Bees play a crucial role in pollinating our gardens and farms, helping ensure the growth and reproduction of many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. However, many bee populations are facing significant threats, including habitat loss and pesticide use. As home gardeners, we can help support these important pollinators by planting herbs that attract bees and providing them with a safe and healthy environment to thrive. In this blog post, we will explore 12 herbs that bees love and are known to attract them and offer tips on how to care for them.
Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb for bees and is known for its delightful fragrance and vibrant purple flowers. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Lavender plants prefer slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.7 and 7.3. Dig a hole that is the same depth as the pot the lavender came in and twice as wide. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firm the soil around the plant, and water thoroughly.
Lavender plants require minimal care once established. They are drought-tolerant and only need watering once a week during dry summers. Prune the plant in early spring or at the end of summer to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth.
Thyme
This perennial plant with tiny pink or purple flowers produces a strong scent that attracts bees and butterflies alike. It thrives in the USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.
Thyme prefers a sunny spot with well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0. Plant thyme in the spring by digging a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Set the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole and firm the soil gently around the plant, then water well.
Thyme is a low-maintenance herb that is resistant to drought. Water it only when the soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid watering right before winter as this can freeze the roots. Prune the plant after it blooms to encourage new growth.
Sage
Sage, with its fragrant leaves and attractive purple flowers, is a wonderful addition to any bee-friendly garden. This perennial herb is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Sage prefers full sun and well-draining soil. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth. When planting, dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole and gently firm the soil around the plant, then water generously.
Sage is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It is drought-tolerant and needs watering only during prolonged dry spells. Prune your sage plant heavily in the spring to promote new growth and prevent the plant from becoming woody.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a perennial herb that bees find irresistible with its aromatic leaves and blue flowers. It is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Rosemary prefers a sunny location with well-draining soil. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. When planting, dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firm the soil gently around the plant, and water.
Rosemary is a hardy herb that requires minimal care. It is drought-resistant and only needs watering during extended dry periods. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Pruning is not typically necessary for rosemary, but you can trim the plant in early spring to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth.
Mint
Mint is a perennial herb that is highly attractive to bees due to its fragrant leaves and small, delicate flowers. Mint is a hardy plant that grows well in USDA zones 3 to 8.
It prefers a partly sunny to partly shaded location with moist, well-draining soil. The soil pH should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.5. When planting, dig a hole that’s as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the mint plant in the hole such that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firm the soil gently around the plant, and water generously.
Mint is a robust plant that requires minimal care. It enjoys damp soil, so regular watering is necessary, especially during dry periods. Mint grows rapidly and can become invasive if not properly contained, so it’s recommended to grow mint in containers or confined areas of your garden. Prune your mint plant regularly to promote bushier growth and to prevent it from becoming leggy.
Lemon Balm
This perennial herb that is incredibly attractive to bees and provides a delightful lemon scent. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Lemon Balm prefers a sunny to partly shaded location with well-draining soil. The soil pH should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.5. When planting, dig a hole that’s as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the Lemon Balm plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firm the soil gently around the plant, and water well.
Lemon Balm is a hardy, easy-to-grow herb that requires minimal care. It tolerates drought but prefers slightly moist soil, so regular watering is beneficial. Lemon Balm can spread quickly in your garden, so it’s advisable to restrict its growth by planting it in a container or regularly pruning it to keep it under control.
Oregano
Oregano is a perennial herb that bees find hard to resist with its small flowers and aromatic leaves. It grows well in USDA zones 5 to 10.
Oregano prefers a location with full sun and well-draining soil. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0 for optimal growth. When planting, make a hole that is as deep as the root ball and twice the width. Position the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole and gently firm the soil around the plant, then water it well.
Oregano is an easy-to-grow plant that’s not particularly demanding. It’s drought-tolerant and requires watering only during sustained dry spells. It’s advisable to trim your oregano plant after it flowers to encourage a dense growth and prevent it from becoming leggy.
Bee Balm
Bee Balm is a perennial herb that is a true favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds alike with its bright, aromatic flowers. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Bee Balm prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. The soil pH should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.0. When planting, dig a hole that’s as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the Bee Balm plant in the hole such that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firm the soil gently around the plant, and water thoroughly.
Bee Balm is a fairly easy-to-grow plant but it needs regular care. It prefers moist soil, so the plant should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. However, be careful not to overwater as this can cause powdery mildew to develop. Proper air circulation around the plant can also prevent this common issue. To maintain its growth, prune your Bee Balm plant back to the ground in early spring. This will encourage bushier and healthier growth.
Catmint
Catmint is a perennial herb that is incredibly popular with bees and butterflies due to its lavender-blue flowers and aromatic foliage. It flourishes in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Catmint prefers a sunny location with well-draining soil. The soil pH should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.5. When planting, dig a hole that’s as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the Catmint plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firm the soil gently around the plant, and water well.
Catmint is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It is drought-tolerant, but regular watering during dry periods can promote healthier growth. While Catmint isn’t known to be invasive, it can spread in the garden, so regular pruning is recommended to keep it in check.
Anise Hyssop
Anise Hyssop is a perennial herb beloved by bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies alike. It features beautiful purple flowers and a delightful anise-like scent. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Anise Hyssop prefers a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. The soil pH should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.0. When planting, dig a hole that’s as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Position the Anise Hyssop plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firm the soil gently around the plant and water thoroughly.
Anise Hyssop is a resilient plant that requires minimal care. It’s drought-tolerant, so watering is typically only necessary during extended dry spells. To maintain vigorous growth and prevent the plant from becoming too tall and leggy, trim back in early spring and after flowering.
Fennel
Fennel is a perennial herb that bees love due to its umbrella-like yellow flowers and feathery, aromatic leaves. It thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Fennel prefers a location with full sun and well-draining soil. The soil pH should ideally be between 5.5 and 7.5. When planting, dig a hole that’s as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Position the Fennel plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firm the soil gently around the plant, and water thoroughly.
Fennel is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It’s somewhat drought-tolerant, but regular watering during dry periods promotes healthier growth. To maintain its bushy growth and prevent it from becoming too tall and leggy, prune back in early spring.
Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as Purple Coneflower, is a perennial herb that is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its vibrant pink-purple flowers bring a splash of color to any garden. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Echinacea prefers full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. The soil pH should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.0. When planting, dig a hole that’s as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Position the Echinacea plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, gently firm the soil around the plant, and give it a good watering.
Echinacea is a drought-tolerant plant, requiring watering only during extended dry periods. It’s also a resilient plant that can withstand most pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for any garden. To encourage a second blooming and maintain a tidy appearance, deadhead spent flowers.
Happy Gardening!
By planting these twelve herbs, you can help support bee populations in your area while also enjoying the benefits of fresh herbs in your cooking. To care for your herbs, be sure to plant them in the proper location with well-draining soil and give them the appropriate amount of sun and water. Avoid using pesticides or other harmful chemicals that can harm bees and other beneficial insects. With a little love and care, your herb garden can become a haven for bees and a source of delicious herbs for your kitchen.
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post page for more growing tips on Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, bulbs and how to plant them, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!