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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.

salvia-red-2

Salvia 'Red'

Salvia 'Red' (Red Sage) is a vibrant perennial that produces brilliant red flower spikes above aromatic green foliage from late spring until autumn. The bold flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators while adding long lasting colour to the garden.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 55 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Autumn, Winter
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Culinary, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern
salvia-african-sky-

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.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' pink flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha'

Grevillea lanigera 'Mt Tamboritha' is a popular evergreen groundcover shrub admired for its dense, spreading habit and masses of pink and cream...

From$24.95
Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven' plant in a garden with variegated leaves and blue flowers.
Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven'

Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven' is a stunning perennial admired for its finely divided variegated foliage and clusters of soft lavender blue bell...

From$30.29
Heuchera 'Apple Crisp' plants with lush green foliage.
Heuchera 'Apple Crisp'

Heuchera 'Apple Crisp' is a compact evergreen perennial admired for its bright lime green ruffled foliage that adds year round colour and texture to...

From$22.01
Grevillea 'Aussie Crawl' plant with pink flowers and colourful foliage.
Grevillea Aussie Crawl

Grevillea 'Aussie Crawl' is a hardy evergreen groundcover valued for its dense spreading habit, attractive finely divided foliage, and masses of...

From$24.95
Salvia chamaedryoides plant with blue flowers and grey-green foliage.
Salvia chamaedryoides

Salvia chamaedryoides (Oak Sage) is a beautiful evergreen perennial admired for its silvery grey foliage and brilliant blue flowers that bloom over a...

From$27.53
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' plant with blue flowers.
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint)

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is an award winning Catmint admired for its long flowering season and aromatic grey green foliage. From late spring through...

From$17.87
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
Salvia 'Aztec Blue' plants with elegant blue flowers above green foliage.
Salvia 'Aztec Blue'

Salvia 'Aztec Blue' is an eye catching perennial admired for its bold cobalt blue flower spikes that bloom heavily from late spring through autumn in...

From$27.53
leptospermum-kea-
Leptospermum 'Kea'

Leptospermum 'Kea' is a colourful manuka shrub admired for its vibrant flowers and fine evergreen foliage. This attractive New Zealand plant produces...

From$27.53
leptospermum-blossom-queen-
Leptospermum 'Blossom Queen'

Leptospermum 'Blossom Queen' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its masses of colourful flowers and fine textured foliage. This attractive tea...

From$27.53
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
Callistemon citrinus 'White Anzac' white flowers amidst green foliage.
Callistemon 'White Anzac' (White Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'White Anzac' is a low growing spreading bottlebrush known for its elegant white flower brushes that appear from late spring through...

From$27.53
viburnum-burkwoodii-
Viburnum burkwoodii

Viburnum burkwoodii (Burkwood Viburnum) is a beautiful semi evergreen shrub renowned for its highly fragrant white flowers that appear in spring and...

From$202.44
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
westringia-fruticosa-3
Westringia fruticosa

Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) is a hardy evergreen shrub prized for its fine grey green foliage, naturally dense habit, and delicate white...

From$18.95
Francoa 'Starry Eyes'

Francoa 'Starry Eyes' is an elegant perennial that produces graceful spikes of delicate flowers from late spring through summer. Its lush green...

From$17.95
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
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
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
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
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
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
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Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
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2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

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

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
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
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
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 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$5.76
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
Salvia 'Red'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Grevillea, Hemerocallis, and Heuchera, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, 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.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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