Bee-autiful: 5 Wildflowers that bees love
It is true that bees need our help. Most bees will visit most wildflowers to rest their weary wings and power up on their pollen, but just like us, bees have their favourite flowers. Bees have preference for their very favourite plants. But it’s not just bees being picky – there is a bit of a science to it!
Bees are attracted to bright and pleasant-smelling flowers. They also have some pre-requisites for the perfect pollination process. Tubular or bell like flowers with flat petals top the list for bees’ favourite flowers. These blooms offer cover while the bees feed. Although all these wildflowers look different, they’ve all got bees absolutely buzzing!
1 . Foxglove
I am so glad bee’s love Foxgloves. I am a fan of Foxglove too but presently is a flower I do not have in my garden. Foxgloves are biennial wildflowers that when sown will reward you with blooms for two whole years. With so many flowers blooming along one tall stem there’s so much for bees to choose from – it’s a bee buffet so to speak! Foxgloves in your garden make for a vibrant and versatile addition to your garden, and will also provide a hive of entertainment as bees flock to them.
2. Scabious
Scabious is a recent addition to the RHS Plants for Pollinators list and what an addition it is! Scabious is a small lilac wonder that has an almost flat and round surface, the perfect target to land on, no wonder it is often described as looking like a pincushion! A rather pleasant flower, bright colourful. Sometimes called ‘Butterfly Blue’ scabious is excellent at attracting bees and other pollinators who love its bright petals.
3. Oxeye Daisy
Oxeye Daisy’s make for the perfect landing pad for any bee as their bright yellow centre is a welcome sight for tired, hungry bees. The British Beekeepers Association suggests that bees will travel up to 5 miles to find food, so this Oxeye Daisy is a very welcome sight and a clear signpost for bees. This is a flower I see time and time again when travelling around Beddau.
4. Bluebell
Bluebells are typically found in shaded and damp woodland areas, so if a bee happens to find themselves there too, this is one of the first wildflowers they will go too. Bees can fit perfectly into their bells and benefit from a few moments of respite to get revitalised for their next trip. I see this flower everywhere while walking Halli, all along the side streets and edges of the country paths, especially walking up the Cwm Quarry and side fields.
5. Cowslip
The only all-yellow wildflower in my list, Cowslip is a ray of sunshine and great source of pollen for bees. With its tubular bells, it’s another firm fan favourite of bees. This flower is particularly does not need hot weather, it can enjoy it’s solace in the shade and it’s top-notch pollen under its butter-yellow canopy.
