Rocky Mountain Bee Plant Seeds

This stunning wildflower is originally native to western and central North America but has naturalized in many parts of eastern Canada and the USA. Rocky Mountain Bee Plant has a long and rich history with First Nations for medicinal and nutritional purposes and for use as a dye for colouring blankets and pottery a yellow-green colour. It was amongst the many ‘’new’’ species that were recorded during the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804.

Rocky Mountain Bee Plant is a showy plant that grows to about 2-4 feet and produces large 4-inch clusters of nectar-filled pinkish and white flowers.  Blooming can occur for a long time, from late spring until early fall depending on the location and elevation.  A true magnet to bees, hummingbirds and other beneficial pollinators, Rocky Mountain Bee Plant is often planted around gardens to drastically improve pollination. Also, the fragrance is not the most pleasant, some people find it smells a bit skunk-like, and so do many rodents and grazing animals that would otherwise be tempted by your garden! A true one-of-a-kind wildflower, Rocky Mountain Bee Plant’s nectar-filled flowers can also improve the health of your local bees. 

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

This unique wildflower is one of the best additions to any pollinator garden. The stunning purple flowers protrude from the tall upright stalk, deterring pests and critters, while attracting and nourishing native pollinator species.

Seeds can be started inside, but must first go through the process of stratification. Set seeds on the surface of moist soil inside plastic bags and place them in the refrigerator for two weeks. Remove the seeds from the fridge and plant into flats or pots six to eight weeks out from the last frost date. Move the seeds to a bright, warm location and place them on a heating mat to increase the success rate and speed up the process. Try to keep soil at 21-25 degrees for the best results. Harden them off for transplanting after the danger of frost has passed.

Sow directly outdoors into a well-worked garden bed around the time of the final frost date. Plant seeds, cover lightly, tamp them in and keep the bed moist. They should germinate in 10-14 days.

Maintain a wet and warm environment for young plants. Plant or thin seedlings to 15 cm apart. If left closer, the tall stalks, reaching up to 150 cm, may help support each other. Shelter rocky mountain bee plants from the wind and/or use stakes or trellises for support.

Rocky mountain bee plants prefer full sun. They adapt quickly to fair soil and don’t require fertilizer. Organic matter or compost incorporated into the soil will help developing plants get established. It is a very low maintenance plant once established and tolerates drought conditions well.

Flowers will peak in July and August. Plants die back completely at the first frost and drop seeds that will sprout in the spring. Future generations naturalize quickly, much to the appreciation of native wildlife. Rocky mountain bee plants will dramatically improve the activity and health of your local pollinator population. Grow some of this one of-a-kind native wildflower to invite busy summer bees and fuel up butterflies and hummingbirds for their long migration south. 

QUICK FACTS

- The young, tender shoots and leaves are good sources of vitamin A and calcium.  

- Rocky Mountain Bee Plant seeds will remain viable for 3 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.