From newly selected annuals to compact dwarf shrubs, these plants will be abuzz with pollinators all summer long
We are more mindful these mean solar day about the state of bee welfare than we have been before . It ’s a fact that bee are implausibly important to the environs and to our own nutrient supplying . help to keep bee around just requires a few serious-minded choices . Choosing plants to attract bees in containers does n’t take any garden space , just a cheery spot outside . Planting a container commonly involve picking plants to fill the three roles of thriller , filler , and spiller to give a container tiptop and deepness and to visually ground it in the landscape . Perennials , annuals , and even overshadow shrubs all make nifty selections for container .
Perennials
Mealycup sage ( Salvia farinaceaand cvs . , Zones 7–11 ) , is democratic with bee and adds height to a container . It blooms from spring to come . The spire of flowers can be anywhere between white and dark purple , bet on the cultivar . There are scores of cultivars of this species , so it ’s unremarkably easy to notice one . ‘ Henry Duelberg ’ is one we use a lot . The Evolution ® serial of mealycup sage is more stocky and has several colors . Also check up on out ‘ Goodness Grows ’ veronica ( Veronica‘Goodness Grows ’ , Zones 4–7 ) for a similar look in a dauntless plant .
Annuals
Lantana is now available in container - sized versions . There are circle of colors available , and bees adore it . The Little Lucky ™ serial lantanas ( Lantanacvs . , Zones 10–11 ) are smaller growing and do n’t develop many seeds . ‘ New Gold ’ ( Lantana× ‘ New Gold ’ , Zones 10–11 ) is likely one of the well minor - growing lantana .
Trailing verbena ( Verbenacvs . , Zones 9–11 ) comes in a lot of colors and pee-pee a great spiller in containers . Most are long - blooming and showy . The clusters of pocket-size , tubular flowers are perfect for attract bees .
One of the best trailing container plants is calibrachoa ( Calibrachoaspp . and cvs . , Zones 9–11 ) , which also hap to be popular with bee . useable in all variety of colors and bicolors , it blooms prolifically all summer and is lovely to look at .

The brusque varieties of old maid flower ( Zinniaspp . and cvs . , annual ) can make great filler in container . The single - flowered Profusion serial publication zinnias make out in a great choice of colors and are long - blooming . Linear - leafage zinnias ( Z. angustifolia , yearly ) are fertile flowerers and very heat and drought tolerant .
Dwarf shrubs
The newfangled midget butterfly stroke President Bush ( Buddleiacvs . , Zones 5–9 ) are pop for container . Many are sterile , so they wo n’t bring forth semen . I seek to remove spent heyday heads ( and thus seminal fluid ) quickly so the new flush come along as before long as possible . butterfly and moths enjoy these also . The Buzz ™ serial offers a decent selection of colour . Another great dwarf shrub for attracting bees is bluebeard ( Caryopteris×clandonensiscvs . , Zones 5–9 ) .
Planting beautiful containers is fun and easy . A few thoughtful works choices can also make them bee magnets .
— Jason and Shelley Powell own and supervise Petals from the Past , a garden center in Jemison , Alabama .

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This mealycup sage from the Evolution® series will have bees flocking all summer and fall.Photo: Michelle Gervais

‘Victoria Blue’ mealycup sage is a dense grower that pairs well with annuals.Photo: Michelle Gervais

‘Fire’ from the Profusion series is a low-growing zinnia with dark orange petals and a dark brown center.Photo: Michelle Gervais

Bluebeard is a perennial-sized shrub with delicate periwinkle-blue flowers.Photo: Michelle Gervais

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