By Eumundi Herb Farm – Small-batch, pesticide-free growers on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast
With the Varroa mite continuing to devastate European honey bee colonies across Australia in 2026, many backyard gardeners are wondering what they can do to support our precious pollinators. The good news? Every garden — no matter how small — can make a real difference.
While Varroa primarily affects introduced European honey bees (Apis mellifera), our native bees (including stingless bees, blue-banded bees, and many solitary species) are not directly impacted by the mite. By planting the right flowers, we can help sustain native bee populations and provide vital forage for any remaining honey bees.
Here’s how you can create a bee-friendly haven in your backyard or on your balcony.
Why Plant for Bees?
Bees are essential for pollinating one-third of our food crops and countless native plants. With honey bee numbers under pressure, native bees are stepping up — but they need diverse, year-round flowering plants and safe habitats to thrive.
Best Plants for Bees in the Ground (Queensland-Friendly)
These hardy, sun-loving plants do exceptionally well in the Sunshine Coast and subtropical climates:
- Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.) — A massive favourite for honey bees and native bees. Produces abundant nectar and pollen.
- Grevillea (especially smaller cultivars like ‘Robyn Gordon’ or ‘Moonlight’) — Tubular flowers loved by birds and long-tongued native bees.
- Tea Tree (Leptospermum spp.) — Beautiful flowers and excellent nectar source.
- Paperbark (Melaleuca spp.) — Reliable bloomers that support a wide range of bees.
- Lilly Pilly (Syzygium spp.) — Great for stingless bees and provides edible fruit as a bonus.
- Eremophila (Emu Bush) — Drought-tolerant and particularly attractive to blue-banded bees.
- Banksia and Kangaroo Paw — Stunning native choices for larger gardens.
Herbs & Flowering Shrubs (many of which we grow at the farm):
- Lavender, Rosemary, and Sage
- Borage (bees go crazy for it!)
- Native Rosemary (Westringia)
Perfect Plants for Pots & Small Spaces
No backyard? No problem! These grow beautifully in containers:
- Native Basil or Tulsi (Holy Basil) — Aromatic and highly attractive to bees.
- Chamomile and Calendula — Easy annuals that flower for months.
- Pigface (Carpobrotus) or Dianella (Flax Lily) — Tough, low-maintenance groundcovers.
- Blue-banded Bee favourites: Correa, Westringia, and Hibbertia (Guinea Flower).
- Stingless Bee magnets: Basil, Oregano, and various Salvias.
Pro Tip: Plant in clusters of the same species so bees can forage efficiently. Aim for a mix of flower shapes (tubular, daisy-like, and open) and colours — bees particularly love blue, purple, yellow, and white.
Simple Ways to Make Your Garden More Bee-Friendly
- Avoid pesticides — Even “bee-safe” sprays can harm native bees.
- Provide water — A shallow dish with pebbles gives bees a safe drinking spot.
- Leave bare earth or hollow stems — Many native bees nest in the ground or in old plant stalks.
- Plant for all seasons — Include early, mid, and late-flowering species so there’s always something in bloom.
- Go organic — Support chemical-free growing like we do here at Eumundi Herb Farm.
Every Garden Counts
Even a few pots on a balcony can support dozens of native bees. As European honey bee colonies face ongoing challenges from Varroa, our native pollinators are more important than ever.
By planting with bees in mind, you’re not just creating a beautiful garden — you’re helping protect Australia’s food security and biodiversity.
What’s your favourite bee-friendly plant? Share in the comments below — we’d love to hear what’s buzzing in your garden!
Eumundi Herb Farm –suppliers of organic herbs and teas in Australia.