Tip - Bees and pollen.
Planting pollen-and-nectar-rich flowers is a very important way to help counter the decline in pollinator populations. I've learnedthat most bees are attracted to flowers for their pollen as well as their nectar. Pollen is an important food source for bees.
Last year I planted "pollen-less" sunflowers, which are supposed to be neater when used as a cut flower. But, this year I'll go back to the traditional ones that produce a cloud of pollen!
Here are a couple other things to keep in mind. Blossoms with double petals do not attract bees as well as single petal blossoms. This is because most double blossoms offer less pollen and nectar than single blossoms. Often their extra set of petals has replaced pollen-laden anthers. Double blossoms also make it more difficult for bees to reach the inner flower parts.
Bees find blue, purple and yellow flowers most appealing. Flat or shallow blossoms such as daisies, zinnias, asters, and Queen Anne's lace will attract the largest variety of bees. Long-tonged bees will be attracted to plants in the mint family such as nepeta, salvia, oregano, mint, and lavender.
Long-tonged bumblebees are attracted to flowers with hidden nectar spurs such as larkspur, monkshood, monarda, columbine and snapdragons.
