As we have previously written when trying to grow flowers that will attract bees to your garden, you need to look at how a bee sees. Bees are able to see faster than humans, meaning they can see individual flowers from a distance. From this information, scientists believe that a bee’s favorite colors are blue, purple, and white. We have put together a list of specific bulbs you can try if you want to bring some bees to your garden in the spring.
Stainless Narcissus – This narcissus is considered the best white narcissus in its class. The ivory-white flower is 4” across and has a shallow white cup with a green eye. This flower blooms in mid to late spring and will grow 18 – 24 inches tall. Narcissus plants are easy to grow in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade and are deer resistant. Hardiness Zones 2-10.
Miss Saigon Hyacinth – This fragrant hyacinth has beautiful deep purple blooms. These hyacinths can be planted in containers or in the ground. Hyacinths are deer resistant and easy to grow. These bulbs can also be used for forcing. They bloom in mid-spring. Hardiness Zones 2-8.
Blue Wood Hyacinth - Wood Hyacinths are easy to grow in well-drained soil in partial shade or a woodland setting. Grass-like foliage supports 10-12" upright stems with clusters of mini bell-shaped flowers. Create a natural look by planting in small groups in a meadow or in masses. Allow leaves to die down naturally, and the flowers will come back year after year. They bloom in late spring, are fragrant, deer resistant, and winter hardy. Hardiness Zones 3-9
Persian Berry Bearded Iris - This beautiful rebloomer will flower in late spring/early summer and then again in late summer/fall. The flower blooms in shades of lilac and berry with a deep tangerine beard. It will grow approximately 3 feet tall. This Iris is easy to grow, is deer and rabbit resistant and drought tolerant once established. Hardiness Zones 3-9.
Victoria Falls Bearded Iris - This iris is also a rebloomer. The pretty light bloom flowers in mid-spring to early summer. This easy to grow flower is fragrant and is deer and rabbit repellent. This iris is drought tolerant and good for areas with little or no summer rains. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Muscari Album – This Muscari is a white variety. Muscari flowers are easy-to-grow, naturalize readily to form long-lived colonies of plants, and are deer resistant. These flowers bloom in mid-spring. They look great mixed with other Muscari colors (blue or yellow). Hardiness Zones 3-10.
Purple Prince Tulip – Purple Prince has large lilac-purple flowers that are fragrant and long-lasting. These flowers will bloom in early spring. They can also be forced indoors. This fall planted tulip bulb requires full sun and average soil. This flower will grow 12 – 14 inches tall. Hardiness Zones 2-8.
Queen Of The Night Tulip – If you are looking for drama in the garden try this almost black tulip. The flowers on this single late tulip are deep, velvety maroon. Exposure to full sun will bring out the rich color of this tulip. These flowers bloom in late spring. They grow 22-24 inches tall. Hardiness Zones 2-8.
If you want to learn more about Bees and Bulbs, see our previous blog post on this topic