Bee Guide January

01 Jan, 2024

Bee-friendly Plants In Flower

Summer is the perfect time to see the bees at their busiest (or buzziest!).


Check out the top five flowering bee-friendly plants this month:

Cornflower

Also known as the ‘bachelor’s button’, the cornflower is a blue flowering annual that attracts bees far and wide. It is especially entertaining when a large, oversized bumblebee lands on a dainty flower in the wind.

Echinacea

A well-known attractant for all bees, many butterfly species as well as other pollinators such as hoverflies. Echinacea’s leaves, flowers and roots also have natural therapeutic uses.

Marigold

Well known as companions for veggie beds, marigolds are known to keep away certain pests from the garden. Marigolds will also attract butterflies such as the monarch butterfly.

Citrus

The bees will be all over the citrus that is now coming into flower. Companion planting with another bee attractant can encourage more bees, which will mean better pollination and potentially more fruit!

Bee-friendly Plants Ready For Planting

Fertilise with an organic liquid fertiliser such as Organic Garden Booster, once every two to three weeks. Make sure you water throughout summer!

Thyme

An attractive groundcover that is also a culinary delight! Best grown in full sun in well-draining soil. Thyme is also drought-tolerant and perfect in dry gardens.

Borage

Grown for its pretty blue flowers that are renowned for attracting bees into the garden. Sow either in a pot or directly into the ground. Grows in both full sun to semi-shade. Plant around your fruit trees and veggie garden to encourage pollination.

Alyssum

This cascading bedding plant with its bunched white flowers is a favourite choice for hanging baskets and patio pots. Plant from spring to autumn in a partly shaded to sunny area in well-draining soil.

Chives

A perennial plant that is commonly used as a herb but also gives out beautiful purple ‘pom-pom’ type flowers that all bees love.

Verbena

Pretty little annual and perennial bedding plants that are native to America and Asia. Most species are drought resistant tolerating full to partial sun and enjoy normal to well-draining soil.

Monthly Bee Tip

If you are needing to spray products in your garden, remember to always spray in the evening and never on flowering plants. This way bees are less likely to be affected in your garden, as well as other beneficial insects!

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