What to Plant

🌼 What to Plant for Bees in South Africa

Here are some seasonal favourites to keep your garden buzzing all year long:

🌸 Spring (September – November)

Bees begin to wake up — give them an early feast.

Aloe ferox (Bitter Aloe) – Vibrant nectar-rich flowers.
Pelargonium species (Wild Geraniums) – Hardy and colourful.
Gazania rigens (Treasure Flower) – Low-growing, sun-loving bloomers.
Felicia amelloides (Blue Marguerite) – A magnet for bees with daisy-like flowers.
Eriocephalus africanus (Wild Rosemary) – Aromatic, with small white blooms.

🌞 Summer (December – February)

Peak foraging season – offer plenty of variety.

Helichrysum species (Everlastings) – Long-lasting and drought-tolerant.
Leonotis leonurus (Wild Dagga) – Orange tubular flowers beloved by bees (and sunbirds!).
Scabiosa africana (Pincushion Flower) – Beautiful and nectar-rich.
Cosmos bipinnatus (Cosmos) – Easy to grow, especially in rural areas.
Lavandula dentata (Wild Lavender) – Great for bees and your senses!

🍂 Autumn (March – May)

Plant late bloomers to support bees before winter.

Salvia africana-lutea (Brown Sage) – Unique flowers with medicinal properties.
Buddleja saligna (False Olive) – Small white flowers with sweet scent.
Crassula ovata (Jade Plant) – A succulent with clusters of starry blooms.
Euryops pectinatus (Golden Daisy Bush) – Hardy with yellow flowers bees adore.

❄️ Winter (June – August)

Flowers are scarce — any bloom is a blessing.

Aloe marlothii (Mountain Aloe) – Winter-blooming powerhouse.
Erica species (Heather/Fynbos) – Tiny, tubular flowers full of nectar.
Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise) – Bold, striking and supports bees and birds.
Kniphofia uvaria (Red Hot Poker) – Offers bright colour and nectar in cold months.
Arctotis species (African Daisies) – Hardy and cheerful even in cool weather.

🛠 Tip: Avoid using pesticides in your bee garden, especially when plants are flowering. Organic, natural methods are always best for pollinators.