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Early last spring, we began hearing about the sudden
disappearance of honeybees. Beekeepers around the country were reporting
losses of bees from their hives in unprecedented numbers ranging from
30 to 90 percent. These bee colony losses have also been reported in Asia,
five Canadian provinces, several European countries, and Central America.
Research is ongoing and theories are being developed, but this phenomenon
has yet to be completely explained. We are watching closely and thinking
of ways we can help in our own small way.
Have you noticed a plant, shrub, or tree in your yard that
is especially attractive to honeybees? If so, we would like to know about
it! All fields are optional. View list.
Your name and email address are safe with us and will not be shared.
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We have compiled this list from our customers who reside
in various parts of the country. Each genus listed, has species that are
hardy in a wide range of areas, but be sure to check the tolerance of
the individual plant relative to your own region.
Caryopteris
Common Name: Bluebeard, or Blue Mist Spiraea
We are delighted that this plant is at the top of the list alphabetically,
because it is one of our all-time favorites. This shrub has gorgeous,
dusty-blue flowers late in the season that will be covered with a multitude
of different pollinators, including a variety of species of bees.
Ceanothus
Common Name: California Lilac and many others
This genus includes about 55 species of very drought tolerant deciduous
or evergreen shrubs or small trees with wonderfully aromatic, small blue
or white flowers.
Lavandula
Common Name: Lavender
Bees love lavender and we do, too. If you have the space, plant a combination
of species for an extended blooming season. Your lavender patch will hum
with happy pollinators.
Mentha
Common Name: Mint
A number of different types of mint are available, and while it can spread
too rapidly, you can easily control mint by planting it in a container.
This is a perfect use for a wine barrel. We have heard its shallow roots
can also be contained through use of edging material, such as metal or
wood, and we will be testing this in our new breakfast garden.
Papaver
Common Name: Poppy
There are about 50 species of poppies, both annual and perennial. We have
seeds of a particularly nice species that were passed along from a friend's
grandmother. This poppy is about 4 feet tall with pink flowers that are
loaded with pollen. Even though it has a relatively short bloom life,
the bees really love it. It will reseed if allowed, but this can be avoided
by deadheading. If you would like some seed, email molly@abeja.net.
Passiflora
Common Name: Passion Flower
About 400 species of vines with spectacular flowers are in this genus.
Historically they have been hardy only in the southernmost U.S., but a
couple of varieties will survive lower temperatures, and we have also
read of one that is hardy to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Symphytum
Common Name: Comfrey
This is a member of the Boraginaceae family, but better behaved than many
of its siblings. It is great for really early blooms and will not reseed
abundantly; also a favorite of hummingbirds.
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