Attracting Bumblebees

14 years ago

Hi, I'm new to this forum, but I was wondering if anyone has had problems with not enough bees? My Mom has had a terrible time trying to get her fruit trees and vegetables pollinated.

I am fortunate, that while I haven't seen many honeybees, I do have a lot of bumblebees. While we both live in Eastern Washington, I live out of town and I think all the wildflowers and fruit trees we have keeps them interested. I've also been trying to plant more flowers that attract them. I read somewhere that fancy ruffled flowers are a turn off, that bumblebees prefer simple cottage flowers...easy access :)

Any other suggestions? My Mom is going to try to add more bee balm and lavender. I'd appreciate any help you can offer!

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Comments (4)

Konrad___far_north
14 years ago
Good for you lavender!

I plant poppy, these are also good for honeybees and get them interested in when everything else fails,....good pollen source, also sunflower and borage.

Oh..I should mention, if you have the room, plant a Linden tree, the lovely smell of Linden flowers attracts them all!

Konrad
torajima
14 years ago
They love blue & purple flowers, including lavender!

Some of their favorites in my yard are Agastache foeniculum and catmint (nepeta).
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lavender_lass
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you for the good ideas! My Mom has some poppies she planted and with her coneflower finally blooming, she is getting bees back in her yard :)

I love blue and purple flowers. Catmint sounds like a nice choice. Is it invasive like other mints?
torajima
14 years ago
No, catmint is not invasive. Mine hasn't spread at all.

Oh, and hummingbirds love it too.