Gardening for bumblebees
Wildflowers have become scarce in the
countryside because we've lost many traditional habitats like hedgerows, hay meadows
and chalk grassland (learn more). The extensive use of pesticides in farmland has
also drastically reduced wildflower numbers. As a result, many bumblebees species have declined dramatically, with two species already nationally extinct and several others giving us serious cause for concern. Wildlife gardens have become a
stronghold for some bumblebee species. Wherever you live in the UK you should be able to
attract at least 6 bumblebee species to your garden, and perhaps as
many at 10.
Bumblebees need flowers throughout the Spring and Summer (March-Sept), and these need to be the right kinds of flowers. Exotic or highly cultivated garden flowers are largely unsuitable, as they either produce little pollen and nectar, or keep it hidden away from the bees. In particular, most annual bedding plants (e.g. Pelargonium, Begonia, Busy Lizzies) have little nectar to offer bees or other wildlife. Instead, why not try growing traditional cottage garden flowers and native wildflowers. Many of these thrive and look superb in the garden. They are also easy to grow, generally being hardy and much more resistant to slugs and disease. Bumblebee species differ in the length of their tongues, and as a result prefer different flowers, so it's important to grow a range of different things.
Viper's bugloss (pictured above-right) is perhaps the very best plant to attract bumblebees to your garden. Much loved by almost all species, and it looks great too. It flowers from June-August.
Below you'll find a selection of both garden and wild flowers that will bloom throughout the year. They are all types that bumblebees love, and will cater for both long and short-tongued species. If you have room for even one or two of these they will attract many bees. Most of these plants will also attract a range of other interesting insects to the garden, including butterflies and honeybees.
Why not download a simple factsheet to print out and pass on to family and friends?
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Want to know more?
Why not order a copy of the BBCT book 'Gardening for Bumblebees'? Packed with all of the information you need to turn your garden into a haven for bumblebees. Yours for a suggested donation of £2.50 plus 50 pence for postage and packing.
Written by BBCT Trustee and bumblebee expert Prof. Dave Goulson, this little book is guaranteed to get your garden buzzing! If you'd like a copy of this book but don't want to join BBCT then click the link below.
