| Here are 20 of the best flowers, plants and herbs in the UK for attracting bees to your garden, along with why they are so effective: |
| Lavender (Lavandula) Rich in nectar and pollen, lavender’s pungent scent and long blooming period make it irresistible to bees. Foxglove (Digitalis) Tall spires of tubular flowers provide a deep nectar source that bumblebees, in particular, love. Borage (Borago officinalis) Known as the “bee’s best friend,” borage refills its nectar supply quickly, providing a constant food source. Catmint (Nepeta) A favourite of both bees and butterflies, catmint offers a long flowering season and plenty of nectar. Comfrey (Symphytum) Producing high-energy nectar and comfrey is especially valuable for long-tongued bees like the garden bumblebee. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) Large, open flowers with a central cone make it easy for bees to collect pollen and nectar. Thyme (Thymus) Low-growing and fragrant, thyme produces tiny nectar-rich flowers that bees love. Crocus (Crocus) One of the first nectar sources in early spring, crocuses help bees emerge from hibernation. Hellebores (Helleborus) A winter-flowering plant, hellebores offer vital nectar and pollen when little else is blooming. Alliums (Allium species) Their globe-shaped flower heads are packed with tiny florets, providing an abundance of nectar. Sunflowers (Helianthus) Not only do they provide pollen, but their large flower heads make it easy for bees to land and forage. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa) This plant produces small, tubular flowers rich in nectar, particularly attracting honeybees. Honeysuckle (Lonicera) Its sweet scent and deep, tubular flowers are perfect for long-tongued bees and moths. Buddleia (Buddleja) The “butterfly bush” is often called a magnet for bees due to its high nectar content. Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare) Producing small, clustered flowers, marjoram is loved by many bee species, including honeybees. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) A kitchen herb that doubles as a bee attractor, with globe-like purple flowers full of nectar. Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) A rich nectar source in the spring, native bluebells are especially popular with bumblebees. Sedum (Hylotelephium) Also known as stonecrop, sedums bloom in late summer, providing nectar when other flowers are fading. Clover (Trifolium) It is a simple wildflower packed with nectar, making it an excellent choice for bee-friendly lawns. Mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium) Flowering in winter and early spring, mahonia provides a crucial food source when few other plants are in bloom. |
| These flowers offer a mix of nectar and pollen at different times of the year, ensuring a continuous food supply for bees. Including various of these in your garden will help support pollinators while adding beauty and fragrance to your space. |
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