Lyla Lindsey
Bees are attracted to flowers for their nectar and pollen, which they collect to make honey. Bees can see colours at the yellow and blue ends of the spectrum most easily, so they are attracted to white, yellow, purple, and blue flowers. Bees in Australia are drawn to a variety of flowers, including daisies, gum trees, lavender, rosemary, and bottlebrush.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Buddleja, Bottlebrush, Daisies, Gum Tree, Grevillea, Lavender, Tea Tree, Melaleuca, Westringia, Abelia, Salvia, Borage, Nasturtium, Daffodils, Basil, Rosemary, Oregano, Marigolds, Zinnia, Cosmos, Dahlias, Dandelion, Chamomile, Coriander, Parsley, Sunflowers, Sweet Peas, Bells of Ireland, Echinacea |
| Colours | White, Yellow, Purple, Blue |
| Other characteristics | Shallow flowers with nectar that is easily accessible, long flowering periods, aromatic |
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What You'll Learn
Bees like white, yellow, purple, and blue flowers
Bees are attracted to flowers for their nectar and pollen, which they collect to make honey. Bees also eat honey and pollen to survive through the winter. Therefore, planting flowers in your garden is one of the easiest ways to help bees. Bees' vision is very different from that of humans. They can most easily see colours at the yellow and blue ends of the spectrum, which is why they are attracted to white, yellow, purple, and blue flowers. They may still feed on red flowers if they have a strong scent.
Daisies are a great choice for attracting bees as they produce abundant flowers over a long period, and their nectar can be easily reached by both short and long-tongued bees. Their flat, open flowers are the perfect shape for nectar and pollen collection. Some varieties include the Cut Leaf Daisy, Federation Daisy, and the African Daisy.
Borage is a small shrub with star-shaped blue-purple flowers that attract both native and introduced bees. It blooms in autumn and is easy to grow in pots.
The Abelia x grandiflora is a medium-sized shrub that produces masses of white bell-shaped flowers that are loved by Blue Banded Bees, Teddy Bear Bees, Carpenter Bees, and many other species. It begins flowering in about December and is a valuable resource for bees during the summer.
Lavender is another flower that bees like. The purple flower spikes of lavender are particularly attractive to Blue Banded Bees.
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Bees are attracted to daisies, gum trees, and bottlebrushes
Bees are attracted to a variety of flowers in Australia, and three of the most popular are daisies, gum trees, and bottlebrushes.
Daisies are a common and easily recognisable flower, with white petals and yellow centres. They are popular with bees because they provide a lot of pollen, which is a vital source of protein and fat for developing larvae. Daisies also produce some nectar, but pollen is the primary reason bees are attracted to them. Daisies come in many varieties, including the Cut Leaf Daisy Brachyscome, the Everlasting Daisy Bracteantha, the African Daisy Osteospermum, and the Seaside Daisy Erigeron. The Oxeye Daisy and the common daisy, Bellis perennis, are also popular with bees, although the latter provides less pollen than some of its larger relatives.
Gum trees, or Eucalyptus and Angophora, are another favourite of bees. When gum trees are in flower, their branches are covered in dense blossoms that attract many kinds of bees. Gum trees are particularly attractive to stingless bees and resin bees, as they provide a source of resin. However, some species of gum trees may not flower every year.
Bottlebrushes, or Callistemon, are widely found across Australia and have distinctive, abundant bright red flowers. These flowers produce a lot of nectar and pollen, which attract a wide range of native bee species, as well as nectar-feeding birds. Bottlebrushes are a great choice for gardens as they can be used as ground covers, hedges, screening shrubs, or street trees. They generally need full sun and moist conditions, although some species will tolerate drier conditions.
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Native Australian bees like grevilleas, wattles, and tea trees
Bees play a crucial role in the survival of flowering plants, as they collect nectar from flowers to make honey and gather pollen, which pollinates the plant as it's transferred to other flowers. Bees also eat honey and pollen to survive through the winter. Therefore, it is essential to plant flowers in your garden to help native bees.
Native Australian bees are particularly attracted to grevilleas, wattles, and tea trees. Grevilleas, also known as spider flowers, are evergreen shrubs or small trees with several hundred species native to Australia. They attract a wide range of pollinators, including butterflies, moths, and birds. The Royal Mantle Grevillea variety, for example, produces a large amount of nectar that is enthusiastically collected by stingless bees.
Wattles, also known as acacias, are fast-growing trees with beautiful yellow flower balls. With close to 1,000 species found in Australia, wattles provide shelter, food, and habitats for Australian birds and bees. The golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha) is Australia's national flower.
Tea trees, or Leptospermum, are small trees or shrubs with papery layered bark and cup-shaped flowers that attract native bees and many other wild pollinators. Tea trees are related to Eucalyptus and have fragrant orange, pink, or red flowers that bloom in the spring. They prefer hot and dry conditions and well-drained soil.
In addition to grevilleas, wattles, and tea trees, native Australian bees are attracted to a variety of other plants, including bottlebrush, daisies, gum trees, lavender, and coastal rosemary.
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Herbs like rosemary, oregano, and basil attract bees
Bees are essential pollinators for plants and play a vital role in the ecosystem. In Australia, both native bees and introduced honey bees need flowering plants to survive. They collect nectar from flowers to make honey and gather pollen to feed on during winter. One of the best ways to support bee populations is by planting flowers and herbs that attract them.
Herbs like rosemary, oregano, and basil are excellent choices for creating a bee-friendly garden. These herbs not only offer culinary benefits but also provide valuable food sources for bees. Let's explore each of these herbs and their appeal to bees in more detail.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a versatile herb that thrives in various soil types and harsh Australian conditions. It produces delicate white to light blue flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators, especially blue-banded bees. Rosemary flowers are a favourite among bees, and the herb's ability to withstand different environments makes it an excellent choice for gardens across Australia.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is another bee-friendly herb that grows tall with olive green leaves and large flower spikes. Oregano flowers bloom in the summer, ranging in colour from purple to pink or white. The nectar produced by oregano flowers attracts short-tongued bumblebees, honeybees, and various other bee species. Ornamental oregano varieties, such as Origanum Herrenhausen, with its purple blooms, are particularly enticing to bees.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a well-known herb that adds flavour to many dishes. When allowed to flower, basil becomes a magnet for bees and other insects. Its flower spikes provide abundant blooms that are a valuable source of energy and pollen for bees. Thai Basil, with its purple stems and leaves, not only enhances the beauty of your garden but also contributes to the well-being of the bee population.
In addition to rosemary, oregano, and basil, other herbs that attract bees include thyme, with its small and densely packed flowers, and lavender, which is known for its nectar-rich purple flower spikes that are especially attractive to blue-banded bees. Borage, a self-seeding herb with star-shaped blue-purple flowers, is another excellent choice for attracting both native and introduced bees.
By incorporating these herbs into your garden, you not only enhance your culinary creations but also play a vital role in supporting bee populations and promoting a healthy ecosystem. Remember, even a small garden or a few pots can make a significant difference in the lives of bees.
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Bees like sunflowers, marigolds, cosmos, and dahlias
Bees play a crucial role in pollinating flowers, allowing them to bloom and stay healthy. With bee numbers declining globally, it is essential to create nurturing environments for them. One way to do this is by planting flowers that bees love, providing them with essential sources of pollen and nectar. Here are some flowers that are particularly attractive to bees in Australia:
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are one of the first plants that come to mind when considering bee-friendly flowers. They are easy to grow from seeds, blooming throughout the summer and into autumn. The large yellow sunflower blooms are made up of thousands of tiny flowers, providing an abundance of pollen and nectar for bees.
Marigolds
Marigolds, or Tagetes erecta, are widely cultivated and long-flowering. They enjoy full sun and hot days, growing well in dry or moist soil with minimal care. Single cultivars of marigolds are better for bees, offering a good source of both nectar and pollen. Marigolds are also useful as insect repellants, deterring pests like whiteflies and cabbage worms from vegetable gardens.
Cosmos
The beautiful white cosmos is loved by bees and other pollinators. They are easy to grow and will flower year-round if there is no frost. Cosmos seeds should be sown after the last frost in full sun, covered lightly, and watered regularly until seedlings emerge.
Dahlias
Dahlias are known for their bold and colourful flowers, with various growing forms, including pom-poms, dinner plates, and collarettes. Bees love the open forms of some dahlia cultivars, such as 'E.F. Rothko', and can even be found sleeping in the flowers. Dahlias are relatively easy to grow and germinate from seed.
By planting a diverse range of flowers, including sunflowers, marigolds, cosmos, and dahlias, Australians can provide bees with a balanced diet of pollen and nectar, helping to support and nurture these important pollinators.
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Frequently asked questions
Bees are attracted to flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen. Some flowers that are particularly attractive to bees in Australia include daisies, gum trees, lavender, rosemary, bottlebrush, and grevillea.
Australia is home to a variety of native bee species, including Blue-banded Bees, Leafcutter Bees, and Resin Bees.
Bees are attracted to flowers that are white, yellow, purple, and blue. They may still feed on red flowers if they have a strong scent.
