Plants That Attract Wasps and Bees for a Thriving Garden
Bees are famous for pollinating flowers, but wasps are just as helpful. Wasps eat pests like caterpillars and aphids, which can harm your plants. Bees, of course, are champs at spreading pollen, helping your fruits, veggies, and flowers thrive. By planting flowers that both insects love, you create a win-win: a healthier garden and happy pollinators. Plus, these plants add color and life to your yard!
1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender’s purple spikes and sweet scent are like a magnet for bees and wasps. Its nectar-rich flowers bloom in summer, providing a long-lasting food source. Lavender loves sunny spots and well-drained soil, so plant it where it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight. Water it sparingly once it’s established, as it’s drought-tolerant. Pro tip: English lavender varieties are especially hardy and attract more pollinators than hybrid types.
2. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers are big, bright, and perfect for bees and wasps. Their wide, open centers make it easy for insects to access pollen and nectar. Plant sunflowers in full sun with rich, moist soil. They grow tall, so place them at the back of your garden. Choose single-stem varieties for bigger blooms that pollinators love. Fun fact: wasps often visit sunflowers in the early morning when nectar flow is strongest.
3. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage has star-shaped blue flowers that bees and wasps can’t resist. This plant is easy to grow and self-seeds, meaning it can pop up year after year. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and isn’t fussy about soil. Borage also repels some pests, making it a great companion for veggies like tomatoes. Its edible flowers are a bonus for you, too—try them in salads!
4. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Coneflowers, with their pinkish-purple petals and spiky centers, are a favorite for both bees and wasps. They bloom from summer to fall, giving pollinators a reliable food source. Plant them in full sun with well-drained soil, and they’ll come back every year. Deadheading (cutting off faded flowers) encourages more blooms. Coneflowers are also tough, handling drought and poor soil like champs.
5. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Goldenrod’s bright yellow clusters are a late-season treat for wasps and bees, blooming in late summer to fall when other flowers fade. It grows well in full sun and can handle a range of soils. Goldenrod is often blamed for allergies, but it’s actually ragweed that’s the culprit! This plant is low-maintenance and adds a sunny pop to your garden.
6. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow’s flat, clustered flowers in shades of white, yellow, or pink are perfect landing pads for wasps and bees. It blooms from early summer to fall and loves full sun with dry, well-drained soil. Yarrow is super tough and can spread, so give it space or plant it in containers. Its feathery leaves add texture to your garden, and it’s great for attracting beneficial wasps that hunt pests.
7. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint’s small, clustered flowers are a hidden gem for pollinators. Bees and wasps love the nectar, and the plant’s strong scent can deter some unwanted bugs. Grow mint in partial shade or full sun, but keep it in pots—it spreads fast! Water it regularly, and pinch back the tips to encourage bushy growth. Spearmint and peppermint are especially attractive to pollinators.