Bee Plants

Tall sturdy branching spikes adorned with tubular, two-lipped, pale sky blue flowers with a slightly darker blue hood are produced from spring or early summer into fall attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. African Sky Salvia is a vigorous, freely flowering, clump-forming, deer and drought resistant, tropical, shrubby perennial with medium green, rough, fragrant foliage perfectly suited to hot sunny sites in well-drained soils. It can be even be grown as a clipped hedge in freeze free, tropical locations. Use African Sky Salvia in containers for an easy care, pollinator attracting plant with a long season of flowering. This is quite different from the similarly named, spring and fall flowering Salvia uliginosa 'African Skies', a selection of Bog Sage. Item# 12552

Up to 2" wide, deep rosy pink daisies with a complimentary bright yellow eye are produced in abundance over an extended period beginning in late summer and into fall attracting a variety of mainly smaller pollinators but migrating Monarchs may seek these as well. Alma Pötschke New England Aster, a selection of our native Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, is a medium to tall, clump forming, herbaceous perennial growing to about 3-4' high. Its actual full name is Andenken an Alma Pötschke, which translates from the German to Souvenir of Alma Pötschke. An RHS Award of Garden Merit winner, Alma Pötschke is an older German cultivar but it is still one of the best of the larger growing pink flowered forms. Provide a full sun to mostly sunny site in an average to well-drained, fertile soil with average moisture for optimum vigor and flowering. Staking may be needed if plants are grown in overly rich fertile soils. Images courtesy of Ball Horticulture, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 13328

The American Beautyberry adorns itself in dense clusters of 1/8" wide, rich purple ,rarely white, berries that encircle the stems. The fruit begins to ripen and color up in summer but they are most noticeable on the bare winter stems. Apparently the berries sweeten as winter sets in and songbirds find them irresistible. A fast growing, native, deciduous shrub that is tolerant of sun to semi-shade but generally flowers and fruits best in full or mostly sunny conditions. Because it flowers on new growth, if the American Beautyberry gets too large it will benefit from periodic hard pruning and still produce fruit the same year if pruning is done before new growth begins in spring. Item# 10688.

Huge flat clusters, becoming dome-shaped as they mature, are composed of numerous small lightly fragrant white flowers that are followed by heavy crops of shiny black berries. The American Elderberry, Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis, is a large growing native deciduous suckering shrub whose cooked fruit and flowers are used to create healthy and delicious confections, syrup, jelly, wine and more. The nectar rich flower clusters attract an array of pollinators and its ripe fruit is sure to attract a host of bird species. Elderberries are monoecious, both male and female at the same time, and are typically at least semi-self fertile but it is generally recommended to plant at least two different plants for cross pollination and the heaviest crops. If you order multiple plants from us, you will receive at least two different selections. The large ripe fruit clusters are a great treat for chickens. The flowers appear to be most fragrant in the evening and likely at night as well suggesting at least some moth pollination. Item #11269

A 2020 All American Selections Herbaceous Perennial award winner! 2-3" wide dark-eyed golden yellow daisies are produced throughout the summer and even into fall atop a dense and compact well-branched plant. American Gold Rush Rudbeckia was selected with disease resistance in mind as well as this plant's ability to flower throughout summer and a compact habit. It may be most similar to and is considered to be a hybrid of Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii, or the Brown-Eyed Susan, which can reach 3' in height. Like its parent, expect this hardy clump forming perennial to revel in the heat and sun of summer with its disk flowers providing nectar for smaller pollinators and the ripened seeds of fall and winter are sure to attract songbirds. Provide American Gold Rush Rudbeckia with a full to mostly sunny site in an average moist, well-drained soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Add this easy to grow perennial to the garden and landscape but it is also compact and free-flowering enough to provide a summer long show as a container plant. Item# 12167

"Nothing says American like this big, bold, and beautiful native cultivar, which will make a dramatic statement in your garden come late spring. Gorgeous, golden yellow flower spikes rise up above its wide habit. This is one of the most floriferous Baptisia we offer, producing loads of brightly colored spikes for many weeks. After the blooming season, 'American Goldfinch' produces attractive round seed pods in the fall. This is the perfect specimen for filling in a large space in your garden or for mass plantings in landscapes." - Walter's Gardens. American Goldfinch Baptisia, a hybrid cultivar of our native species (a.k.a. nativar), has exceptional vigor as well as foliage that lasts through summer. These are easy and low-maintenance, deer resistant, long-lived, taprooted perennials that produce more and more flowering spikes with each passing year with some plants producing over a 100 spikes on mature plants. Considered a must for the cutflower garden as the spikes have an excellent vase life. Provide Baptisias with a full to mostly sunny site in a soil with average or better drainage and moderate fertility. Images courtesy of Walter's Gardens, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 12670

Wide flat-topped clusters of white flowers are produced in spring atop sturdy stems adorned with deep green finely cut deep green foliage. American Wild Carrot, Daucus pusillus, is a native annual common to roadsides throughout much of the US and is commonly confused with the non-native Queen Anne's Lace, Daucus carota, which is a parent to the common Carrot. The flowers attract bees and other garden beneficials and once through flowering the flattened clusters curl upward at the outer edges creating a protected 'nest' of ripening seeds. Caterpillar host: Black Swallowtail and Anise Swallowtail. The American Wild Carrot makes an easy addition to naturalistic roadside plantings, meadows, and prairies where it readily reseeds on exposed soils. Full sun is preferred in average to well-drained soils. Item# 12027

Ooh la la! Oh my my! As sexy as Hot Lips but in an all new shade! The spikes of two-lipped tubular bright white flowers are tipped with a broad band of amethyst, between violet and purple, at the tips of the petals creating a dark and mysterious contrast. Flowers may be solid amethyst when the weather is cool and dreary but quickly revert to their two-toned splendor with a little sunshine. Amethyst Lips Salvia begins flowering in late spring or early summer and continues until fall, all the while attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Amethyst Lips Salvia, a hybrid of the two native species S. greggii and S. microphyllai, a.k a S. x jamesonii, develops into a naturally rounded, shrub-like perennial that may remain evergreen in mild winter climates, like zones 9B-10, but acts like a die-back perennial where temperatures fall much below about 30^oF. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in well-drained, average moist, fertile soils for maximum flower power. Item# 12473

The bicolored frilly pink flowers seemingly dance across the tops of the neat mounds of medium-green fragrant ovate foliage from spring to fall and potentially through winter if not exposed to freezes and frosts. Angel Wings Salvia or Sage, a selection of the Little Leaf Sage, Salvia microphylla, boasts excellent vigor and flower power with flowering beginning early and continuing reliably through summer and into fall. The sweetly colored loose spikes of flowers are sure to attract hummingbirds and other garden beneficials. In areas where hard freezes do not occur, The Mountain Sages may develop a shrubby semi-woody base, while in zone 8 and colder, established plants act more like herbaceous perennials dying back to near ground level and returning in early spring. Enjoy these colorful pollinator attractors in the garden and landscape or as rewarding and forgiving container specimens. Provide full sun to partly shaded sites in well-drained, fertile soils for optimum vigor and flowering.  Images courtesy of Jadelty Plant Propagation Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 13143

Azure blue, 4-6'' spikes are held above the Anise scented foliage in summer.An upright growing clump forming native perennial. This popular herb was used as a healing herb by American Indians and is great for making jellies, potpourris, and teas. An excellent plant for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Item# 3022.

Spikes of light clear blue, 2" long, nectar-rich, tubular flowers are held against a foil of medium to deep green quilted, anise-scented foliage and are produced from spring into fall attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. Argentina Skies Salvia or Anise Sage, a selection of Salvia guaranitica or now S. coerulea, is a vigorous rhizomatous and tuberous perennial Salvia slowly developing into a tall groundcover-like mass of upright stems, foliage, and flowers. Provide a full sun to partially shaded site in a rich, moist to average moist, fertile soil with average or better drainage for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 9948

2" wide rounded clusters of pink buds open to white flowers that adorn the tips of stems and are produced throughout the growing season on well-established plants. Arizona Milkweed, Asclepias angustifolia, in many regards is similar to the compact bushy habit of White Milkweed, A. perennis, and while it is from the southern Arizona desert it has done smashingly well as a container plant under average moisture conditions where it flowered and fruited throughout summer and into fall. As the specific eptithet implies, Arizona Milkweed is adorned in narrow foliage which may remain evergreen where winters are mild. Provide a full sun to partly shaded site in well-drained, average moist, fertile soils for optimum vigor and flowering. In drier sites, part shade made be optimum. This species is native to Arizona's 3 southernmost counties. A host plant for Monarch and Queen butterflies. Item# 13361

Masses of 1" wide, bluish purple daisies with a yellow-eye absolutely cover these plants for weeks in late summer and fall attracting bees and other smaller pollinators. The Aromatic Aster, Symphyotrichum oblongifolius, is a low mounding perennial that develops into a compact shrub-like plant by flowering time. Excellent fall color for the garden as well as drought tolerance and pest and disease resistance make this an excellent addition to the perennial or wildflower border as well as for additions to low maintenance landscapes. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in an average moist, well-drained soil.Caterpillar host: Field Crescent, Pearl Crescent, Texan Crescent, Roadside Checkerspot, Hoffman's Checkerspot, and American Lady. Item# 10075

Medium sized, deep pinkish red to reddish pink, double flowers with a contrasting boss of gold tipped stamens are produced in midseason, January-March, and the flowers will be apt to attract bees on warmer days. Ashton's High Rise Camellia is so named for its vigorous columnar habit with the Ashton series being bred by Dr. William Ackerman in Ashton, Maryland in his work to develop reliably flowering, cold hardy Camellias. Its strict upright growth habit lends this cultivar to use as formal architecturally pleasing container specimens as well as in the garden and landscape as a hedge, screen, or accent.  Provide Camellias with a fertile soil rich in organic matter, with average moisture, and an organic mulch. Item# 13204

Medium-sized, semi-double, light lavender pink flowers centered by a boss of pale yellow stamens atop white filaments are produced over an extended period in early and miseason, October to January, attracting bees and potentially other pollinators. Ashton's Pink Camellia is a moderate growing, medium to large evergreen shrub cloaked in deep green foliage and is noted for its densely branching, naturally rounded shape. Suitable for both formal and informal settings as a hedge, specimen, or accent plant both in the garden and landscape as well as for container culture. The Ashton series are being bred by Dr. William Ackerman in Ashton, Maryland in his work to develop reliably flowering, cold hardy Camellias and this is one is considered suitable for zone 6. Provide Camellias with a fertile soil rich in organic matter, with average moisture, and an organic mulch. Some resources suggest that it may be fragrant. Images courtesy of Cam Too Camellia Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 13206

Medium-sized, single to semi-double, soft pink flowers centered by a boss of yellow stamens are produced early in the season, October to December, attracting bees and potentially other pollinators. Ashton's Pride Camellia is a vigorous to moderate growing, large evergreen shrub cloaked in narrow, deep green foliage and the spreading shrubs have a semi-weeping habit. Expect it to get as wide or wider than tall and this one should make a good hedge as well as a specimen or accent for the garden and landscape. The Ashton series are being bred by Dr. William Ackerman in Ashton, Maryland in his work to develop reliably flowering, cold hardy Camellias and this is one is considered suitable for zone 6. Provide Camellias with a fertile soil rich in organic matter, with average moisture, and an organic mulch. Some resources suggest that it may be fragrant. Images courtesy of Cam Too Camellia Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 13205

The large, single, white flowers are heavily streaked with wonderfully contrasting bright red to pink and are centered by a large boss of golden stamens perched atop white filaments and are produced in midseason, January to February. Sure to attract any bees and potentially other pollinators. Ashton's Shooting Star Camellia is a moderate growing, densley branching, large evergreen shrub cloaked in a foil of dark green foliage that is sure to make the flowers pop. Suitable for both formal and informal settings as a hedge, specimen, or accent plant both in the garden and landscape as well as for container culture. The Ashton series are being bred by Dr. William Ackerman in Ashton, Maryland in his work to develop reliably flowering, cold hardy Camellias and this is one is considered suitable for zone 6. Provide Camellias with a fertile soil rich in organic matter, with average moisture, and an organic mulch. Images courtesy of Cam Too Camellia Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 13207

The out of this world very large, up to 5" across, funnel shaped flowers can range from solid salmon, to randomly flecked and streaked with salmon and pink, to white with randomly flecked with pink and are produced in late spring. Astronaut Azalea, a.k.a. Holly Springs Astronaut, is a Satsuki hybrid developing into a 3' high mound of deep green, medium textured, evergreen foliage. It lends itself to bonsai culture but is sure to be a low-maintenance conversation piece in the garden and landscape. Azaleas do best in average moist, acidic soils that are rich in organic matter but have good to excellent drainage and should be top dressed with an organic mulch such as pine straw and pine bark. We recommend using a slow-release, non-burning fertilizer that is labeled for acidic loving plants. Azalea flowers attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Item# 12796

Large, pure white, cupped, Higo-like single flowers are heavily edged in a starkly contrasting broad, deep red to cherry red band that quickly fades to white and are centered by a large boss of yellow stamens and are produced very early in the season in October. One of the earliest Camellias to flower and are sure to attract bees and other pollinators. Autumn Sunrise Sasanqua Camellia, bred by Dr. Clifford Parks, is a vigorous growing, large evergreen shrub with an upright habit and dark green medium textured foliage. Its vigor lends Autumn Sunrise to use as a screen, hedge, or specimen plant. Provide Camellias with a fertile soil rich in organic matter, with average moisture, and an organic mulch. Sasanqua Camellias do well in full sun to bright shade. Images courtesy of Cam Too Camellia Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 13208

An unusual bicolored Mexican Petunia, Aztec Pink and White™ Ruellia produces pure white trumpets with contrasting magenta throats that are born freely from late spring or early summer until first frost to year round under warm tropical conditions atop medium-sized sturdy stems. This Mexican Petunia is a relatively new, compact, seed and pollen sterile selection that can spend more energy on flowering instead of adding unwanted seedlings to the garden. It is a naturally evergreen, rhizomatous or spreading, tropical perennial that is grown as a die-back perennial in zones 8-9. It can be grown as a low maintenance container specimen plant, in mixed container gardens, as well as in the garden and landscape. It can also be used as a medium-sized groundcover in difficult sites. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Provide Mexican Petunias with a full to part sun site in an average moist to wet, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 12599

Medium height and sterile! Aztec Purple™ Ruellia or Mexican Petunia produces purple trumpets that are born freely from late spring or early summer until first frost to year round under warm tropical conditions atop medium-sized sturdy stems. This Mexican Petunia is a relatively new, compact, seed and pollen sterile selection that can spend more energy on flowering instead of adding unwanted seedlings to the garden. It is a naturally evergreen, rhizomatous or spreading, tropical perennial that is grown as a die-back perennial in zones 8-9. It can be grown as a low maintenance container specimen plant, in mixed container gardens, as well as in the garden and landscape. It can also be used as a medium-sized groundcover in difficult sites. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Provide Mexican Petunias with a full to part sun site in an average moist to wet, fertile soil for optimum vigor and flowering. Item# 12780