A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Plants and Flowers Forum Purple flower that does not attract bees

Hi, I know most purple flowers do attract bees, but we are hoping to find a perennial purple flower that does not attract bees for our new backyard, since my son has a serious bee allergy. I was told some that do not as strongly attract include hydrangea (but needs shade), Mexican sage, society garlic. Any thoughts on these or others? Thank you!

Sorry to hear of your son's allergy. Honestly, any flower will attract bees somewhat...although some less than others. My Aunt has the same issue with her grandson, they ended up choosing a few lawn ornaments and brightly colored pots to put color in the flower garden instead. They even cut back the flowers on the hosta so they won't bloom.

I have two hydrangeas. They are blue in the summer but turn a short of purple in the fall. I've never seen a bee on either of them. They are not in full though. Purple petunias can take a lot of sun, but not perennial, and I've never seen a lot of bees on them either. I know it only takes one bee though and I agree with Sunny about the attraction issue. Mums come in all sorts of colors and I haven't noticed bees on them either.