30 Bee Friendly Plants for Balconies

Bees buzz with more purpose than you might imagine.

As tiny as they are, bees play an outsized role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems and the health of the planet.

These industrious insects are critical pollinators and facilitate the reproduction of many plants, including numerous fruits, vegetables, and nuts that are staples in our diet.

Join me and learn why bees are essential for sustaining life as we know it and which plants you can grow on your balcony to help bees thrive.

Why Bees are Awesome

Bees serve a key role in growing plants and in the broader life cycles on earth.

Here are some of the valuable things bees do for our planet.

Pollination

Bees are among the most effective pollinators of plants.

As they move from flower to flower in search of nectar and pollen, they inadvertently transfer pollen grains between flowers.

This cross-pollination helps at least 30% of the world's crops and 90% of our wild plants to thrive.

Without bees, many plants would have lower yields and could fail to reproduce.

That would have a negative impact on all animals on earth because there would be less food to eat.

Biodiversity

By aiding in the pollination of a large variety of plants, bees support the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants, which serve as food and shelter for creatures large and small.

Without them, plants would not get pollinated and there would be less genetic variation, which is essential to helping plants adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Biodiversity is crucial for resilient and healthy ecosystems.

Food Production

Bees play a crucial role in food production through their pollination efforts.

As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar, they inadvertently transfer pollen, facilitating the reproductive process of plants.

This natural service is essential for the growth of many fruits, vegetables, and nuts, ensuring agricultural diversity and food security.

Their work supports not only the growth of direct food sources but also crops used in livestock feed, amplifying their impact on the global food chain.

Foods like apples, almonds, blueberries, and cucumbers are all pollinated by bees.

Economic Impact

Bees significantly bolster the economy through their pollination services, which are vital for the cultivation of numerous crops that form the backbone of agriculture-based industries.

By enhancing the yield and quality of these crops, bees contribute to increased productivity and profitability for farmers and agricultural businesses.

This in turn supports job creation in farming, food production, and related sectors.

Bees produce honey, which is a natural sweetener and has various medicinal and cosmetic uses.

They also produce beeswax, royal jelly, and propolis, all of which are used in various health, beauty, and food products.

Bee Friendly Plants

Even if you only have a balcony to grow plants, you can still attract bees by growing the following plants.

Although some of these plants might not have any edible or medicinal value, you can grow these plants next to other plants that do, thereby ensuring that all plants get pollinated.

I have separated these plants according to when they bloom because it's beneficial to have plants blooming and available to bees all year long.

There are many variations of each type of plant, so do further research to find a specific variety that you like most and grows best in your area.

If you don't want to do the research, I've provided the scientific name of a common variant of each plant.

Also keep in mind that when a plant blooms will also depend on the climate in your area.

Spring Bloomers

Here are the top 10 spring bloomers to get started with:

1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Bees love lavender for its rich nectar, and its compact size makes it perfect for pots.
2. Crocus (Crocus vernus) – These are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, providing an early source of nectar.
3. Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) – With their bright colors and early blooming, pansies are excellent for attracting bees.
4. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) – Their unique flowers are attractive to bees and they thrive in containers.
5. Marigolds (Tagetes erecta) – Easy to grow in pots, marigolds are a magnet for bees with their vibrant blooms.
6. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – This herb blooms early in the spring and its flowers are a favorite among bees.
7. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) – Another herb that's well-suited for balcony gardens, rosemary attracts bees with its flowers.
8. Mint (Mentha spicata) – Bees are drawn to mint flowers, and growing it in pots can help contain its spreading nature.
9. Golden Alexanders (Zizia aptera) – Zizia aptera, commonly known as heartleaf golden alexander, is a native North American perennial herb whose early blooming yellow flowers provide a vital nectar and pollen source for bees in spring.
10. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) – With their delicate, purple flowers, chives are not only beneficial to bees but also add flavor to dishes.

Summer Bloomers

Here are 10 summer bloomers you can start growing:

1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) – Besides its culinary uses, basil flowers in mid to late summer, offering bees ample nectar.
2. Catmint (Nepeta cataria) – With its lavender-like flowers, catmint is highly attractive to bees and thrives in pots.
3. Borage (Borago officinalis) – Known for its beautiful blue flowers, borage is a bee magnet and grows well in containers.
4. Lantana (Lantana camara) – Its clustered, colorful blooms are excellent for attracting a variety of pollinators including bees.
5. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans) – Easy to grow in pots, zinnias come in multiple colors and attract bees all summer long.
6. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) – Dwarf varieties are perfect for balconies and are beloved by bees for their large, nectar-rich flowers.
7. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) – With its airy foliage and daisy-like flowers, cosmos are effective at drawing in bees.
8. Petunias (Multiflora Petunias) – These prolific bloomers offer flowers throughout the summer, providing bees with continuous nectar.
9. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – A member of the mint family, lemon balm's small white flowers are a favorite among bees, and it's easy to grow in pots.
10. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – Known for its daisy-like blooms, calendula is effective at attracting bees.

Fall Bloomers

To keep your bees happy in the fall, here are great plants to grow:

1. Asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) – These star-shaped flowers bloom profusely in the fall and are a major source of nectar for bees.
2. Sedum (Sedum spectabile) – With its thick, succulent leaves and clusters of flowers, sedum is very popular with bees in late summer and fall.
3. Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) – Known for its vivid yellow flowers, goldenrod is a fall favorite for bees and can be grown in larger pots.
4. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) – Often associated with fall, chrysanthemums provide color and nectar for bees late in the season.
5. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) – Nasturtiums produce vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They are easy to grow in containers and are known for attracting pollinators like bees. Their leaves and flowers are also edible, adding a peppery flavor to dishes.
6. Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) – Often referred to as tall verbena or purpletop vervain, this plant features small, clustered purple flowers that stand out on long, slender stems. It's excellent for attracting bees and adds height to balcony container gardens.
7. Ivy (Hedera helix) – Common ivy blooms in the late fall, providing nectar and pollen for bees when few other food sources are available. It can be grown in hanging baskets or allowed to trail from containers, making it versatile for balcony gardens.
8. Mexican Marigold (Tagetes lucida) – This herb blooms with yellow to orange flowers and attracts bees with its aromatic leaves and flowers.
9. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) – Known for its aromatic leaves and attractive blue flowers, hyssop continues to provide nectar for bees into the fall.
10. Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica) – With its unique, hanging flowers, fuchsia can bloom into the fall and is suitable for balcony hanging baskets, attracting bees.

Conclusion

Creating a bee-friendly balcony garden is an act of environmental stewardship that contributes to biodiversity and pollinator health in urban settings.

By planting bee-attracting flora, you provide crucial habitats for bees, whose populations are declining globally.

These green spaces not only aid in pollination, enhancing plant health and productivity, but also beautify urban environments and promote sustainable living.

Each balcony garden acts as a vital link in a chain of refuges for bees, fostering a deeper connection with nature.

Embracing the role of urban gardeners, we can make a significant impact on our ecosystems right from our homes.