Colorado Perennials

Colorado Perennials That Attract Bees

Agastache or Hyssop

Many varieties of hyssops grow well in Colorado.These plants are cold hardy and can adapt to a variety of well-draining soils.Many varieties of hyssops grow well in Colorado.These plants are cold hardy and can adapt to a variety of well-draining soils

Bee Balm

Bee Balm is perfect for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, full-sun garden in the dry heat of Colorado. It's quite xeric once established, and the showy lavender flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds in droves.

Catmint or Nepeta

Catmint (Nepeta) is a perennial herb that is a member of the mint family. ... Nepeta has slightly aromatic grey-green foliage with a delicate, lacy appearance. Its billowing foliage is topped with spikes of flowers in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the season. The flowers can be white, pink, or lavender-blue.

Cranesbill (a.k.a Wild Geranium)

Botanically this perennial bloomer is known as Geranium maculatum. Commonly, it has a host of colloquial names, including cranesbill or cranesbill geranium, alum root, wild cranesbill, spotted geranium and wood geranium. Whatever you call it, this native wildflower brings beauty to any landscape and bees love it!

Goldenrod

Since they flower late in the summer, they are an important source of both nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and some wasps. ... If you want to attract a variety of bees to your pollinator garden, goldenrod is a perfect choice.

Iris

There are many species of iris grown in gardens - generally with spectacular flowers that are good for bees. Yellow flag iris that grows in ponds is also good.

Liatris (a.k.a. Gayfeather)

This is a group of summer blooming native wildflowers that are easy-to-grow and provide an ample late season nectar supply for butterflies and bees. Liatris are resistant to browsing rabbits. These perennials stay dormant later in the spring than many plants, so be patient. Because they naturally stay asleep longer into the spring, we will ship dormant plants early in the planting season. It’s ideal to plant dormant plants; don’t up-pot them for planting later in the growing season. Water in dormant plants thoroughly at planting time and water very sparingly, or not at all, until they begin to push new growth as the weather warms.

Penstemon (a.k.a. Beardtongue)

Penstemon, commonly called Beardtongue, will attract not only bees but other pollinators such as hummingbirds. The plant is available in a variety of colors -- pink, red, white, lavender -- and features tube-shape flowers that flare out, reminiscent of tiny bells.

Russian Sage

Everything about Russian sage makes it a perfect plant for your pollinator garden. It is low-maintenance, drought tolerant, and is not eaten by deer or rabbits. At the same time, it is popular with all sorts of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hover flies.

Sedum “Autumn Joy”

'Autumn Joy' sedum is a great addition to a wildlife or butterfly garden as a late-season nectar source. Its blooms provide wide landing platforms for bees, wasps and other pollinating insects. 'Autumn Joy' sedum is hardy in Zones 3 to 8.

Thyme

Harvest creeping thyme in the morning when the essential oils of the plant are at their peak. ... Flowering creeping thyme is very attractive to bees and is a nice addition to a garden focused on honeybees. In fact, the pollen from the blooming thyme will flavor the resulting honey.

Yarrow

The broad and semi-flat flowers of yarrow make it easy for bees to take a rest while they are gathering pollen! Yarrow comes in many different colors, white being the most common, but also pink, red, yellow, and orange.