Feed the Bees…A Smorgasbord of Plants for Zone 8

Bees require both nectar and pollen sources for survival. Each source has a specific purpose, nectar for energy and pollen for protein. Let’s do our part by offering them blooming plants throughout the seasons and help to avoid a feast or famine situation for the bees. Included in this post is a partial listing of nectar and pollen sources along with photos of seasonal plants loved by honeybees. Be proactive and intentionally plant flowers that bloom at different times of the year.

Annuals

*Alyssum

*Basil (especially African Blue and Cinnamon)

*Cockscomb

*Fuchsia

*Larkspur

*Love-in-a-Mist

*Mexican Sunflower 

*Moss Rose

*Snapdragon

*Stock

*Sweet Pea

*Zinnia

Perennials

*Anise Hyssop

*Fall Aster

*Borage

*Clovers

*Columbine

*Chrysanthemums

*Scented Geranium

*Lambs Ear

*Lavender

*Mallows

*Scabiosa

*Shrimp Plant

*Statice

Vines

*Black-eyed Susan Vine

*Cantaloupe

*Clematis

*Cucumber

*Gourds

*Honeysuckle

*Jasmine

*Morning Glory

*Passionflower

*Pumpkin

*Squash

Shrubs

*Azalea

*Barberry

*American Beautyberry

*Boxwood

*Butterfly Bush

*Cherry Laurel

*Cotoneaster

*Crepe Myrtle

*Fire Thorn

*Flowering Quince

*Hydrangea

*Spirea

*Viburnum 

*Weigela

*Wisteria

Linda Alexander, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2008

Pictures by Starla Willis, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2009