub that may reach as tall as 30 inches. It produces gray-green leaves and spikes of small purple flowers. It should be planted in an area with full or partial sun, in a light, well-drained soil that's slightly alkaline. It will not do well in cold, so it should be brought indoors during fall and winter. Lavender is aesthetically pleasing but is also highly functional: its scent is commonly used in aromatherapy to induce sleep, and its leaves and flowers may be used to flavor baked goods and tea.

Mint

• Mint is a popular flavoring herb in the kitchen, and is used abundantly in commercial products from candy to toothpaste. It's fairly easy to grow, and will do well in just about any type of soil, but favors areas with damp soil and moderate amounts of nutrients. Mint will thrive as far north as zone 5 but must be protected from frost. These plants thrive in shade or areas with stippled sunlight, and produce a dense ground cover that may become invasive if not controlled. The plant's strong fragrance and small white blooms attract bees, making it an ideal selection for a bee-friendly garden.

Rosemary

• Traditional rosemary is a warm-weather plant native to the Mediterranean, but modern cultivars have made it possible to plant rosemary as far north as zone 5. It's most commonly used as an herb for cooking, but may also be used to flavor teas. This plant requires full sun and a slightly alkaline soil to thrive. It has a woody appearance, and a strong fragrance that attracts pollinators, particularly bees. Rosemary is fairly hardy, but should be provided with well-draining soil, because standing water may cause root or leaf damage.