The humble bumblebee is one of the most important pollinators in the world, playing a vital part in the global ecosystem in terms of food - including fruits and vegetables - as well as other useful crops, like cotton and flax.
The pollinatory power of bees also has a profound influence on both the meat and dairy industries, as they also help pollinate clover and alfalfa - two primary food sources for cattle.
Beeswax is also used in health and beauty, as well as in the cleaning industry.
And all this without even mentioning the many things honey can be used for! Needless to say, bees are an integral part of the world around us. As such, attracting bees to your garden can help you reap many rewards.
What flowers attract bees?
Adding wildflowers that attract bees to your garden can be a great way to not only spruce up your outdoor space but also help the environment. Keep your garden buzzing with this mini guide to bee-friendly plants and flowers.
- Foxglove - A true cottage garden staple, this foxy flower is loved by long-tongued bees, including garden bees and the common carder bee. Adorned with vibrant pink petals, they not only provide a great bee magnet but also add a beautiful element of colour to your flowerbed.
- Bluebell - The effortlessly stunning bluebell has the ability to add colourful allure to any garden; however, it's just as appealing to bees as it is to the eye. Sweet-scented and strikingly colourful, they make a great food source for bees in the early spring.
- Honeysuckle - The highly fragrant honeysuckle is common in hedgerows and woodlands and a natural climbing plant. As such, it can be utilised to great effect when trained up a wall or fence, providing bee friendly benefits as well as a welcome variant to your garden's flowery presentation.
- Clovers - Both white and red clovers are great plants for attracting bees to your garden and another favoured flower of long-tongued bees, particularly those in the wild. While they may not be the most extravagantly attractive flower, they can provide a wild, organic charm to your garden.
- Greater Knapweed - Another eye-catching wildflower, the vibrantly purple petals of the greater knapweed provide an attractive splash of colour to any wildflower garden. This bee magnet is particularly favoured by male bumblebees.
For a one-stop-shop of flowers that attract bees, hit the button below and check out our very own pick 'n' mix of bee-utiful flowers using the button below.
Bumble Bee Mix >>
What plants attract bees?
In addition to the aforementioned flowers, there are a number of naturally occurring plants and weeds that are also great for attracting bees. If you really want to attract bees into your garden, we'd recommend going easy on the weeding during spring/summer. Yes, your garden won't look as perfect and pristine, but when you know you're doing your bit for the bee population - it's a small price to pay
Both daisies and dandelions are great plants for attracting bees, so don't be afraid to leave an area of your lawn untamed. This will allow these rogue shrubs flower, making them lightning rods for bee activity. Meanwhile, it's also important to avoid using pesticides in your garden at all costs. Many pesticides, even natural ones, can be toxic to bees, making them a sure-fire way to deter or even kill bees.
How to attract bees to your garden
Other ways to attract bees into your garden include:
- Plant more native species in your garden - your local bee population will thank you!
- Choose flowers that attract bees in a wide variety of colours. The more variety, the better.
- Keep plants and flowers close together. Bees are more likely to visit a large patch of plant life rather than scattered plants.
Bee-Friendly environments
If you really want to attract bees to your garden, adding a 'Bee House' or 'Bee Hotel' can be the perfect solution. These can be easily made using bunched bamboo or drilled blocks of wood.
However, for the ultimate bee-friendly backyard, why not explore the various ready-made versions available here. These homely hives are worthy of Michelin stars, creating the ultimate bee B&B experience.
Buy Wildflower Seeds to Attract Bumblebees >>
So there you have it, if you want to attract more bees into your garden this spring/summer we hope you've found this helpful. The plants that attract bees will make your garden incredibly pretty, and the plus side is, that you're doing your bit for the environment too! Be sure to tag us in your pictures on Facebook if you use our bee products to bring your garden to life.
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Read more - 5 Simple Ways to Help Save the Bees
