Bees & Beekeeping Planting for Pollinators Seasonal Planting for Thriving Bees and Pollinators Written by David Domoney. There are few things more joyful in the garden than the gentle hum of bees moving from flower to flower. Whether you’re growing fruit and veg, filling borders with summer colour, or pottering about with a few containers, bees bring life and purpose to our plots. And it’s not just honeybees. Our gardens support bumblebees, solitary bees, and other beneficial pollinators like hoverflies, moths and butterflies. As a gardener, one of the best things you can do is provide a steady supply of nectar and pollen throughout the year. By choosing the right plants in each season, you’ll help pollinators to stay fed, sheltered, and thriving. Here is how to plant with pollinators in mind, season by season. Top tips for planting to support bees and pollinators Choose single-flowered varieties for better nectar access. Avoid pesticide use and go organic where possible. Mix native and non-native species for a longer flowering season. Plant in sunny spots to encourage nectar production. Provide shallow dishes of water with pebbles for safe drinking. Add night-scented plants like phlox to support moths and other night-time pollinators. Choose purple, blue and violet flowers. Bees are especially drawn to these colours because they can see ultraviolet patterns on the petals. Whether you have a window box, courtyard, or a large garden, even a few of these changes will make a big difference for pollinators. Even small balcony gardens in urban dwellings can offer a precious lifeline for pollinators. Spring plants for bees and early pollinators Spring is a critical time for bees. After winter, they emerge with depleted energy stores, and queens need early food to fuel nesting and egg-laying. Crocus and snowdrops push through cold soil to offer early nectar when little else is flowering. Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is one of the first perennials to bloom, and bees adore its pink-and-blue flowers. Flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) and mahonia are reliable nectar sources. Goat willow (Salix caprea) provides pollen-rich catkins for emerging bumblebees and honeybees. Hellebores add both colour and sustenance when little else is out. Planting clusters of the same flower helps bees forage more efficiently. Shelter is just as important, so leave leaf piles and avoid over-tidying borders in early spring. Summer flowers to attract bees and other pollinators In summer, pollinators are in full swing. This is the most active time of year, so aim for a wide range of flower shapes and bloom times. Lavender is a top performer for bees. Foxgloves suit long-tongued bumblebees, whilst cosmos, scabious, bee balm and catmint are great for many species. Herbs like thyme, oregano and chives are useful for both gardeners and pollinators. Phlox is key too, particularly night-scented varieties which attract moths and other nocturnal visitors. Plant near seating areas and enjoy their evening perfume. Variety is key. Mix open and tubular flowers, early and late bloomers, and bright colours to support as many species as possible. Autumn plants to support late-season pollinators As the days shorten, late-flowering plants become essential. Some bees are still active well into October and need nectar to thrive. Sedum (Hylotelephium), echinacea and rudbeckia are long-lasting and valuable for pollinators. Verbena bonariensis offers a light, airy presence that bees love. Ivy is especially important, flowering from September and feeding a host of species, including ivy bees. Asters and Japanese anemones are also great for keeping gardens buzzing later into the year. Winter-flowering plants for early and late pollinators Even in winter, you might spot a bumblebee emerging on a mild day. Supporting these early risers can make a real difference. Winter-flowering heather (Erica carnea) is a brilliant nectar source through the cold months. Mahonia and hellebores bloom reliably when little else does. Witch hazel (Hamamelis) and winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima) offer fragrance and accessible pollen. If ivy is still in flower during December, it can be a vital food source for the final pollinators of the year. By planting for winter too, you extend your garden’s support to all four seasons. How to create a pollinator-friendly garden beyond flowers Flowers are only part of the story. Pollinators also need places to nest, rest and stay safe. Trees and shrubs like apple, cherry, hawthorn, hebe and buddleia all provide structure and seasonal value. Mow lawns less often to allow clover and daisies to flower. Leave small patches of wild grass or bare soil as safe spaces for solitary bees. Water is another essential resource, especially during dry spells. A shallow dish or tray filled with water and a few flat stones gives pollinators a safe place to drink without risk of drowning. Place it in a sunny, sheltered spot and top it up regularly. Consider adding log piles and bee hotels in sunny, protected corners to offer nesting sites throughout the year. During the winter, this can offer a vital refuge for nesting and hibernating beneficial insects. Why planting for bees matters Planting for pollinators is about more than just flowers. It is a way to support nature and enjoy the beauty of wildlife in your garden. With thoughtful choices and seasonal planting, we can make a real difference to bees and other pollinators. Whether you have a window box or a large garden, every bloom helps. . With thanks to David Domoney, chartered horticulturist, multi-award-winning British TV gardener, and bestselling author, for providing this article. David Domoney Website Manage Cookie Preferences