Which plants can help the bees?

It is well known that bees are struggling and if we lose the bumblebees, we are in a lot of trouble. The good news is that we can all do a little bit to help and one of the best ways is to plant some bee friendly flowers.

• Butterfly Bush (Buddleia Spp): This beautiful plant is extremely popular with both bees and butterflies and is found in gardens and urban areas. With its beautiful scent and colourful flowers this plant is an excellent addition to any garden!

Peacock Butterfly resting on the Buddleia

• Common Ivy (Hedera Helix): Sadly this plant has a bad reputation but Ivy is very versatile and provides a source of late season nectar for bees when little else is flowering. Ivy also works well in hanging baskets and indoor spaces (though best kept away from dogs).

A lovely piece of Ivy

• Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus): These beautiful summer flowers contain hundreds of florets filled with nectar which is perfect for bees! Sunflower seeds (once dried) are also known for making good snacks.

Sunflower enjoying the sunshine

• Apple Tree (Malus Domestica): If you have space for an apple tree, these are a good addition as the blossoms help provide bees with nectar and eventually you will have fresh apples from the tree!

Apple Blossom taken by Anastasiya Romanova on Unsplash

• Foxglove (Digitalis Purpurea): A quintessential British flower often found in cottage themed gardens, these beautiful flowers are adored by bees and people alike!

A beautiful foxglove

• Garden Mint (Mentha Spp): An excellent addition to a window box or garden, mint is a popular herb due to its uses in cooking and tiny flowers for the bees.

Garden Mint taken by Shaun Meintjes on Unsplash

• Dandelion (Taraxcum Officinale): Sadly viewed as a pest, Dandelions are an excellent source of both pollen and nectar as they flower almost all year.

Dandelions taken by Viridi Green on Unsplash

This little guide provides just a few examples but there are many more!