9 Drought-Tolerant Flowers Bees Love

Latley, I’ve been getting a lot of feedback out readers struggling to find a wide variety of drought-tolerant plants for their pollinator garden. If your area doesn’t get a lot of rain, this post is for you! Today we’re going to focus on flowers you can grow that will beat the heat. These plants not only thrive with little water but also attract bees, which are essential for a healthy garden. Let’s dive into nine of my favorite drought-tolerant flowers that bees absolutely love.

Quickly Find bee friendly plants That are drought tolerant

1. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

Milkweed is an absolute superstar in the garden. Not only does it provide crucial habitat for monarch butterflies, but its clusters of vibrant flowers are also a feast for bees. Milkweed thrives in dry, sunny spots, making it perfect for those tough garden areas where other plants might struggle.

USDA Grow Zone: 3-9
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Time: Late spring to summer
Did You Know? Milkweed contains compounds that are toxic to many animals but are harmless to monarch caterpillars. These toxins make the caterpillars and the adult butterflies less palatable to predators .

2. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

California Poppy is one of those flowers that just brings a smile to your face. Its bright orange and yellow petals light up the garden, and it’s tough as nails, thriving in dry, sandy soils. Plus, bees can’t resist it, especially during its peak blooming season.

USDA Grow Zone: 6-10
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Time: Spring to early summer
Did You Know? California Poppy is not just the state flower of California, but it’s also been used by Native Americans as a mild sedative and to relieve pain .

3. Penstemon (Penstemon spp.)

If you’re looking for a flower that can handle the heat and still look gorgeous, Penstemon is your go-to. It’s got these lovely tubular flowers that come in a range of colors, from deep reds to vibrant purples. Bees flock to them, especially during the hotter months when other nectar sources might be scarce.

USDA Grow Zone: 4-9
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Blooming Time: Late spring to early summer
Did You Know? Penstemon is sometimes called “beardtongue” because of the little tuft of hair on one of its stamens, which adds to its unique appearance .

4. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is one of those plants that just keeps giving. It’s incredibly hardy and can thrive in the poorest of soils, which makes it a great choice for drought-prone areas. Its flat clusters of tiny flowers are like an all-you-can-eat buffet for bees, keeping them buzzing all summer long.

USDA Grow Zone: 3-9
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Time: Early summer to fall
Did You Know? Yarrow has been used for centuries in herbal medicine, particularly for its ability to stop bleeding and heal wounds. It was even used on the battlefields by soldiers .

5. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)

Bee Balm is like a party for your garden. Its spiky, vibrant flowers attract not only bees but also hummingbirds and butterflies, making your garden a lively place to be. Plus, it’s fairly drought-tolerant once established, so it’s perfect for areas that don’t get much rain.

USDA Grow Zone: 4-9
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Blooming Time: Mid to late summer
Did You Know? Bee Balm was used by Native Americans to treat colds and sore throats. It’s also known as Oswego tea, named after the Oswego Native Americans who brewed it as a tea .

6. Gaillardia (Gaillardia spp.)

Gaillardia, or blanket flower, is like the tough guy in the garden who also happens to be really good-looking. It’s incredibly drought-tolerant and can handle the hottest, driest conditions with ease. And with its fiery red and yellow blooms, it’s a real showstopper that bees adore.

USDA Grow Zone: 3-10
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Time: Late spring to early fall
Did You Know? The name “blanket flower” comes from the plant’s resemblance to brightly colored Native American blankets .

7. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia is one of those plants that every garden should have. It’s easy to grow, drought-resistant, and comes in a variety of colors. The tall spikes of flowers are not only beautiful but also a bee magnet. Plus, Salvia is deer-resistant, which is a big bonus if you have wildlife around.

USDA Grow Zone: 4-9
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Blooming Time: Late spring to fall
Did You Know? The word “salvia” comes from the Latin word “salvere,” which means “to heal,” reflecting its traditional use in herbal medicine .

8. Agastache (Agastache spp.)

Agastache is a plant that pulls double duty in the garden. Not only does it attract bees with its long-lasting flowers, but its aromatic leaves also add a nice touch of fragrance to your garden. It’s drought-tolerant and continues to bloom well into the fall, making it a reliable source of nectar.

USDA Grow Zone: 5-10
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Time: Mid-summer to early fall
Did You Know? Agastache is often called “hummingbird mint” because hummingbirds love it just as much as bees do .

9. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Echinacea, or coneflower, is one of those plants that everyone recognizes. Its large, daisy-like flowers are not only beautiful but also incredibly tough. Echinacea thrives in dry conditions, and its nectar-rich blooms are a favorite among bees. Plus, it’s a plant that keeps on giving, with flowers that last well into the fall.

USDA Grow Zone: 3-9
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Blooming Time: Early summer to fall
Did You Know? Echinacea is widely used in herbal medicine to help boost the immune system and ward off colds. There’s some evidence that it might help reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms .

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—nine drought-tolerant flowers that bees absolutely love. These plants not only help conserve water in your garden but also support our local pollinators. I hope this gives you some inspiration for your garden, and remember, a garden full of bees is a happy, healthy garden!