Increasingly backyard homeowners are selecting to plant bee-friendly flowers to assist protect biodiversity and defend bees. Bees play an important position in pollinating crops in Germany and are among the many most vital pollinators. Wild bees are extremely endangered and most of them are on the Crimson Record. By planting bee-friendly flowers, you’ll be able to actively contribute to serving to these vital bugs.
Making a bee-friendly backyard includes incorporating quite a lot of perennials, herbs and wildflowers that not solely present a colourful show but additionally function an vital meals supply for bees and different pollinating bugs. It’s advisable to keep away from flowers with double flowers as they typically provide no dietary worth to bugs. As a substitute, it is best to incorporate flower-rich species comparable to aromatic nettle, perennial lavender or candleweed into your backyard.
It is suggested to have quite a lot of flowering crops within the bee-friendly backyard , together with native crops and a mixture of early and late bloomers. The bees’ food plan consists primarily of nectar and pollen, with pollen being excessive in protein and infrequently fed to the larvae. Herbs comparable to rosemary, sage and oregano, which flower from Might to September, are notably useful for bees in balcony and backyard environments.
Shrubs and bushes within the backyard function habitats and nesting locations for bees and different bugs. With lavender, sneezeweed and coneflower you’ll be able to provide nectar and pollen for bees from July to October. Gardens wealthy in construction with quite a lot of flowering crops and nesting locations are notably useful for wild bees and bugs.
Key findings
- Bee-friendly flowers help biodiversity and the safety of bees.
- Keep away from flowers with double blooms as they provide little dietary worth for bees.
- Herbs comparable to rosemary, sage and oregano are perfect for balcony and backyard environments.
- Shrubs and bushes present habitat and nesting alternatives for bees.
- A combination of early and late bloomers ensures a continuing supply of meals for bees.
Why are bee-friendly flowers vital?
Bees are usually not solely identified for his or her honey manufacturing, but additionally play an important position in our ecosystem. Specifically, within the pollination of crops, they make an irreplaceable contribution to the formation of seeds and fruits, which in flip ensures meals safety and the genetic variety of the plant world. Allow us to take a better have a look at the position of pollination and the menace to the bee inhabitants posed by monocultures and pesticides.
significance of pollination
Pollination by bees is crucial for a lot of plant species. It allows fruit and seed formation, which in flip kinds the premise for a lot of of our meals. Throughout peak nectar circulate durations, comparable to for fruit bushes and rapeseed, bees typically have a surplus of meals. However pollen, an vital supply of protein for elevating brood, is turning into scarce, particularly in areas dominated by monocultures. An absence of pollen could cause bees to cease breeding, which weakens bee colonies.
Risk from monocultures and pesticides
A major a part of the menace to the bee inhabitants comes from monocultures and using pesticides. Monocultures typically don’t present any important meals sources after the rapeseed has flowered, which results in a meals scarcity. Pesticides, in flip, restrict the habitat and the supply of nectar and pollen sources for bees and different pollinators. For a bee-friendly backyard, unfilled flower kinds and quite a lot of crops with completely different flowering occasions from spring to autumn are beneficial. These guarantee a steady supply of meals.
Planting bee-friendly flowers
When planting bee-friendly flowers, selecting the best location is essential. A well-planned backyard that takes bee-friendly flower planting into consideration gives vital habitat and meals sources for bees and different pollinating bugs.
The appropriate location
The alternative of location for bee-friendly flowers is crucial. Sunny to partially shaded areas with well-drained soil are notably appropriate. Since round 75 p.c fewer bugs are buzzing in components of Europe than within the late Eighties, optimum planting might help to advertise insect populations. The shut relationship between bees and flowers is essential for the pure cycle. Subsequently, it is best to select flower species which have single or semi-double flowers, as these are extra accessible to bees.
care and watering
In an effort to maintain crops wholesome and supply bees with a steady provide of meals, optimum flower care is crucial. Common watering and the elimination of useless flowers promote an extended flowering interval and the vitality of the crops. A wholesome flower mattress within the backyard can produce an unbelievable number of wildflowers and serves as an vital supply of meals for bees, bumblebees, butterflies and hoverflies. The proper use of natural fertilizers and mulching may also promote soil life and make the crops extra resilient.
Planting and caring for bee-friendly flowers not solely contributes to species conservation, but additionally enriches your individual backyard with a vibrant number of crops and pollinators.
Varieties of bee-friendly flowers
The portfolio of bee-friendly flower varieties contains quite a lot of species that bloom in several seasons and thus present meals for bees all 12 months spherical. By contemplating the primary traits of bee-friendly crops, comparable to excessive nectar and pollen content material and lengthy flowering durations, you’ll be able to particularly choose perennial flowers and different bee-friendly flower seeds.
perennials
Perennials are perennial flowers that bloom once more yearly. Significantly beneficial are the coneflower (Echinacea) and varied forms of asters. These crops provide a excessive nectar and pollen content material and are due to this fact excellent bee-friendly flowers for the backyard. They contribute to a long-lasting meals spectrum and thus help the bees for a few years.
tubers and bulbous crops
Tuberous and bulbous crops comparable to crocuses and snowdrops are among the many first flowers to bloom within the 12 months. These early-flowering crops are notably useful to bees as they’re an vital supply of meals within the first few months of the 12 months. With their wide-open flowers, they provide bees easy accessibility to nectar and pollen.
Annual summer time flowers
Annual summer time flowers comparable to sunflowers, poppies and marigolds are usually not solely identified for his or her vibrant colours, but additionally function a wealthy supply of nectar for bees in the summertime. These bee-friendly flower seeds might be replanted yearly and enrich the backyard with their numerous colours and shapes that magically appeal to bees.
| Blumenart | instance crops | flowering interval |
|---|---|---|
| perennials | coneflower, asters | summer time to autumn |
| tubers and bulbous crops | crocuses, snowdrops | Spring |
| Annual summer time flowers | sunflowers, poppies, marigolds | Summer time |
early bloomers for bees
Early bloomers are important to supply bees with their first sources of meals after winter. These embrace bluebells, snowdrops and crocuses, which give vital meals for bees on account of their early flowering and thus lay the inspiration for an lively 12 months within the backyard.
blue star
The squill (Scilla siberica) is among the first heralds of spring and a useful early bloomer. This bee-friendly spring flower is thought for its vibrant blue flowers and attracts quite a lot of pollinators, together with bees. The squill prefers sunny to partially shaded places and thrives effectively in well-drained soil. Along with its aesthetic magnificence, the squill gives an vital meals supply for bees and different pollinating bugs.
snowdrop
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) are native crops that bloom very early within the 12 months and have many cultivated varieties. These harbingers of spring are notably bee-friendly flowers for spring, as they seem at delicate temperatures and bloom early. With their delicate white flowers, they provide bees useful nectar. Snowdrops thrive finest in moist, shady to partially shady areas and unfold simply within the backyard by self-seeding.
crocuses
Crocuses are one of the crucial well-liked bee-friendly flowers for spring. There are round 100 species of crocuses that bloom in several colours and patterns. The spring crocuses, which bloom from February to April, are notably vital for bees. With a nectar worth of three out of 4 and a pollen worth of two out of 4, they supply a useful supply of meals. Wild crocuses reproduce shortly and are good for bee pasture. Early bloomers like crocuses help bees and different early flyers just like the peacock butterfly and the small tortoiseshell, which urgently want meals after the winter.
Summer time flowers that appeal to bees
Summer time flowers are an exquisite means so as to add life and coloration to your backyard whereas attracting bees and different pollinators. Among the finest bee-attracting crops for summer time are sunflowers, poppies and marigolds. These crops not solely present loads of nectar, but additionally pollen, which is crucial for feeding bee larvae.
sunflowers
Sunflowers are a traditional summer time flower and are extraordinarily well-liked with bees. Their spectacular dimension and vibrant yellow coloration appeal to pollinators from afar. Sunflowers are usually not solely aesthetically pleasing, but additionally extraordinarily helpful, offering giant quantities of nectar and pollen.
Klatschmohn
Corn poppies, with their fiery pink flowers, are additionally a serious attraction for bees. This bee-attracting plant blooms from Might to July and helps increase pollinators in gardens and fields. Corn poppies are an easy-care plant that thrives in nearly all forms of soil.
marigold
Marigold is one other wonderful summer time flower for bees, blooming from June to October. Its vibrant yellow and orange flowers make it a magnet for pollinators. Marigolds are additionally very hardy and develop effectively in many alternative soils and climates, making them an ideal addition to any backyard.
Autumn Flowers for Bees
In an effort to help bees within the autumn, it is very important have bee-friendly autumn flowers within the backyard. Flowers comparable to asters, which bloom till November, present a useful supply of meals. Heather, which blooms from August to October, additionally attracts many bees and ensures that they nonetheless discover sufficient meals right now of 12 months.
One other fall favourite of bees is the dahlia, which blooms by means of October. These bee-friendly fall flowers are important as they assist present wholesome meals sources for bees as they put together for winter. Nasturtiums and sneezeweed are additionally wonderful choices that bloom into October and appeal to numerous bees.
Right here is an summary of the flowering occasions of some bee-friendly autumn flowers:
| plant | heyday |
|---|---|
| Aster | August to November |
| Besenheide | August to October |
| Dahlie | July to October |
| nasturtium | July to October |
| solar bride | July to October |
By planting these bee-friendly autumn flowers in your backyard, you might be actively serving to to help bees within the autumn and guarantee a sustainable meals supply. That is particularly vital as a result of bees want to assemble vitality earlier than they go into hibernation.
Bee-friendly herbs
Bee-friendly herbs play an important position in supporting bee populations. These herbs not solely present a wealthy supply of nectar, however their distinctive scent attracts bees in droves. A well-planned herb backyard for bees could be a long-term answer to conserving these vital pollinators.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a widely known bee-friendly herb that blooms from March to Might. Its strong flowers present loads of nectar and supply bees with an early supply of meals within the 12 months. Rosemary can also be simple to take care of and is right for a bee-friendly herb backyard.
Thymian
Thyme blooms from Might onwards and delights with its white, pink or purple flowers. This bee-friendly herb is just not solely a fragile kitchen plant, but additionally a magnet for bees, that are interested in its flowers all summer time lengthy. Thyme is a superb addition to any bee-friendly herb backyard.
sage
Sage additionally blooms from Might onwards and delights bees with a continuing provide of nectar till the tip of summer time. With its multitude of flowers and its intense scent, sage ensures a steady go to from bees and different pollinators in your backyard. An herb backyard that accommodates bee-friendly herbs comparable to sage promotes biodiversity and helps bees of their vital work.
By following these easy steps and selecting bee-friendly herbs, everybody might help enhance the residing circumstances of bees. These crops are usually not solely engaging to bees, however are additionally simple to take care of and provide many advantages to the gardener.
Bee-friendly bushes and shrubs
Bee-friendly shrubs and woody crops are invaluable for foraging for a lot of bugs, together with bees, bumblebees and butterflies. Such a plant helps to make the habitat extra numerous and ecologically useful. Cautious choice helps to make sure that bees are provided with pollen and nectar over an extended time frame.
Willow catkins
Pussy willows are a superb instance of bee-friendly shrubs. They bloom very early within the spring and thus present an vital first supply of meals for bees. The velvety inflorescences of those shrubs are wealthy in nectar and pollen and due to this fact appeal to many bugs.
hazelnut
The hazelnut can also be one of many bee-friendly bushes. Its flowers additionally seem early within the 12 months and supply the bees with useful meals after the chilly winter months. You may profit from the crops not solely within the backyard, but additionally in pure hedges.
For extra details about bee-friendly balcony crops and how you can rework an city balcony right into a inexperienced oasis, see this web page.
| plant | heyday | Nectar/Pollen |
|---|---|---|
| Willow catkins | Spring | Loads |
| hazelnut | Spring | Loads |
| Sommerflieder (to David Buddleja) | summer time (July to September) | Completely |
| Garten-Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus) | Summer time | Loads |
Wildflowers that bees love
Wildflowers play an important position in our gardens and pure landscapes, offering vital meals sources for bees and different pollinators. Specifically, the sphere scabious, daisy and cornflower are vital contributors to selling biodiversity.
area scabious
The sector scabious is an especially engaging plant for pure bee pastures. This bee-friendly wildflower blooms from late spring into autumn and attracts quite a few pollinators with its vibrant purple flowers. One other benefit is that it’s completely tailored to the native weather conditions and due to this fact thrives with out a lot care.
daisy
The daisy is among the most well-known wildflowers and in addition makes a superb addition to any pure bee pasture. This bee-friendly wildflower requires little care and blooms nearly all 12 months spherical. Daisies present bees with each pollen and nectar, contributing to the ecological stability within the backyard.
Cornflower
The cornflower is one other important plant in bee-friendly gardens. Its hanging blue flowers appeal to not solely bees, but additionally bumblebees, butterflies and different bugs. Cornflowers thrive even in nutrient-poor soils and are due to this fact excellent for pure bee pastures.
Wildflower beds planted with bee-friendly wildflowers comparable to area scabious, daisies and cornflowers present useful habitat and help the survival of many insect species. These crops are excellent for individuals who wish to make their backyard extra sustainable for biodiversity and pollinator conservation.
Bee-friendly flowers for the balcony
Bee-friendly flowers may also assist help bees and different pollinators on the balcony. By cleverly choosing and mixing several types of flowers for balcony bins and pots, you may make a contribution to nature conservation even in a small house.
balcony flowers
There are quite a few bee-friendly flowers for the balcony that not solely look stunning, but additionally present the bees with a useful supply of meals. The preferred varieties embrace lavender, nasturtiums, marigolds and snapdragons. These crops bloom till autumn and supply the bees with loads of meals all summer time lengthy. Flowering herbs comparable to rosemary and thyme are additionally an irresistible supply of meals for bees and bumblebees on the balcony. The brightly coloured flowers appeal to the bugs and on the identical time guarantee a colourful balcony.
designing plant bins
When designing planters for bees, it is very important select a various choice of crops with completely different flowering occasions. Perennial wildflower mixes are a superb choice to make sure year-round blooms. Zinnias, cosmos and marigolds are additionally very talked-about, whereas aromatic crops comparable to lavender and vanilla flower not solely function nectar sources but additionally create a nice ambiance. Peat-free natural soil gives one of the best breeding floor for balcony crops and can also be environmentally pleasant.
These measures can create nice, bee-friendly habitats even on a small balcony, attracting and supporting the hard-working pollinators. Benefit from the colourful flowers and the buzzing of the bees, whereas on the identical time making a useful contribution to preserving biodiversity.
