The eucalyptus species is prolific as far as pollen and nectar goes in general however the red river gum, ironbark and sugar gum are the real powerhouses of best bee plants.
The question should perhaps be better put before proceeding. If the plants and their flowers are to operate in isolation then it is easy to make a list. If the bees require a more sustained source there would be a completely different list however.
Perhaps one can view it with these two aims in mind: we want bees to be strong and nourished for as long as possible throughout the year with little need for moving them. (It is not healthy for the queen to be laying all year round - she needs a break to preserve her longevity and production performance over time. Recommended 2 month break!)
From the bee's perspective:
The common plants to look for or to grow for hobbyists would be lavendar (fine), catmint, sage, thyme, borage and fennel. Not only are these good bee plants but they can be used in the household and generally when cooking! Rosemary also makes for a hardy garden bee plant.
Holyhocks (although have prickly spikes), geranium, buttercup, calendula are also great favourites for the garden! Poppy and sunflower are also great bee plants for common garden use.
It would be good practice to formulate a cycle of flowering that covers all of spring, summer and autumn at high levels of nectar and pollen. A very light winter offering or none at all to allow the queen bee time to rest.
Major health warning!
Unfortunately, seedlings and seeds themselves have been treated with neonicotinoids which is a built-in pesticide. free seedlings or seeds. These type of treatments are threatening to bees and all other natural pollinators. Avoid them completely. You do more damage planting these than if you didn't plant at all...
The alternative to ask for are seeds that are deemed heirloom seeds! At the time of writing we have found a family run business in our city that provides such seeds in Lynnwood, Pretoria who ship nationwide like us!
South African supplier - http://www.organicseed.co.za
