Which Flowers Should I Plant?

[sarafina]

I will be getting my package bees and queen on April 5th and I was wondering what flowers would be good to plant for me bees.  I bought a jasmine plant 2 weeks ago because they were covered in bees at the nursery  :)  I also bought a honeysuckle plant.  I am going to open up a section in my yard that gets lots of sun and I may as well plant for my new little friends.  I can grow just about anything here - if it can't tolerate the heat then I can plant it in the Fall.

[mgates61]

Welcome to the forum sarafina.  You will find lots of info and advice here.  As for flowers, talk to Cindi, she seems to be right on top of that subject.

Mike

[reinbeau]

Here's one thread to get you started.  If you do a search on gardening for bees or plants for bees you'll turn up lots of hits.

[MrILoveTheAnts]

Asclepias speciosa, Asclepias tuberosa, Cleome serrulata, Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower), Eschscholzia californica (California Poppies), Gaillardia pulchella (Blanket Flower), and Sunflowers to start. The Asclepias I've seen the bees go particularly nuts for, and it's also the host plant to at least 11 species of butterfly. Don't worry they'll only eat the new growth.

[KONASDAD]

Planting in your yard becomes more for you than the girls. You get to see your girls working in your yard. I plant a bunch of lavender and anise hyssop near where i park my car. As soon as i am home from work, I see the girls working. I know I am home!

[sarafina]

Great list - thanks!