Bees play an essential role in our gardens and landscapes. As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar and pollen, they help pollinate many of the plants we grow, leading to healthier blooms, fruits, and seeds.
Adding bee-friendly plants to your landscape is one of the easiest ways to support local pollinators while creating a vibrant garden filled with color and activity throughout the growing season.
Why Bees Are Important
Pollinators are responsible for helping many plants reproduce. A landscape filled with pollinator-friendly plants not only benefits bees but also supports butterflies, birds, and other beneficial wildlife.
To attract bees, focus on providing a variety of flowering plants that bloom from early spring through fall.
Creating a Bee-Friendly Garden
A successful pollinator garden offers more than just flowers.
- Plant a variety of flower shapes and colors
- Choose plants with overlapping bloom times
- Avoid using pesticides when possible
- Provide a shallow water source
- Leave some natural areas for nesting and shelter
The more diverse your plant selection, the more pollinators your garden can support.
Best Trees for Bees
Flowering trees provide an important nectar source, especially in spring when bees are becoming active.
Featured Trees:
- Eastern Redbud
- Dogwood
- Magnolia
- Serviceberry
- Tulip Poplar
- Sourwood
These trees provide beautiful seasonal interest while supporting pollinators early in the year.
Best Shrubs for Bees
Flowering shrubs offer long-lasting blooms and provide food throughout the growing season.
Featured Shrubs:
- Summersweet (Clethra)
- Virginia Sweetspire (Itea)
- Abelia
- Bluebeard (Caryopteris)
- Oakleaf Hydrangea
- Beautyberry
Many of these shrubs provide both nectar for pollinators and seasonal beauty for the landscape.
Best Perennials for Bees
Perennials are some of the most valuable plants for pollinators because they return year after year.
Featured Perennials:
- Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Black-Eyed Susan
- Salvia
- Coreopsis
- Aster
- Yarrow
Planting a mix of perennials ensures blooms are available from spring through fall.
Native Virginia Plants for Pollinators
Native plants are some of the best choices for supporting bees and other pollinators in Richmond landscapes. Because these plants naturally occur in Virginia, they are well-adapted to our climate, soils, and growing conditions while providing valuable food and habitat for local wildlife.
By incorporating native plants into your garden, you can create a landscape that is both beautiful and beneficial to pollinators throughout the growing season.
Build a Pollinator Paradise
Whether you’re planting a single container, a garden bed, or an entire landscape, adding pollinator-friendly trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals can help support local bee populations while creating a beautiful outdoor space.
Visit our Garden Center to explore our selection of bee-friendly plants. Our team can help you choose the right plants for your garden and create a landscape that blooms with pollinator activity throughout the season