Flowers to Plant for Honey Bees - Feeding Bees in the Late Summer

Learn how to create a thriving bee-friendly garden that reduces your colonies' dependence on artificial supplements while supporting healthier, more resilient hives. Discover the top flowers and plants that honey bees prefer for late summer feeding, including detailed coverage of goldenrod as the number one choice for beekeepers, followed by borage as the second most valuable plant. Explore the concept of flower fidelity and how it affects bee foraging behavior, then examine a comprehensive range of bee-friendly options including prairie blazing star, raspberries and blackberries, various types of clover that produce quality honey, sunflowers, cosmos for butterfly support, squash and vegetable plants, chrysanthemums, Russian sage, and Mexican hyssop. Gain practical insights into establishing a diverse landscape that provides natural nectar sources throughout the growing season, with specific guidance on which plants offer the best return for both bees and beekeepers looking to minimize supplemental feeding while maximizing hive health and honey production.