Plant These Flowers for City Bees

Urban beekeepers and gardeners can transform concrete jungles into vital pollinator havens by planting a variety of bee-friendly flowers. The key is to provide blooms across the seasons – from early spring through summer and into late fall – ensuring there’s always nectar and pollen available. Equally important is choosing single, open-form flowers (instead of double-petaled hybrids) so bees can easily access the goods. Below is a season-by-season guide to the best flowers for city bees, including Latin names and care tips, plus container gardening ideas for small spaces.

Early Spring Bloomers

Crocus (Crocus spp.)

• Among the first bulbs to bloom; provides early nectar and pollen.
• Plant corms in fall, 3 inches deep, in sun or part shade.
• Thrives in containers, lawns, and borders with well-drained soil.

Willow (Salix spp.)

• Male catkins bloom early with abundant pollen and nectar.
• Shrubby species like Salix caprea can be kept small with pruning.
• Prefers full sun and moist soils but tolerates varied urban conditions.

Summer Staples

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

• High nectar yield; attracts honey bees and bumblebees.
• Requires full sun and well-drained, alkaline soil.
• Ideal for pots; prune after flowering to maintain shape.

Borage (Borago officinalis)

• Blue star-shaped flowers refill with nectar rapidly.
• Easy to grow from seed; thrives in poor soil and sun.
• Self-seeds; grow in deep pots due to long taproot.

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)

• Choose single-flowered, open-pollinated varieties for bee access.
• Plant after last frost; prefers full sun and regular watering.
• Use dwarf varieties like ‘Teddy Bear’ for containers.

Late Fall Sources

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

• Blooms late summer to fall; essential for honey stores.
• Choose clumping types like S. rugosa ‘Fireworks’ to prevent spread.
• Full sun, dry soil; cut back after blooming.

Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)

• Daisy-like flowers in purple, pink, or white.
• Excellent nectar source for fall; attracts many pollinators.
• Grow in sun, well-drained soil; pinch in summer to prevent flopping.

Balcony Containers: Pollinator Plants in Pots

Herbs

• Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): Ground cover, full sun, great for bees.
• Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): Spring blooms, edible, sun-loving.
• Oregano (Origanum vulgare): Top performer for nectar; needs sun.

Lavender in Pots

• Use dwarf varieties like ‘Hidcote’.
• Full sun, well-drained potting mix.
• Allow soil to dry between waterings.

Annual Flowers

• Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis): Long bloom season, easy to grow.
• Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus): Deadhead to prolong flowering.
• Zinnia (Zinnia elegans): Choose single varieties for bee access.
• Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus): Edible, attracts bumblebees, good for hanging pots.

Mini-Shrubs and Perennials

• Sedum: Late summer bloom, drought-tolerant.
• Heath/Heather (Erica, Calluna): Winter bloomers for early bees.
• Dwarf Butterfly Bush (Buddleja): Summer flowers, highly attractive.

Container Tips

• Cluster pots for better visibility.
• Ensure full sun (6+ hours daily).
• Use drainage holes and avoid all pesticides.