Bumblebee super-plant - Lavender

1st August, 2023

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the top plants for attracting more bumblebees to your garden. Lavender is a flowering perennial herb that produces fragrant, purple or lavender-coloured flowers and silver-green foliage. Here are some details about lavender and its attractiveness to British bumblebees: 

1. Flower Characteristics: Lavender has distinct flower shapes and colours that British bumblebees find particularly attractive. The flowers are tubular with a landing platform, making it easier for bees to access nectar and pollen. The purple colour of lavender flowers is known to be highly appealing to bumblebees. 

2. Abundant Nectar: Lavender flowers produce copious amounts of nectar, which serves as a rich energy source for bumblebees. The nectar is high in sugars, providing essential carbohydrates for these pollinators. 

3. Extended Bloom Period: Lavender blooms for an extended period, typically from late spring to early autumn. The long flowering season of lavender ensures a consistent food source for bumblebees throughout the warmer months, allowing them to thrive. 

4. Floral Scent: The floral scent of lavender is irresistible to bumblebees. The fragrance acts as an excellent attractant, guiding bees towards the flowers. Bumblebees have a strong sense of smell and are drawn to lavender's aroma from a distance. 

5. Rich Pollen Source: Bumblebees collect pollen to feed their larvae, making lavender an important plant for the survival and growth of bumblebee colonies. 

6. Native Habitat and Adaptability: Lavender has been widely cultivated in the United Kingdom and is an adaptable plant that thrives in various soil types and environmental conditions. This makes it readily available in gardens and urban areas, providing accessible feeding sites for bumblebees. Studies have shown that lavender is highly attractive to a wide range of bumblebee species in the UK. For example, a study conducted by the Royal Horticultural Society found that lavender was the most popular plant for bumblebees in a survey of British gardens. Bumblebees were observed visiting lavender flowers for up to two minutes at a time, indicating the high value of the plant as a nectar source. 

7. Visual Signal: Lavender flowers have petals that reflect ultraviolet (UV) light, creating a visual signal that is especially attractive to bees. Bumblebees can detect UV patterns on flowers, enhancing their ability to locate and recognize lavender as a food source.

 By planting lavender in your garden or outdoor spaces, you can create a welcoming habitat for British bumblebees. The sight, scent, and availability of nectar and pollen on lavender flowers make it a highly attractive plant for these important pollinators.