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perennial plants for bees

Perennial plants for bees are essential for any gardener wanting to support healthy bee populations and boost pollination in their garden year after year. Unlike annuals, perennials return each season with minimal effort, providing a reliable, nectar-rich buffet for bees and other beneficial pollinators. Whether you're working with a sunny border, a cottage garden, or a wildflower patch, choosing the right bee-friendly perennials can deliver exceptional colour, fragrance, and biodiversity. By planting a diverse range of perennial plants that flower from spring through autumn, you can create a habitat that not only brightens your landscape but also helps vital bee populations to survive and thrive.

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Salvia 'African Sky'

5 from 1 customers

Salvia 'African Sky' is a stunning perennial valued for its masses of vivid sky blue flowers that bloom over a long season from spring through autumn. Its upright growth, aromatic foliage, and ability to attract bees and birds make it an excellent choice for New Zealand gardens.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena) plants with purple flowers bordering a path.

Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena)

5 from 2 customers

Verbena bonariensis, commonly known as Tall Verbena, is a striking perennial that brings height and elegance to New Zealand gardens. It produces tall, wiry stems topped with clusters of small, purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies from summer through autumn.

From $24.77

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Stunning, dark blue flowers on Salvia 'Blue Angel].
Salvia 'Blue Angel'

Salvia 'Blue Angel' is a beautiful perennial known for its soft blue flower spikes that appear generously across summer and autumn in New Zealand...

From$27.53
gaura-steffi-blush-2
Gaura 'Steffi Blush Pink'

Gaura 'Steffi Blush Pink' is a compact perennial that produces masses of delicate blush pink flowers on slender stems from spring through autumn. Its...

From$24.77
erigeron-sea-breeze--5
Erigeron glaucus 'Sea Breeze'

Erigeron glaucus 'Sea Breeze' is a hardy coastal perennial admired for its masses of soft daisy like flowers and attractive grey green foliage...

From$20.01
Hemerocallis 'Stella Bella' plants with a yellow flower for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Hemerocallis 'Stella Bella'

Hemerocallis 'Stella Bella' is a variety of the commonly known Day Lily, and features large and showy, yellow flowers that are only at peak condition...

From$20.63
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Thymus 'Emerald Carpet'

Thymus 'Emerald Carpet' is a popular creeping thyme valued for its dense mat of rich green foliage and excellent groundcover qualities. This...

From$7.25
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Canna 'Felix Ragout'

Canna 'Felix Ragout' is a striking tropical perennial admired for its lush green foliage and spectacular large flowers that provide vibrant colour...

From$22.01
leptospermum-merinda-
Leptospermum 'Merinda'

Leptospermum 'Merinda' is a beautiful flowering manuka shrub valued for its masses of colourful blooms and fine evergreen foliage. This attractive...

From$27.53
Callistemon 'Matthew Flinders' small shrub with red flowers and green foliage.
Callistemon 'Matthew Flinders' (Red Callistemon)

Callistemon 'Matthew Flinders' is a compact and highly decorative bottlebrush prized for its vivid red flower spikes and neat evergreen foliage...

From$30.29
eucryphia-cordifolia--1
Eucryphia cordifolia

Eucryphia cordifolia (Ulmo) is a magnificent evergreen tree renowned for its glossy foliage and masses of fragrant white flowers that appear from...

From$408.85
Cissus rhombifolia trailling over the sides of a planter with lush foliage.
Cissus rhombifolia (Grape Ivy)

Cissus rhombifolia, commonly known as the Grape Ivy plant, is an evergreen perennial grown for its colourful and trailing foliage. Hanging stems host...

From$31.67
Stachys macrantha plants with lush green foliage and elegant, pink flowers.
Stachys macrantha

Stachys macrantha is a lovely herbaceous perennial grown for both its flowers and foliage. This small plant produces masses of pink-purple flowers on...

From$12.95
Salvia 'Riverton Red' plant with elegant red flowers and lush, green leaves.
Salvia 'Riverton Red'

Salvia 'Riverton Red' is a striking perennial prized for its vivid red flower spikes that bloom reliably from spring through autumn. This hardy, sun...

From$27.53
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$30.29
scutellaria-snowflakes--1
Scutellaria Snowflakes (Scutellaria Skullcap)

Scutellaria Snowflakes, commonly known as Scutellaria Skullcap or the Skullcaps plant, is grown for its foliage and flowers. This versatile and...

From$12.95
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
Lavender 'Bee Brilliant' plant with elegant purple and pink flowers.
Lavender 'Bee Brilliant'

'Bee Brilliant' is a variety of Lavender that grows as a compact shrub and carries masses of exquisite, small, dark purple flower spikes from spring...

From$25.53
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$14.95
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
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Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
pb-three-quarter-planter-bags-
PB¾ Planter Bags (Planting Bags)

The PB ¾ Planter Bags are 80 microns thick and ags hold 0.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$15.47
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.51 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$23.04
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$37.44
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$27.36
Salvia 'African Sky'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Callistemon, Canna, and Erigeron, or related Categories - Perennials, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search perennial plants for bees

Why Choose Perennial Plants for Bees

Perennial plants for bees offer the advantage of long-lasting, abundant blooms that don't require annual replanting. Their deep roots help them withstand dry periods, making them ideal for New Zealand gardens, where summers can be tough on shallow-rooted annuals. Perennials provide a steady source of pollen and nectar over multiple seasons, which is key for supporting both honeybees and native bee species.

Top Perennial Plants for Bees in New Zealand Gardens

When selecting perennial plants for bees, choose varieties that have abundant, open flowers, making it easy for bees to access nectar and pollen. Some star performers for Kiwi gardens include:

Designing a Bee-Friendly Perennial Border

Maximise your garden’s appeal to bees by planting perennial plants for bees in groups, rather than mixing single plants throughout a border. Dense groupings make it easier for foraging bees to find and access flowers, increasing your garden’s pollinator activity. Mix varieties so that you have overlapping bloom times from early spring until late autumn, ensuring bees have access to food throughout their active months. Incorporate a mix of heights, colours, and flower shapes to attract a variety of bee species, all while adding texture and movement to your garden beds.

Caring for Bee-Friendly Perennials

To get the most from your perennial plants for bees, choose sunny, well-drained sites, add organic compost, and mulch to retain moisture. Most bee-friendly perennials are low-maintenance once established. Avoid pesticides and chemicals where possible, as these can be harmful to bees and other beneficial insects. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowers and prolong the nectar supply for your pollinators.

By embracing perennial plants for bees such as Salvia 'Amante', Gaura Sparkle White, Bidens Mini Bee (Bidens Plants), Monarda fistulosa (Bee Balm), and Tecomaria capensis, you’ll not only enjoy a more vibrant, living garden, but also help safeguard vital pollinator populations for future generations.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Schefflera arboricola and Gardenia radicans are classic choices, but adventurous gardeners will enjoy Baumea articulata, Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred', and Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle).
–The Plant Company

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