The Unique Charm of Lavender: What Attracts Bees So Well
Lavender has long been recognized for its remarkable ability to attract bees, making it a popular choice for gardeners, farmers, and beekeepers. But what exactly makes this beautiful plant so attractive to our buzzing pollinators?
Key Factors in Lavender's Bee Attraction
Fragrance: Lavender’s strong, pleasant fragrance is a key reason for its bee attraction. The essential oils in lavender release volatile compounds that signal to bees the presence of nectar. This olfactory appeal is particularly potent, given that bees have very keen olfaction, and lavender plants release a great deal of volatiles.
Color: The purple hue of lavender flowers stands out, especially within the blue and violet spectrum, which are particularly appealing to bees. This color plays a crucial role in helping bees locate the flowers easily. In fact, lavender’s color was also significant historically, associated with the higher orders back in Roman times. The prevalence of lavender-colored plants in nature further reinforces this visual attraction for bees.
Nectar and Pollen: Lavender flowers produce abundant nectar and pollen, which are vital food sources for bees. The nectar, sweet and rich, provides energy, while the pollen, a protein source, is essential for bee development. This combination of rich nutrition ensures that bees can forage efficiently from lavender plants.
Flower Structure: The tubular shape of lavender flowers allows easy access for bees to collect nectar and pollen. This unique structure not only facilitates efficient nectar and pollen collection but also encourages frequent visits by bees, further enhancing pollination efforts.
Blooming Period: Lavender typically blooms in the summer, a time when many bee species are most active. This timing makes it a reliable food source when other flowers may not be available. By blooming during this period, lavender plays a crucial role in supporting bee populations during what could otherwise be a period of scarcity.
Understanding Bee Preferences
Bees have highly specialized preferences based on their anatomy. For instance, honeybees prefer borage, while bumblebees have a preference for lavender. This difference is largely due to the length of their proboscis, which they use to suck up nectar. Recent research indicates that bumblebees on lavender “have it licked,” highlighting their effectiveness in accessing and utilizing lavender’s resources.
Planting Lavender for Optimal Bee Populations
Many gardeners have found success in planting lavender to attract bees, with positive results in their gardens. For example, lavender is particularly favored by both honeybees and bumblebees. Other bee-friendly plants like Astrantia, Rosebay Willowherb, and Blackberry are also highly appreciated.
For those looking to enhance their bee-friendly landscape, lavender remains a top choice. However, it’s worth noting that not all lavender varieties are created equal, and some may not be as attractive as others. If you’re finding that your borage plantings haven't yet established, you might consider purchasing more seed to ensure a variety of bee-friendly plants in your garden.
In conclusion, lavender’s unique combination of scent, color, nectar, pollen, and flower structure makes it an exceptional plant for attracting bees. By understanding the key factors and adapting your garden choices, you can significantly support local bee populations and ensure a thriving ecosystem.