Horticultural varieties and hybrids, in contrast, are not necessarily suited to local conditions, and are likely to have been bred to produce showy blooms at the expense of nectar or pollen production. In garden situations, non-native plants may be used where they will not threaten habitat areas. Many culinary herbs and older varieties of herbaceous plants are excellent bee and butterfly plants. Select a diversity of plants. Chose plants with a diversity of color and shape.
Color is important as bees see in a different spectrum of light from people.
They do not see red colors, but can see ultraviolet, and are particularly attracted to blue, violet, white, and yellow. Bee species have different tongue lengths, and thus will feed on different shaped flowers. There is a rough correlation between the depth of the flower tube and the length of the mouthparts of the bees that use them. A range of flower shapes means more bees will be supported. Have plants flowering all season.