Bumblebee super-plant - Red clover

1st August, 2023

A plant that is proven to attract many British bumblebees is the Red clover (Trifolium pratense). This plant is a herbaceous perennial and is commonly found in grasslands and meadows across the UK. 

Red clovers are particularly attractive to bumblebees because of the nectar-rich, bell-shaped flowers that bloom throughout the summer months. The flowers are a distinct shade of pink and are arranged in a dense, cylindrical cluster. Each flower produces a small amount of nectar in its base, which is easily accessible to bumblebees and other pollinators thanks to the flower's structure.

Research has shown that red clovers are highly effective at attracting bumblebees, particularly the common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum) and the buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris). This is due to the high concentration of nectar produced by the flowers, which is essential for providing bumblebees with the energy they need to forage and pollinate other plants. 

Numerous studies have shown that bumblebees have a strong preference for red clover and are attracted to its bright red and pink flowers. One study found that red clover was the most visited flower by bumblebees in a field experiment, with workers spending an average of almost 6 minutes per flower. Additionally, bumblebees have been shown to be highly efficient at collecting nectar and pollen from red clover flowers, with one study reporting that workers were able to collect up to 45 pollen grains per visit. 

Overall, red clovers are an excellent choice for gardeners and land managers looking to create habitats for bumblebees. They are easy to grow, hardy and attract a wide range of other beneficial insects such as butterflies, moths, and hoverflies.