There is some debate over whether or not honeysuckle attracts bees, as different species of honeysuckle may offer different levels of nectar. However, most experts believe that bees are attracted to honeysuckle flowers and that the plants provide an essential food source for these pollinators.
In fact, many beekeepers use honeysuckle as a source of pollen for their hives. If you’re looking to attract bees to your garden, consider planting some honeysuckle bushes.
What is Honeysuckle?
Honeysuckle is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lonicera, native to the Northern Hemisphere. The name “honeysuckle” applies to both the sweetly scented flowers and the edible berries. There are over 100 species of honeysuckle, mostly native to Asia, Europe, and North America.
The leaves are opposite, simple oval, 2–5 cm long, and 1–3 cm broad. The flowers are bell-shaped, yellow or white with five fused petals, produced in pairs on the stem opposite the leaves. The fruit is a red or black berry containing several seeds.
Honeysuckles have been used for food since prehistory. The ancient Greeks and Romans consumed them, and the leaves of some species are still eaten in Asia.
All of the varieties of honeysuckle are prized for their fragrant flowers, which can be white, pink, or red. The plants are also known for their sweet nectar, which bees love. Honeysuckle grows in various climates and soil types, making it a versatile garden plant.
What Types of Honeysuckle Attract Bees?
If you’re looking to attract bees to your garden, consider planting some of the following types of honeysuckle:
Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
This upright shrub grows 5–10 feet tall and has tubular red flowers that hummingbirds pollinate.
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
This vigorous vine grows 10–20 feet long and has fragrant white flowers that butterflies pollinate.
Fragrant Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima)
This shrub grows 2–5 feet tall and has sweetly scented white flowers pollinated by bees.
If you’re looking to attract bees to your garden, consider planting some of these types of honeysuckle. Not only will you be helping the bees, but you’ll also enjoy the sweet fragrance of the flowers.
What Does Honeysuckle Do For Bees?
Bees do many things for us, but one of the most important is their role in pollinating crops. Bees can pollinate flowers because they collect pollen on their bodies as they move from flower to flower.
When bees visit flowers, they spread pollen from the stamen (male part of the plant) to the pistil (female part of the plant). This process allows plants to reproduce and create fruit.
Honeysuckle is an excellent source of nectar for bees, and it helps them stay healthy and strong so that they can continue to pollinate flowers. Honeysuckle also contains antioxidants, which help protect bees from harmful chemicals and environmental pollutants. Bees can stay healthy and pollinate flowers and crops thanks to honeysuckle.
Does Honeysuckle Attract Bees?: Conclusion
Many flowers attract bees, including honeysuckle. The plants’ nectar and pollen are vital food sources for these pollinators, who come to consume them. Many beekeepers utilize honeysuckle as a pollen source for their hives because it is nutritious.
Consider growing some honeysuckle bushes if you want to encourage bees in your garden. You will not only be assisting the bees, but you will also get pleasure from the lovely fragrance of the flowers and delectable fruits.
Bees like honeysuckle flowers, but won’t eat your honeysuckle. If that’s what you have going on, check out our list of what eats honeysuckle leaves.
Related: Does weed and feed kill bees?