CHOOSING PLANTS TO ATTRACT BEES
It is important to have planting schemes that provide bees with pollen and nectar throughout the year. In the list below early and late flowering species are marked.
Things to avoid in the bee garden
Annuals and Biennials
Californian Poppy, Candytuft, China Aster, Cornflower, Cosmos, Hollyhock, Marigold (L), Sunflower (L), Wallflower, Zinnia
Perennials
Arabis (rock cress), Aubretia (E), Bellflower (campanula), Catmint, Dahlia (not pom-pom), Golden Rod (L), Ice plant (L), Mignonette, Oriental Poppy, Russian Sage, Valerian (red) (L), Verbascum, Violet (E)
Bulbs
Autumn Crocus, Crocus, Frilillary, Grape Hyacinth (E), Siberian Squill, Snowdrop (E), Summer Snowflakes,
Shrubs
Buddleia, Ceanothus, Dog/rock rose, Flowering Currant (E), Heather, Lavender
Climbers
Clematis Cirrhosa, Clematis Montana, Clematis Vitalba, Honeysuckle (L), Virginia Creeper
Herbs
Angelica, Borage, Comfrey, Lemon Balm, Marjoram. Mint, Rosemary, Thyme
Wildflowers
Bluebell (E), Clover (red), Cowslip, Dandelion, Dead Nettle, Foxglove, Poppy, Primrose (E), Red Campion, Winter Aconite (E),
Wood Anenome (E)
Trees and other plants.
Fruit trees are excellent especially apple and cherry.
Other tree and plants good for honey flow are:
Useful websites:
It is important to have planting schemes that provide bees with pollen and nectar throughout the year. In the list below early and late flowering species are marked.
Things to avoid in the bee garden
- double flowering varieties as it is difficult for bees to collect the nectar and pollen from flowers with multiple petals.
- FI hybrid plants as they have impaired pollen production so that they do not set seed
- Pesticides including potting compost with vine-weevil killer
- Himalayan Balsam is brilliant for pollen but is an invasive pest in the garden
Annuals and Biennials
Californian Poppy, Candytuft, China Aster, Cornflower, Cosmos, Hollyhock, Marigold (L), Sunflower (L), Wallflower, Zinnia
Perennials
Arabis (rock cress), Aubretia (E), Bellflower (campanula), Catmint, Dahlia (not pom-pom), Golden Rod (L), Ice plant (L), Mignonette, Oriental Poppy, Russian Sage, Valerian (red) (L), Verbascum, Violet (E)
Bulbs
Autumn Crocus, Crocus, Frilillary, Grape Hyacinth (E), Siberian Squill, Snowdrop (E), Summer Snowflakes,
Shrubs
Buddleia, Ceanothus, Dog/rock rose, Flowering Currant (E), Heather, Lavender
Climbers
Clematis Cirrhosa, Clematis Montana, Clematis Vitalba, Honeysuckle (L), Virginia Creeper
Herbs
Angelica, Borage, Comfrey, Lemon Balm, Marjoram. Mint, Rosemary, Thyme
Wildflowers
Bluebell (E), Clover (red), Cowslip, Dandelion, Dead Nettle, Foxglove, Poppy, Primrose (E), Red Campion, Winter Aconite (E),
Wood Anenome (E)
Trees and other plants.
Fruit trees are excellent especially apple and cherry.
Other tree and plants good for honey flow are:
- alder, poplar, blackthorn, willow (early)
- horse chestnut, hawthorn and raspberry (late spring)
- oil-seed rape, lime and clover (early summer)
- meadowsweet, lupin and blackberry (mid-summer)
- heather, ling (early autumn)
Useful websites:
- beekind.bumblebeeconservation.org/finder
- www.rhs.org.uk/Gardening/Sustainable-gardening/pdfs/RHS_Pollinators_PlantList
