At Sunnyside Gardens, we’ve always loved planting flowers that attract beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds—but now, we’re turning our focus to one of the most important pollinators in our ecosystem: bees. Supporting these essential garden helpers isn’t just ethical—it’s a simple way to promote a healthy, thriving garden.

Why Bees Need Our Help

Bees rely on both nectar and pollen to survive. Nectar, the sweet fluid produced by flowers, provides energy, while pollen serves as a crucial source of protein—helping to feed young bees and build honeycombs. Many perennials that attract butterflies and hummingbirds also serve as excellent food sources for bees, making it easy to create a garden that benefits all of nature’s pollinators.

The Best Plants for Pollinators

A well-planned garden can provide pollen and nectar throughout the seasons, supporting bees from early spring to late fall. Here’s what to plant for an eco-friendly, pollinator-friendly landscape:

Early Season Bloomers: Wake Up the Garden

Pollinators emerge early, and planting blooms that appear in spring gives them a strong start. These favorites are often overlooked but essential:

• Agastache (Hyssop) – Fragrant and bee-friendly, with tall spiky blooms
• Nepeta (Catmint) – A soft-textured perennial loved by bees
• Dianthus – Sweet-smelling and compact, great for early containers
• Geranium (Cranesbill) – A dependable bloomer in cool weather

Mid-Season Favorites: Keep the Buzz Going

Summer is pollinator prime time. These bold, colorful choices offer peak nectar and pollen when it’s needed most:

• Asclepias (Butterfly Weed) – A Monarch butterfly essential
• Coneflower (Echinacea) – Long-blooming and a favorite for bees
• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) – Native to Minnesota and a great source of late-summer food
• Liatris – Vertical purple spikes beloved by butterflies

Bonus Pollinator Picks from Our Team:

• Zinnias – Nonstop color + butterfly magnet
• Columbine – Elegant early bloomer for hummingbirds
• Lantana – Heat-tolerant and irresistible to all pollinators

Late-Season Must-Haves: Fall Fuel for Survival

When summer fades, these plants help pollinators store up energy for migration or hibernation. Without them, bees in particular can struggle to survive winter.

• Sedum – A top pick for late-season bees
• Asters – Colorful, long-lasting blooms when little else is in flower

Build a Thriving, Sustainable Garden

By adding just a few of these bee-friendly perennials to your garden, you’re not only creating a visually stunning landscape—you’re also making an eco-friendly choice that supports the health of local pollinators. Whether you’re planting in containers, raised beds, or full landscapes, choosing pollen-rich plants ensures a healthier environment for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds alike.

Stop by Sunnyside Gardens for expert advice and a beautiful selection of pollinator-friendly plants—your garden (and the bees) will thank you!

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