Monica's Weekly Gardening Tips: Plants To Attract Honey Bees

During foraging season, honey bees consume and store both nectar and pollen, with the nectar providing carbohydrates and pollen protein. In late Winter and early Spring, the queen starts laying eggs to repopulate the hive, since the winter bees will have reached their lifespan. The brood will be fed royal jelly and bee bread - a combination of honey and pollen. Thus, plants that bloom in early Spring is an attractive offering for bees. In addition, iIn August and September the queen is laying eggs that will evolve into the winter bees. Strong supplies of nectar and pollen are again required; although this period coincides with dwindling food supplies known as the summer dearth. Thus, planting shrubs, flowers, trees, and herbs that bloom during late summer and fall have an even greater affect on the health of the colony. That's not to say avoid bloomers for summer. Bees will appreciate any extra assistance in providing nectar and pollen sources. Here's a list of plants that should do well in USDA zones 6a-8a.

Early Spring Bloomers

Pussy Willows and other Willows

Red and other Maple trees

Crocus

Common Chickweed

Dandelion

Redbud trees

Autumn Olive

Winter Cress

Cherry trees

Fruit trees

Late Spring to Early Summer Bloomers (May through July)