14 Annual Flowers That Bumblebees Love

Watching bumblebee pound from bloom to blossom is one of the great joys of summer gardening ! These easy giant of the pollinator domain are on a mission to gain nectar and pollen , and by institute the right annuals , you ’ll turn your bed into a humblebee buffet . I bed how disheartening it can feel when your flower patch seem beautiful but the bees give it a severe pass — have ’s transfer that !

In this guidebook , we ’ll explore 14 standout annuals — presented in a randomised ordering — that systematically draw humblebee with their colour , form , and ambrosia rewards . For each , we ’ll dive into its aboriginal origin , note any self - sowing or incursive tendencies , and even highlight how it supports nesting or other beneficial wildlife . Ready to fill your garden with buzzy excitement ? Let ’s dig in !

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)

nasturtium boast vivid , saucer‑shaped blooms in fiery reds , oranges , and yellow that bumblebees can descry from afar . Their open , funnel - work bloom cater easy access to nectar , spend a penny them a favorite landing pad for those fuzzed bodies ! I make love scattering nasturtiums among my vegetables — they not only draw bee but also discourage aphid by acting as a sacrificial yap craw .

Native to the Andes of South America , nasturtiums self‑seed readily but are n’t conceive invasive . Their sprawling use creates plot of ground cover that mimic natural meadows , which can furnish shelter for ground‑nesting bumblebees essay bare soil near old rodent burrows . Plus , the peppery leaves double as a spicy addition to salad — talk about dual - purpose delight !

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage ’s star‑shaped , sky‑blue blossoms are absolute magnet for bumblebee , who shinny over each other to reach those rich nectaries . I always establish borage near my herb seam — the bee that chitchat Borago officinalis spill over to pollinate nearby tomato and peppers , boosting my overall crop !

Originating in the Mediterranean region , borage is n’t invasive but self‑sows prolifically if you let its seeds drop off . The erect stems and coarse foliage also create microhabitats where small hoverflies lay ballock , and emerging larvae snack on aphids — another win for integrated pestis management ! Encouraging these good insect preserve your garden balanced and thriving .

Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

Those impulsive “ dragon mouth ” flower of snapdragon are n’t just charming — they’re dead designed for bumblebee visitors . The sturdy lower petal acts as a landing place platform , and when a bee pushes within , the flower ’s “ jaws ” open , granting access to deep nectar stores . Watching bumblebees negotiate snapdragons always brings a grin !

Native to the Mediterranean and parts of North Africa , snapdragons ego - seed gently but wo n’t take over your beds . Their upright spikes also offer perching spots for predatory insects like lacewing fly , which feed on aphid . I relish the path snapdragon sate vertical gaps in my borders , make layer of color and buzzing activity !

Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia)

Lacy phacelia , often called “ bee ’s acquaintance , ” live up to its name with dense clusters of purple‑blue , funnel‑shaped blooms that bumblebees adore . Its speedy increment means you ’ll see prime within hebdomad of sowing , and bees dive headlong into each cluster , collecting both ambrosia and abundant pollen !

Native to the western United States , phacelia self‑sows in well-disposed spots but is n’t considered encroaching . Its quick canopy provides shade and wet retentivity for ground‑nesting bee , while decomposing foliage enriches the soil for the next time of year ’s crops . imbed a spell of phacelia and you ’ll cultivate a hive of happy pollinator !

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula ’s favourable , daisy‑like blush shine like miniature suns and beckon bumblebees with their open , pollen‑rich centers . I find that bumper calendula plantings turn over into buzzing hubs where multiple bee forage simultaneously — such a treat to find that communal dining !

Hailing from the Mediterranean , calendula self‑sows somewhat but rarely becomes weedy . Its petal also make vivacious , edible garnishes , and the spent flowers provide soft refuges for ladybugs and lacewing to winter . By supporting a ambit of dirt ball , calendula helps wield garden health while delighting the eye and soul .

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias follow in a riot of gloss and form , from undivided blooms to riotous two-base hit , but it ’s the single‑petaled varieties that humblebee love most . Those flat , open disks give bee easy footing and quick access to ambrosia - lined floret — perfect for heavy‑bodied forager !

aboriginal to Mexico , old maid flower are n’t invasive but will self‑seed if you allow seedheads to suppurate . Their long bloom period , often last from summertime into fall , provides critical late‑season resource for queen bumblebees preparing to overwinter . I always save a few zinnia seeds each yr , see to it my garden continue a true bee spread !

Tithonia (Tithonia rotundifolia)

Also known as Mexican sunflower , tithonia features refulgent orangish - crimson blossoms up to 3 inches wide — like megaphone for bumblebee attraction ! I love how these tall yearbook , often reaching 4–6 feet , become humblebee freeways , with bees soar up and down the sturdy stem .

aboriginal to Mexico and Central America , Mexican sunflower self‑sows meagerly but wo n’t dominate your bed . Its rough-cut foliage provides cover for beneficial ground beetles , and the open growth habit maintains airflow to tighten fungal upshot . If you want drama and pollinator entreaty , tithonia is your go‑to annual !

Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)

Fragrant sweet-scented peas enchant both gardeners and bumblebee likewise . Their fragile , butterfly‑shaped peak in pastel pinks , purples , and whites offer landing place ledge for bees to access hidden nectary — an olfactory and optic pleasure in any piercing garden !

Originating from Sicily and southern Italy , sweet peas can self‑seed if you allow pods to mature but are n’t invasive . Their mounting tendrils also create vertical corridors where spy - hopping bumblebees explore each bloom . Plus , those lovely stems make for nosegay that fulfil the house with a scent you ’ll look forwards to all time of year !

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

bachelor’s button — or bachelor ’s button — show off fringed , cobalt - blue blooms that bear out in any palette . Bumblebees appreciate the tufted florets tamp with ambrosia , and multiple bee often forage on a single flower head , creating a short bumblebee gathering !

Native to Europe , cornflowers self‑sow readily but rarely become invasive in well‑tended gardens . Their airy riding habit leave patches of bare globe beneath ball , offering nesting sites for ground‑nesting bees . bachelor’s button also attract predatory hoverflies , adding another bed of biological control to your landscape !

Salvia farinacea (Mealy Cup Sage)

yearly aristocratical salvia sports spikes of lavender‑blue blossoms that hum with bumblebee activity . The tube-shaped flowers fit bee tongues perfectly , and I often fleck humblebee adhere top side - down as they suck up deeply from each corolla !

aboriginal to Texas and Mexico , Salvia farinacea is n’t invasive but thrives in hot , sunny spots with well‑drained soil . Its foresightful bloom season , often from bounce through frost , leave a dependable nectar source when other early annuals slice . I tuck salvia into beds and containers alike — it ’s a surefire means to maintain that low , constant hum of pollinator !

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Cosmos ’s open , daisy - like face in soft garden pink , whites , and deep Battle of Magenta offer easy access to ambrosia , making them a favorite for larger bumblebee . Their delicate , feathery foliation also provide cover and corridor for bee to navigate safely across the garden !

Originating in Mexico , cosmos self‑sows liberally but seldom poses a direction problem . Once established , they ’ll rebloom with deadheading , hold out their prayer to bumblebees . The marvelous , airy stem also attract other pollinators like butterflies and beetles , turning your garden into a buzzing , multi - species haven !

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

While we often cogitate of sunflowers as annual giant , midget variety make splendiferous annuals for bumblebees . Their central disk floweret are load with nectar early in the first light , and I love lining these sunlight - snog flush along paths so humblebee soar upwards in and out like flowered pinball game !

Native to North America , sunflowers are n’t invasive but will volunteer if you leave seedheads . Their sturdy halt provide vantage posts for predatory insects like lacewing fly , while the dip of seeds in fall feeds shuttlecock and small mammals . Plant a rowing of dwarf sunflowers , and you ’ll host a full ecosystem !

Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

marigold — especially single - petaled varieties — offer open essence that beckon bumblebees to forage freely among the brilliant orange and jaundiced blooms . I often tuck marigolds around vegetable game ; the bees they attract encourage yield lay in adjacent crop like squash racquets and Cucumis sativus !

Native to the Americas , marigolds ego - ejaculate meagrely and are n’t encroaching . Their redolent foliage also deters certain pests , form them favorite companion plant . The low , mounded form creates sheltered microclimates where midget solitary bees can nest in barren darn — another reasonableness marigolds deserve a prime spot in your annual gyration !

Cleome (Cleome hassleriana)

Cleome , or spider flower , features spidery clusters of pinkish , snowy , or lavender blooms that open gradually from bottom to top — give bumblebees an extensive counter ! Those long stamen are utter landing posts , and I adore watching bumblebees probe each flower in rhythmic sequence .

Native to South America , cleome ego - seed pronto but seldom outcompetes other plants in a well - save garden . Its magniloquent human body adds architectural drama , and the open fabric bring home the bacon perching spot for other pollinators like hoverflies and small butterfly stroke . I always leave a few seedpod behind — volunteer genus Cleome adds whimsy to next year ’s beds !