Bee Guide September

01 Sep, 2023

Bee-friendly Plants In Flower

Spring has sprung! The season is finally warming up and the flowers are bursting to life once more. Bees are coming out of winter hibernation and will now be busily looking for food sources for themselves and their colonies.


These are just some of the flowers that will be out in bloom now:

Lavender

Early flowering lavender species, such as the Lavender Major or Lavender The Princess, will be in bloom and are already sort after by bees instore! Lavender is super easy to grow and once established can withstand hot, dry conditions, making them perfect for a beginner gardener or rental properties. An all-time favourite for bumble and honey bees.

Primula

Located in our potted colour section, primula are now flowering and ready to help feed bees in your garden, as well as fill your pots and garden beds with colour. These come in white, pink and purple.

Magnolias

Deciduous magnolias are out in flower in late winter to early spring. These tend to be a favourite for bees at this time of year and can be seen to have five or six bees covering one flower at a time!

Flowering Cherries

Flowering cherries will be in full bloom this September, covering the tree's bare branches in clouds of white and pink blossoms. Bees will be covering these blooms while they last, helping to pollinate them white their beautiful blooms last.

Bee-friendly Plants Ready For Planting

As more plants become available instore in September, it’s a good idea to start planning out your bee garden, especially for national bee month.

Foxglove

A cottage garden perennial that grows tall beautiful flower spikes with a range of colours. Especially loved by Bumblebees. Though bee-friendly, make sure this plant is out of the reach of curious small children and pets, as the flowers are considered poisonous.

Borage

Possible one of the best bee-friendly plants available, this herb will attract both honey and bumblebees, as well as butterflies. The flower is also edible and will add colour on top of any cake or dessert. Plant near a veggie garden or strawberries to offer more variety for pollinators.

Roses

Still a great time to plant roses, there is a huge range in stores. If planting for bees, look for semi-open blooms, (or ask a staff member for help) as these will make it much easier for bees to get at the pollen and nectar.

Echium

A gorgeous cottage garden perennial that had huge flower spikes in late spring/early summer. These are great to plant now in anticipation for bees, especially the blue and purple coloured flowers.

Monthly Bee Tip

Plant a mixture of bee-friendly plants in clumps in your garden to create a larger source of food. Bees that find this source of food will let their hive know, making your garden more bee attractive. More flowers = More Bees!


Aren't much of a gardener but want to offer bees food without planting anything extra? Let your lawn grow out a little, as bees love dandelion, clover and lawn daisies!

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