The Best Roses for Attracting Bees
Bees play a crucial role in pollination, supporting biodiversity and plant health. If you’re looking to attract these essential pollinators to your garden, choosing the right roses is key. Not all roses are equally beneficial to bees—some provide abundant pollen and nectar, while others offer little to no sustenance. Here’s a guide to the best roses for attracting bees to your garden.
Characteristics of Bee-Friendly Roses
Single or Semi-Double Blooms – Roses with open centers allow easy access to pollen and nectar. Single-flowered roses (with five petals) or semi-double roses are best for pollinators.
Fragrance – Strongly scented roses tend to have higher nectar content, making them more attractive to bees.
Non-Hybridized Varieties – Many modern hybrid roses have been bred for appearance rather than pollination, reducing their usefulness to bees.
Continuous Blooming – Roses that flower throughout the season provide a steady food source for pollinators.
Best Roses for Bees
1. Rosa rugosa (Japanese Rose)
Single flowers with a strong fragrance.
Provides abundant pollen and nectar.
Hardy and disease-resistant.
2. Rosa canina (Dog Rose)
A wild rose species with five-petaled pink or white flowers.
Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
3. Rosa moyesii
Features striking red single blooms.
Produces rose hips that benefit wildlife.
4. Rosa glauca (Red-leaved Rose)
Delicate pink flowers with a central cluster of pollen-rich stamens.
Provides nectar throughout the growing season.
5. Rosa 'Sally Holmes'
Semi-double creamy white blooms with an open center.
Vigorous and long-blooming.
6. Rosa 'Ballerina'
A hybrid musk rose with small, semi-double pink flowers.
Produces flowers in large clusters, attracting many bees.
7. Rosa 'Mutabilis'
A China rose with single flowers that change color as they age.
Blooms profusely over a long period.
Tips for Growing Bee-Friendly Roses
Avoid Pesticides – Chemical sprays can harm bees; opt for organic gardening practices.
Plant in Sunny Locations – Roses thrive in full sun and provide more nectar in warm conditions.
Companion Planting – Grow roses alongside other bee-friendly plants like lavender, catmint, and foxglove for a diverse food source.
Provide a Water Source – A shallow dish with fresh water and stones for perching will support visiting bees.
By selecting the right roses and maintaining a bee-friendly garden, you can help support pollinator populations while enjoying a beautiful and thriving outdoor space.
