You might know lavender for its stunning looks and the pleasant smell its flowers release. This herb is native to the Mediterranean and contributes to attracting plenty of beneficial pollinators.
And if you ever planted one at home, you know how it can make your garden more lively. After all, lavender will be full of bees flying around during the spring and the summer.
But is lavender good for bees? And what more should you know about this herb and its relationship with bees? You have landed in the right place to find out! Keep reading this essential guide to learning more about lavender and its attractiveness to bees.
Why Are Bees Attracted to Lavender?
Bees seem to love lavender. If you have one of these plants in your garden, you have probably already noticed this. This fragrant herb produces delicious pollen and nectar that attracts bees like a magnet. Both honey bees and bumblebees will not resist lavender.
However, recent studies show that the latter enjoy this plant even more. Indeed, bumblebees can count on longer tongues, which allow them to extract the nectar from the tubular-shaped flowers better than honey bees.
Bees are attracted to lavender because of its fragrance and vivid colors. The herb has adapted in such a way to increase its chances of reproducing. Indeed, as the bees collect nectar, they move pollen from one flower to the next, contributing to their fertilization.
Is Lavender Good For Bees?
Let’s be clear: lavender is an excellent plant to add to your garden. And bees love it. So, if you are looking for ways to make your garden more lively, there might not be a better option than planting lavender.
Indeed, it is one of the best plants to attract bees, together with Blackeyed Susans, chives, and butterfly bush.
So, yes: lavender is good for bees, who love to feed on its pollen and delicious nectar. Interestingly, because of the better physical adaptation of bumblebees (which we mentioned in the previous section), you can expect lavender to attract more of these creatures.
After all, their long tongues allow them to extract the nectar in as little as 1-1.4 seconds. On the other hand, honey bees might take as long as 4 seconds to reach the delicious liquid.
Still, many beekeepers tend to plant lavender near their hives to provide a food source for their colonies. But don’t forget that if you have a garden full of plants, you will attract different species of pollinators.
Bee species have varying food preferences. If you want to attract honey bees, you might have better luck with borage.
Which Variety of Lavender Attracts Bees?
All varieties of lavender attract bees. However, as we mentioned, some species might prefer some varieties over others. Still, any lavender will increase the number of visits from bees (and other pollinators).
English, Spanish, and French lavender (and their hybrids) will all attract bees in your yard. According to some recent investigations, larger cultivars seem to be the best option for bees.
Angustifolia varieties and their hybrids are the preferred ones. Still, keep in mind that you must choose a variety that works well in your USDA hardiness zone.
Don’t forget that you’ll have to locate your lavender in a sunny location. After all, for it to attract bees, lavender must be in good shape. Choose a well-draining substrate to prevent fungal infections or other diseases that might cause your issues.
Water your plant once every two weeks and avoid overwatering. Lavender is a herb native to the Mediterranean: it prefers hot and dry climates and does not have a high tolerance to low temperatures.
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