Struggling to Attract Bees? These Flowers Finally Did the Trick in My Garden

If you’ve been planting, watering, and doing everything “right,” but still aren’t seeing bees in your garden—you’re not alone. I was in the same spot. My veggies looked healthy, my flowers were blooming, but the pollinators were missing. And without them, my harvests were falling short.

It wasn’t until I added a few specific flowers—ones I noticed buzzing with life in neighbors’ yards—that things finally changed. Bumblebees showed up. Monarchs returned. Suddenly, my garden felt like a living ecosystem again.

If you’re trying to attract more bees and butterflies to your space, these are the flowers that finally worked for me—and they can work for you too. Whether you’re growing tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, or just love the sight of a butterfly dancing through your backyard, these blooms are worth planting.

What Flowers Attract Bees the Most (And Why Butterflies Love Them Too)

Here’s the thing: pollinators can be surprisingly picky. Just because a flower looks nice to us doesn’t mean it has what bees and butterflies are looking for. I’ve planted plenty of showy blooms over the years that barely got a second glance from a honeybee.

What really makes a difference are flowers that check a few important boxes:

They’re rich in nectar and have an open shape that makes landing easy
Their colors pop—especially yellow, purple, pink, and deep blue
They bloom over a long stretch of the season (not just a few weeks)
They’re either native or grow well in your local climate
And they’re planted in clumps—because bees don’t like working too hard to find the next snack

The 15 flowers I’ve listed in this guide do all of that—and more. These aren’t just pretty to look at. They’re true pollinator favorites, and once they bloom, the buzz begins..

Grow These 15 Flowers to Attract More Bees and Butterflies to Your Garden:

These expert-recommended flowers are proven to attract honey bees, native bees, and butterflies—especially if you’re gardening in USDA Zones 3 to 9. They’re not just random suggestions; I’ve personally grown each of these and watched pollinators flock to them all summer long.

1. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)

Bee balm is one of the best flowers that attract bees for vegetable gardens and pollinator borders alike. Its bright, untamed blooms in red, pink, and lavender pull in bumblebees, swallowtails, and even hummingbirds. It thrives in beds that get sun in the morning and dappled shade by afternoon.

Best for: Pollinator beds, veggie garden edges, cottage-style gardens
Zones: 3–9
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Spacing: 18–24 inches

2. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Ask any seasoned gardener what flowers attract bees the most—and coneflowers are usually near the top. Their wide centers are nectar-rich and bee-friendly, while their color and form appeal to butterflies like monarchs and fritillaries. Let a few go to seed and the finches will join the party in fall.

Best for: Native gardens, sunny perennial borders
Zones: 3–9
Bloom Time: Summer through early fall
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 18–30 inches

Must Read: Flowers You Should Plant in July

3. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans)

When someone asks me for easy flowers that attract bees and butterflies, I point to zinnias. They grow fast, bloom hard, and make pollinators line up. In vegetable gardens, zinnias act like bait—pulling in bees that then wander over to nearby tomatoes, squash, or cucumbers.

Best for: Veggie garden borders, containers, cutting patches
Zones: Annual in all zones
Bloom Time: Late spring to frost
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 8–12 inches

4. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

These golden blooms may look simple, but they’re one of the best plants that attract native bees and small butterflies like skippers. They’re heat-tolerant, low-maintenance, and bloom right when other flowers start fading in late summer. They also do great in wildflower or naturalized beds.

Best for: Low-care gardens, pollinator strips, rewilding areas
Zones: 3–9
Bloom Time: Midsummer through fall
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 12–18 inches

Also Read: Flowers That Bloom at Night

5. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

If you’re planting for monarchs, this is non-negotiable. Milkweed is the host plant for monarch caterpillars, and its blooms are a favorite among honey bees and native pollinators. Grow native types like butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) in dry spots or swamp milkweed (A. incarnata) in wetter soils.

Best for: Butterfly gardens, native plantings, pollinator meadows
Zones: 3–9
Bloom Time: Summer
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 12–24 inches

6. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender isn’t just for scent-loving gardeners — it’s one of the top flowers that attract honey bees from morning until late afternoon. I grow it along sunny pathways and near vegetable beds, and the soft hum of bees never stops when it’s in bloom.

Bonus: butterflies adore it too, especially painted ladies and sulfurs.

Stick with English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) for cooler zones or try Spanish lavender in hotter climates. Either way, it’s a drought-tolerant beauty that pulls its weight in a pollinator garden.

Best for: Herb gardens, borders, dry sunny spots
Zones: 5–9 (varies by species)
Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 18–24 inches

7. Liatris (Liatris spicata)

If you’re looking to attract butterflies in large numbers, plant liatris. These vertical bloom spikes are like pollinator skyscrapers—stacked with nectar from base to tip. Bees (especially native solitary bees) also visit them steadily. And because they bloom in mid-to-late summer, they help fill gaps when other plants slow down.

They’re especially striking in native gardens and meadow-style beds. I also tuck them in behind shorter veggies to add height and function.

Best for: Prairie-style plantings, pollinator meadows, backdrop borders
Zones: 3–9
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 12–18 inches

8. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

There’s something carefree about cosmos — and that’s probably why butterflies love them. These airy, daisy-like blooms are among the easiest flowers that attract bees to garden spaces, especially in new beds or container gardens. I always let some self-sow near my tomatoes and peppers for that exact reason.

They’re nectar-rich, long-blooming, and beautiful even when grown in poor soil. Deadhead them regularly and they’ll reward you with flowers until the first frost.

Best for: New gardeners, edible garden companions, informal beds
Zones: Annual in all zones
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to frost
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 10–12 inches

9. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflowers are some of the best plants that attract bees, period. Their pollen-rich centers are magnets for native bees, honey bees, and sometimes even butterflies looking for a landing zone. Tall varieties like ‘Mammoth’ make excellent backdrops for vegetable beds, while dwarf types fit into containers and small spaces.

Even after the petals fade, seed heads feed finches and chickadees — making sunflowers one of the hardest-working flowers in the garden.

Best for: Backdrop borders, veggie rows, kids’ gardens
Zones: Annual in all zones
Bloom Time: Midsummer through fall
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 12–24 inches (depending on variety)

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10. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)

If you want a flower that’s low-effort and high-impact for pollinators, coreopsis is it. These sunny, daisy-like blooms attract a wide mix of bees and small butterflies. I’ve often seen sweat bees and leafcutter bees gathering pollen on them while a painted lady flutters by just inches away.

They’re perfect for gardeners who want blooms without fuss, and they mix beautifully with native grasses and echinacea.

Best for: Pollinator strips, mass plantings, drought-prone areas
Zones: 4–9
Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 12–18 inches

11. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

This plant doesn’t just fill space — it feeds a ton of pollinators with its flat-topped flower clusters. I’ve watched solitary bees, honey bees, and tiny butterflies land all over yarrow when other blooms are sparse. It’s one of those flowers that bees are attracted to in both wild gardens and structured beds.

Yarrow is tough, drought-tolerant, and blooms for months. Plus, its feathery foliage adds texture even when not in bloom.

Best for: Dry gardens, borders, pollinator strips
Zones: 3–9
Bloom Time: Early to late summer
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 12–24 inches

Must Read: Perennials to Plant in Fall That Come Back Bigger and Better Each Year

12. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella)

If you’re looking for a flower that thrives in heat and drought but still pulls in bees and butterflies, blanket flower is your answer. Its vivid red-orange petals are full of nectar and practically glow in the garden. Honey bees go wild for them, and smaller butterflies like skippers love the low landing pads.

I like tucking them in between my heat-loving veggies like peppers and eggplants — they don’t mind the same conditions.

Best for: Hot, sunny beds, veggie garden edges
Zones: 3–10 (often grown as an annual)
Bloom Time: Summer through fall
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 10–15 inches

13. Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

Garden phlox has a strong, sweet scent that draws butterflies like magnets. From swallowtails to painted ladies, they can’t seem to resist it. Bees aren’t far behind, especially when the flower clusters are in full bloom. I plant them in the middle of the border where their height makes a real show.

Look for mildew-resistant varieties if you’re gardening in humid zones.

Best for: Cottage gardens, mid-border placement
Zones: 4–8
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall
Sun: Full sun to light shade
Spacing: 18–24 inches

14. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Forget the allergy myths — goldenrod doesn’t cause hay fever, and it’s one of the most important late-season plants for bees and butterflies. It blooms when most other flowers are fading, providing vital nectar for migrating monarchs and native bees stocking up before winter.

It’s easy to grow and perfect for naturalizing in back corners or wild patches.

Best for: Fall bloomers, native or meadow-style gardens
Zones: 3–9
Bloom Time: Late summer through fall
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 12–24 inches

Must Read: How to Grow and Care for Texas Star Hibiscus the Right Way

15. Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

When this plant blooms, it becomes a pollinator hub. Towering at 4–6 feet, Joe Pye Weed’s mauve-pink flower clusters buzz with honey bees, bumblebees, and large butterflies like monarchs and swallowtails. I like planting it near a downspout or moist border — it thrives in those wet spots other plants avoid.

If you’re building a habitat garden, this native perennial is a staple.

Best for: Rain gardens, wet meadows, back-of-the-border
Zones: 4–9
Bloom Time: Late summer
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Spacing: 24–36 inches

Conclusion

From early spring to late summer, these 15 flowers have consistently brought pollinators into my garden — and they can do the same for yours. Whether you’re focused on boosting vegetable yields or simply creating a more vibrant, living space, choosing the right blooms makes a real impact. Attracting bees and butterflies isn’t just good gardening — it’s part of supporting a healthier ecosystem right outside your door.

Start small. Add a few zinnias to your veggie beds. Tuck some milkweed in the back corner. Or go bold and create a full-blown pollinator patch. You’ll be amazed how quickly the buzz begins.

🐝🦋 Have any of these pollinator powerhouses made it into your garden yet? Or want help picking the right ones for your zone or layout? Drop your questions below — I’d love to help.

And if you’re serious about creating a garden that’s buzzing, blooming, and beautifully alive, be sure to join our gardening newsletter — we send out timely planting advice, problem-solving tips, and real gardener know-how every week.

Let’s plant with purpose. 🐝🦋🌸

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