Bee balm, hyssop, coneflower, catmint, false sunflower and asters feed the most bees and pollinators through a Maine summer. Plant a mix so something blooms from spring to fall.
- Bee Balm — Bees and hummingbirds both visit.
- Hyssop — Covered in bees all summer.
- Coneflower — Nectar in summer, seeds for birds.
- Catmint — Months of blue flowers bees love.
- False Sunflower — Long-blooming native.
- Fall Aster — Late food before winter.
- Yarrow — Flat landing pads for small bees.
- Tickseed — Native, blooms all summer.
- Lavender — A bee favorite.
- Obedient Plant — Late summer spikes.
Acanthaceae 'Wild Petunia'
Ruellia humilis 'Wild Petunia'
from $11.99 · 1GAL
Alkanet 'Alexander's Great'
Brunnera 'Alexander's Great'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Blue Angel'
Anchusa 'Blue Angel'
from $6.99 · 1QT
Alkanet 'Heartleaf (macrophylla)'
Brunnera 'Heartleaf (macrophylla)'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Jack Frost'
Brunnera 'Jack Frost'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Jack of Diamonds'
Brunnera 'Jack of Diamonds'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Looking Glass'
Brunnera 'Looking Glass'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Permafrost'
Brunnera 'Permafrost'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Queen of Hearts'
Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Sea Heart'
Brunnera 'Sea Heart'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alyssum 'Basket of Gold (Compacta)'
Aurinia 'Basket of Gold (Compacta)'
from $6.99 · 1QT
Alyssum 'Mountain Gold'
Aurinia 'Mountain Gold'
from $6.99 · 1QT
Tips
- Plant in groups of three or more so pollinators find them.
- Choose plants that bloom in spring, summer and fall.
- Skip pesticides on flowering plants.
Frequently asked questions
What flowers attract the most bees?
Bee balm, hyssop, catmint, lavender and asters are among the best.
Are native plants better for pollinators?
Natives support the most native bees and butterflies, but many non-native perennials feed bees well too.
When do pollinators need flowers most?
Early spring and late fall, when few plants are blooming.
Will pollinator plants bring wasps?
They attract many insects, but bees and wasps are busy feeding and rarely bother people.