Hey everyone! I'm starting my first garden in Colorado near Denver and I've noticed some bumblebees flying around. I'm curious if there are any specific plants that might attract bumblebees but not other types of bees. Is that even a thing? I've got peppers, tomatoes, basil, mammoth sunflowers, and hopefully some lavender planned for my garden boxes. Any tips or advice would be super appreciated!
3 Answers
Radishes are a secret weapon! If you let them bolt, their flowers attract tons of bumblebees and butterflies. It's amazing how effective they are for pollinators. Plus, you can still harvest seeds later!
To attract bumblebees, go for native plants! Some great options are bee balm, coreopsis, coneflower, echinacea, penstemon, and aster. These plants are proven to draw in local bumblebees. If you can, check out a native plant nursery for more specialized advice in your area!
Don't forget about Tithonia and loofah if you have the space. They have gorgeous flowers that bumblebees love. Also, I noticed my duranta attracts a mix of bumblebees and hummingbird moths, though I can't guarantee they'll keep out the honeybees. Still, it's fun watching them all come visit!
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely consider adding Tithonia and maybe some loofah too.