A Buzzing Affair: The Love Story Between Bees and Lavender
Today, I'm going to share with you a fascinating tale of love and symbiosis. It's a story that unfolds in our gardens, fields, and even on our balconies. It's the story of bees and lavender. Yes, you heard it right! Bees absolutely adore lavender.
But why do bees like lavender? And which lavender do bees prefer? Let's dive into this buzzing affair.
The Lavender Love of Bees
Bees, especially bumble bees, are smitten by lavender. This fragrant herb provides a feast of nectar for our foraging friends from spring through summer.
From my personal observations, bees seem to be attracted to both English and French lavender, including their hybrids. However, research suggests that lavender is more popular with bumble bees than honey bees.
A Tale of Two Bees
Here's a fun fact: a bumble bee needs only 1.1 - 1.4 seconds to extract nectar from a lavender flower. In contrast, a honey bee has to push its head further into the flower to reach the nectar, spending about 3.5 seconds on a flower.
This might not seem like much, but when you multiply it over several thousands of flower visits, the difference becomes very significant.
The History of Bees and Lavender
The love affair between bees and lavender is as old as time. For centuries, bees have been drawn to the intoxicating scent and vibrant color of lavender flowers. In turn, lavender plants rely on bees for pollination. It's a beautiful symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties.
The Role of Bees in Pollinating Lavender
Bees play a crucial role in the life cycle of a lavender plant. As they move from flower to flower, collecting nectar, they also transfer pollen. This pollination process is what allows lavender plants to produce seeds and ensure the survival of the species.
The Benefits of Lavender for Bees
Lavender is like a buffet for bees. It offers them a rich source of nectar, which bees turn into honey. But it's not just about the food. Lavender also provides a safe habitat for bees. The dense foliage of a lavender plant is a great place for bees to take shelter from the elements.
How to Care for Lavender Plants to Attract More Bees
If you want to attract more bees to your garden, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure your lavender plants get plenty of sun. Bees are more likely to visit plants that are in full sun.
Also, avoid using pesticides on your lavender plants. These chemicals can harm bees and other beneficial insects.
Growing Lavender for Bees
If you're a lavender grower like me, you might have noticed that bees are not as picky as we are. They love anything in bloom where they can get nectar or pollen.
Some of us might want to leave a certain percentage of plants uncut at harvest time, and the bees will say a collective ‘thank you’ to this practice.
Lavender needs a sunny spot in well-drained soil and will thrive quite well in drought conditions. It also looks great in pots on the patio.
However, despite being fairly drought tolerant, they could dry out in containers and so will need to be watered in hot, dry spells.
Lavender Varieties to Try
If you're wondering which lavender bees prefer, here are a few varieties you could try:
English lavender: 'Imperial Gem,' 'Loddon Pink,' 'Lullaby Blue,' 'Munstead,' 'Nana Alba,' 'Wendy Carlile,' 'Beechwood Blue,' 'Hidcote.'
French lavender: 'Provençal,' 'Kew Red,' 'Spring-break Princess,' 'Snowman,' [Coco Deep Pink].
More lavenders to try: 'Edelweiss,' 'Purple Treasure,' 'Pretty Polly,' 'Backhouse Purple,' 'Anniversary Bouquet,' 'Purity.'
A Friendly Reminder
If you're planning to grow lavender for bees, remember to avoid using chemicals on plants in bloom. Bees can take the insecticide with them back to the hive and harm themselves and their co-workers.
The Impact of Climate and Geography on Bees' Attraction to Lavender
The climate and geography of your area can also affect how attractive your lavender plants are to bees. Lavender thrives in warm, dry climates with well-drained soil.
If you live in a cooler, wetter climate, you might need to take extra steps to ensure your lavender plants stay healthy and attractive to bees.
Let's Sum it Up
Bees and lavender plants share a beautiful, symbiotic relationship. Bees love lavender, and lavender, in turn, thrives with the help of bees. So, whether you're a beekeeper, a lavender grower, or just someone who loves nature, consider planting some lavender.
It's a win-win for everyone involved: you get a beautiful, fragrant plant, the bees get a source of nectar, and the world gets a little bit greener.
Remember, the best lavender for bees is the one that grows well in your area and blooms abundantly.
So, whether it's English lavender, French lavender, or any other variety, as long as it's blooming, the bees will love it. And who knows, you might just find a bumblebee on lavender, happily buzzing away!
Betsy and Pete
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Us: The Authors
We're Betsy and Pete, passionate Las Vegas beekeepers trained by a master in the field. With hundreds of successful bee and bee swarm removals under our belts, we're not just experts; we're enthusiasts committed to the well-being of these incredible pollinators.
We manage dozens of beehives, both natural and honey-bearing at our Joshua Tree Preserve.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Education is an ongoing journey, especially in a dynamic field such as beekeeping. That's why we continually update our knowledge base, collaborate with other experts, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in bee control methods and beekeeping practices.
We also provide top-tier beekeeping supplies, offering everything a beekeeper needs, from beginners to experts.