Bees have had a rough time of it over the past few years although with most of the news hitting the headlines is to do with naturalised honey bees and the terrible problems with CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder). However, our native bumblebees have also been suffering population declines and no more so than the specialist, long-tongued bumble bees.
Unlike the honey bee, bumble bee colonies only store enough pollen and honey to last them a few days should poor weather – or even a temporary lack of suitable nectar rich flowering plants - prevent them from foraging for food. This makes them so much more vulnerable than honey bees to food shortages and therefore it’s vitally important for them to secure nesting sites which can provide constant access to nectar-rich plants throughout the spring, summer and autumn.
In order to help develop local populations of bumble bees in your area it is essential to provide a succession of early flowering nectar-rich plants. This is a particularly important resource as it provides food for the queen bumblebees as they emerge in March from their over-winter hibernation. From this point on, the queen must then single-handedly find enough food to mature her eggs, establish a nest, and rear the first batch of workers.
Once the worker bees have matured, they take on the role of searching for nectar and pollen which, is in turn, used to help rear more workers. Towards the end of the season, the queen begins to stop the production of worker bee eggs, and instead eggs are laid to produce male bees and new queens. These new queens will then found their own colonies the following year, but if they are unable to find a nesting site that is able to provide a season long succession of nectar-rich flowers then the colony will fail and the bumble bees will die.
The single most important thing required for the success of a healthy bumble bee colony is this succession of suitable plants that will provide energy rich pollen and nectar for the whole season – it simply cannot be over stated enough. With the continual loss of habitat combined with the over use of systemic insecticides - which kill off both pest insects as well as beneficial pollinating insects - it has now come down to those of us who have a passion for the environment to repair the damage and provide the natural resources that modern farming and gardening practices have taken away from our native bees.
Below is a list of just a few of the pollen rich plants – and their succession flowering times - that could make all the difference to saving declining native bee populations.
SPRING FLOWERING
Arabis blepharophylla. Originating from California, this sweet scented, alpine-like plant has purple-pink flowers ½ inch across which open from March to May. Although hardy across most of America, severe winters can kill it off so it is advisable to give it some protection depending on where you live.
Aquiligia species. There are a number of plants from this family that have their origins in the United States. A. scopulorum - an alpine species - is native to the Rocky Mountains while the border species such as; A. canadensis is from Canada, A. longissima from Mexico and A. caerulea which is more wide ranging throughout the states. Aquiligia flowers will appear any time from May to July.
Lonicera involucrate. A native of Canada and western United States, this deciduous shrubby honeysuckle will produce yellow flowers surrounded by prominent green bracts from May to July. It has an open habit and is suitable for informal hedging with a height and spread of around 6-8ft if kept untrimmed.
Ribes – ornamental or edible fruiting currents – The family of flowering currants provides plenty of reliable performers for the spring garden, blooming every year without any special care needed or to be given. Perhaps the most ornamental variety is 'King Edward VII' which makes a compact, upright plant that drips with dark red flowers. Ribes will thrive in most ordinary, well drained soils in either full sun or light shade. Plants can be left un-pruned, but for the best performance it is worth cutting the branches that have flowered back to a strong pair of buds just after they have bloomed. For best results, top dress with well-rotted farm manure in April. Look out for Ribes aureaum - alternatively known as R. tenuiflorum – which is a native to North America and commonly known as the golden or buffalo current.
SUMMER FLOWERING
Agastache. This is a large family of perennial herbs which – apart from ‘A. rugosa’ - originate from North America. Most species are very upright, 0.5–3 m tall, with stiff, angular stems clothed in toothed-edged, lance shaped leaves ranging from 1–15 cm long and 0.5–11 cm broad depending on the species. Upright spikes of tubular, two-lipped flowers develop at the stem tips in summer. The flowers - which will appear between from June to September - are usually white, pink, mauve, or purple, with the bracts that back the flowers being of the same or a slightly contrasting colour.
Clarkia elegans and pulchella. Both of these varieties are native to the United States preferring a light acid soil in a sunny position. C. elegans is a popular plant from California growing up to 2 ft in height. It will produce flowers approximately 2 inches across from July to September. C. pulchella is erect branching in habit growing to about 18 inches in height. It has lavender semi-double flowers, 1 ½ inches across that are produce don flower spike unto 9 inches long appearing from July to September.
Cosmos. There are two species within this family of annuals which make fantastic plants, both of which are native to Mexico. The first is Cosmos bipinnatus which grows to 3ft in height and can show a range of colours from white to pink through to crimson. The second example is Cosmos sulphurous growing taller at an average height of 3ft. Its leaves are of a darker green while its flowers are borne yellow on long stems. Both plants prefer a light and rather poor soil and will usually need staking once the flower stems reach full height. However this will not be necessary if they are grown in an established mixed boarder. Both species will flower from August until September.
Delphinium cardinale. A native to California, this hardy perennial with its deeply dissected mid green leaves makes a stunning show in any garden. With its, bright red, cupped shaped flowers that appear on loose racemes in July to August it almost looks tropical in nature.
Eschscholzia species. More commonly known as the Californian poppy, this hardy annual is already a popular addition in many gardens. A native of Western America, Eschscholzia has blue/green, finely cut leaves which act as a fantastic backdrop to the striking burned orange flowers which appear in profusion from June to October. Eschscholzia are easy to grow, and excellent for use as an informal edging plant or within a rockery.
Helianthus – sunflower. The popular sunflower is indigenous throughout the United States. Although we are more familiar today with the tall growing giants, most of the native plants will only grow between 1 ½-3ft. They are easy to grow preferring a sunny position and have flowering times between July and October
Liatris species. There are a number of forms all native to the United States, but the commonly available are L. callilepis. L graminifolia and L. spicata. They are all hardy perennials which grow to around 2-3ft in height. These prefer a sunny position and will tolerate a range of soils. L. spicata will prefer damp, boggy soils while L graminifolia likes to kept on the dry side. They will provide pink flower spikes up to 12 inches long any time between July and September.
Lonicera sempervirens. This evergreen/semi-evergreen – depending on how cold it gets - is a vigorous climbing shrub that can reach up to 20ft or more. Commonly known as the ‘Trumpet Honeysuckle’ this native to the southern United States will produce 2-3 inch long flowers that are scarlet on the outside and an orange/yellow on the inside in June and August.
Monarda species – so popular are plants from this family with bees that its common name is known as Bee Balm. This native of North America has very distinctive flower-heads with each one consists of a large number of curving tubular flowers growing out from a central point. As the flowers mature they create a shaggy and characteristic dome of petals. The plant has a long flowering season, from early summer to early autumn, and blooms almost continuously if deadheaded periodically. It prefers a free-draining yet moist soil in full sun although it can tolerate semi shade.
Polemonium carneum – Western United States: P. Foliosissimum – the Rocky Mountains: P.reptans – North America. Commonly known as ‘Jacobs Ladder’ Polemonium species will tolerate most garden soils in a sunny or partially shaded position. Polemonium carneum will grow up to about 2ft, flowering blue or white on racemes from April to July. P. foliosissimum is a taller species growing around 3ft in height and produced mauve-blue flowers from early June to September. P.reptans is the smallest in the group growing 18-24 inches in height, producing wide, bright blue flowers from May to June.
Rubus odoratus. A native to eastern North America, this vigorous deciduous shrub has a spread of 4-5 ft and a height of between 6-8ft. If has these wonderful, velvety, vine-shaped leaves and will produce fragrant, purple/rose flowers from June until August. Rubus will prefer any ordinary, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Salvia species. There are a number of species within this family that are native to North America. The most common of these will be S. farinacae – Texas, although there are a number from South America such as Salvia splendens, and the popular Salvia spathulifolium – western United States. Salvia farinacae will grow to a height of 2ft bearing white flowers in July and August. They will grow in most soils, preferably in an open, sunny site.
Sidalcea malvifolia. A native of the western United States, Sidalcea malvifolia is a popular species which has now been superseded by many more colourful variations. It will grow to a height of between 12-18 inches, and will produce pink, funnel-shaped flowers from June to September. Sidalcea malvifolia will grow in any ordinary, free-draining soil preferably in an open, sunny site.
Verbena bonarienses. This native to South America can grow to a height of up to 4-5ft. It is already a popular perennial which can even flower in its first season if the seeds are sown early enough. Its tall branched stems bear tight clusters of rose-lavender flower heads which are produced from June to October.
Zinnia elegans. A native to Mexico, this brightly coloured daisy like flower grows to about 2 ½ ft in height. This species plant has showy purple flowers 2 ½ inches across which appear from July to September however there is a wide range of different coloured hybrids also available.
AUTUMN FLOWERING
Aster ericoides. This is one of the few native North American asters out of a very large family. Although the wild species will flower white, or white tinged with pink there are some cultivated varieties such as ‘Blue Star- pale blue and ‘Ringdove’ – pale rose-mauve. Aster ericoides will flower between September and October.
Aster novae–angliae (Michealmas daisy). This is a very popular flowering aster originating from North America although the original species has been superseded by numerous cultivated varieties. They can come in single, semi-double and double forms with a wide range of hues from pink to blue and red to purple. The flowers can be as large as 2 inches across appearing from September to October.
Helenium autumnale. This hardy perennial is a native to Canada. It will grow to a height of up to 4-5ft and will provide bold yellow flowers from August until October. For best results, plant pot-grown specimens between October and April, and preferably in a sunny position. They are perfectly happy growing in any ordinary soil but may they need support in an exposed position unless they are growing within an established herbaceous border.
Rudbekia species. There are around 25 hardy annuals and herbaceous perennials within this genus found throughout most of the American continent. Ranging in height from 2-6ft most will produce flowers within the yellow to deep orange spectrum which will appear anytime from July to October. Rudbeckias will grow in any ordinary, free-draining soil preferably in an open, sunny site.
Solidago species. This genus of hardy, herbaceous perennials is native to eastern Canada and eastern United States. Depending on the species they will grow between 6 inches and 3ft in height producing yellow flowers between August and October. They will tolerate any ordinary soil, in full sun to semi shade. The taller varieties may require staking, but only to half the plants full height.
Unlike the honey bee, bumble bee colonies only store enough pollen and honey to last them a few days should poor weather – or even a temporary lack of suitable nectar rich flowering plants - prevent them from foraging for food. This makes them so much more vulnerable than honey bees to food shortages and therefore it’s vitally important for them to secure nesting sites which can provide constant access to nectar-rich plants throughout the spring, summer and autumn.
In order to help develop local populations of bumble bees in your area it is essential to provide a succession of early flowering nectar-rich plants. This is a particularly important resource as it provides food for the queen bumblebees as they emerge in March from their over-winter hibernation. From this point on, the queen must then single-handedly find enough food to mature her eggs, establish a nest, and rear the first batch of workers.
Once the worker bees have matured, they take on the role of searching for nectar and pollen which, is in turn, used to help rear more workers. Towards the end of the season, the queen begins to stop the production of worker bee eggs, and instead eggs are laid to produce male bees and new queens. These new queens will then found their own colonies the following year, but if they are unable to find a nesting site that is able to provide a season long succession of nectar-rich flowers then the colony will fail and the bumble bees will die.
The single most important thing required for the success of a healthy bumble bee colony is this succession of suitable plants that will provide energy rich pollen and nectar for the whole season – it simply cannot be over stated enough. With the continual loss of habitat combined with the over use of systemic insecticides - which kill off both pest insects as well as beneficial pollinating insects - it has now come down to those of us who have a passion for the environment to repair the damage and provide the natural resources that modern farming and gardening practices have taken away from our native bees.
Below is a list of just a few of the pollen rich plants – and their succession flowering times - that could make all the difference to saving declining native bee populations.
SPRING FLOWERING
Arabis blepharophylla. Originating from California, this sweet scented, alpine-like plant has purple-pink flowers ½ inch across which open from March to May. Although hardy across most of America, severe winters can kill it off so it is advisable to give it some protection depending on where you live.
Aquiligia species. There are a number of plants from this family that have their origins in the United States. A. scopulorum - an alpine species - is native to the Rocky Mountains while the border species such as; A. canadensis is from Canada, A. longissima from Mexico and A. caerulea which is more wide ranging throughout the states. Aquiligia flowers will appear any time from May to July.
Lonicera involucrate. A native of Canada and western United States, this deciduous shrubby honeysuckle will produce yellow flowers surrounded by prominent green bracts from May to July. It has an open habit and is suitable for informal hedging with a height and spread of around 6-8ft if kept untrimmed.
Ribes – ornamental or edible fruiting currents – The family of flowering currants provides plenty of reliable performers for the spring garden, blooming every year without any special care needed or to be given. Perhaps the most ornamental variety is 'King Edward VII' which makes a compact, upright plant that drips with dark red flowers. Ribes will thrive in most ordinary, well drained soils in either full sun or light shade. Plants can be left un-pruned, but for the best performance it is worth cutting the branches that have flowered back to a strong pair of buds just after they have bloomed. For best results, top dress with well-rotted farm manure in April. Look out for Ribes aureaum - alternatively known as R. tenuiflorum – which is a native to North America and commonly known as the golden or buffalo current.
SUMMER FLOWERING
Agastache. This is a large family of perennial herbs which – apart from ‘A. rugosa’ - originate from North America. Most species are very upright, 0.5–3 m tall, with stiff, angular stems clothed in toothed-edged, lance shaped leaves ranging from 1–15 cm long and 0.5–11 cm broad depending on the species. Upright spikes of tubular, two-lipped flowers develop at the stem tips in summer. The flowers - which will appear between from June to September - are usually white, pink, mauve, or purple, with the bracts that back the flowers being of the same or a slightly contrasting colour.
Clarkia elegans and pulchella. Both of these varieties are native to the United States preferring a light acid soil in a sunny position. C. elegans is a popular plant from California growing up to 2 ft in height. It will produce flowers approximately 2 inches across from July to September. C. pulchella is erect branching in habit growing to about 18 inches in height. It has lavender semi-double flowers, 1 ½ inches across that are produce don flower spike unto 9 inches long appearing from July to September.
Cosmos. There are two species within this family of annuals which make fantastic plants, both of which are native to Mexico. The first is Cosmos bipinnatus which grows to 3ft in height and can show a range of colours from white to pink through to crimson. The second example is Cosmos sulphurous growing taller at an average height of 3ft. Its leaves are of a darker green while its flowers are borne yellow on long stems. Both plants prefer a light and rather poor soil and will usually need staking once the flower stems reach full height. However this will not be necessary if they are grown in an established mixed boarder. Both species will flower from August until September.
Delphinium cardinale. A native to California, this hardy perennial with its deeply dissected mid green leaves makes a stunning show in any garden. With its, bright red, cupped shaped flowers that appear on loose racemes in July to August it almost looks tropical in nature.
Eschscholzia species. More commonly known as the Californian poppy, this hardy annual is already a popular addition in many gardens. A native of Western America, Eschscholzia has blue/green, finely cut leaves which act as a fantastic backdrop to the striking burned orange flowers which appear in profusion from June to October. Eschscholzia are easy to grow, and excellent for use as an informal edging plant or within a rockery.
Helianthus – sunflower. The popular sunflower is indigenous throughout the United States. Although we are more familiar today with the tall growing giants, most of the native plants will only grow between 1 ½-3ft. They are easy to grow preferring a sunny position and have flowering times between July and October
Liatris species. There are a number of forms all native to the United States, but the commonly available are L. callilepis. L graminifolia and L. spicata. They are all hardy perennials which grow to around 2-3ft in height. These prefer a sunny position and will tolerate a range of soils. L. spicata will prefer damp, boggy soils while L graminifolia likes to kept on the dry side. They will provide pink flower spikes up to 12 inches long any time between July and September.
Lonicera sempervirens. This evergreen/semi-evergreen – depending on how cold it gets - is a vigorous climbing shrub that can reach up to 20ft or more. Commonly known as the ‘Trumpet Honeysuckle’ this native to the southern United States will produce 2-3 inch long flowers that are scarlet on the outside and an orange/yellow on the inside in June and August.
Monarda species – so popular are plants from this family with bees that its common name is known as Bee Balm. This native of North America has very distinctive flower-heads with each one consists of a large number of curving tubular flowers growing out from a central point. As the flowers mature they create a shaggy and characteristic dome of petals. The plant has a long flowering season, from early summer to early autumn, and blooms almost continuously if deadheaded periodically. It prefers a free-draining yet moist soil in full sun although it can tolerate semi shade.
Polemonium carneum – Western United States: P. Foliosissimum – the Rocky Mountains: P.reptans – North America. Commonly known as ‘Jacobs Ladder’ Polemonium species will tolerate most garden soils in a sunny or partially shaded position. Polemonium carneum will grow up to about 2ft, flowering blue or white on racemes from April to July. P. foliosissimum is a taller species growing around 3ft in height and produced mauve-blue flowers from early June to September. P.reptans is the smallest in the group growing 18-24 inches in height, producing wide, bright blue flowers from May to June.
Rubus odoratus. A native to eastern North America, this vigorous deciduous shrub has a spread of 4-5 ft and a height of between 6-8ft. If has these wonderful, velvety, vine-shaped leaves and will produce fragrant, purple/rose flowers from June until August. Rubus will prefer any ordinary, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Salvia species. There are a number of species within this family that are native to North America. The most common of these will be S. farinacae – Texas, although there are a number from South America such as Salvia splendens, and the popular Salvia spathulifolium – western United States. Salvia farinacae will grow to a height of 2ft bearing white flowers in July and August. They will grow in most soils, preferably in an open, sunny site.
Sidalcea malvifolia. A native of the western United States, Sidalcea malvifolia is a popular species which has now been superseded by many more colourful variations. It will grow to a height of between 12-18 inches, and will produce pink, funnel-shaped flowers from June to September. Sidalcea malvifolia will grow in any ordinary, free-draining soil preferably in an open, sunny site.
Verbena bonarienses. This native to South America can grow to a height of up to 4-5ft. It is already a popular perennial which can even flower in its first season if the seeds are sown early enough. Its tall branched stems bear tight clusters of rose-lavender flower heads which are produced from June to October.
Zinnia elegans. A native to Mexico, this brightly coloured daisy like flower grows to about 2 ½ ft in height. This species plant has showy purple flowers 2 ½ inches across which appear from July to September however there is a wide range of different coloured hybrids also available.
AUTUMN FLOWERING
Aster ericoides. This is one of the few native North American asters out of a very large family. Although the wild species will flower white, or white tinged with pink there are some cultivated varieties such as ‘Blue Star- pale blue and ‘Ringdove’ – pale rose-mauve. Aster ericoides will flower between September and October.
Aster novae–angliae (Michealmas daisy). This is a very popular flowering aster originating from North America although the original species has been superseded by numerous cultivated varieties. They can come in single, semi-double and double forms with a wide range of hues from pink to blue and red to purple. The flowers can be as large as 2 inches across appearing from September to October.
Helenium autumnale. This hardy perennial is a native to Canada. It will grow to a height of up to 4-5ft and will provide bold yellow flowers from August until October. For best results, plant pot-grown specimens between October and April, and preferably in a sunny position. They are perfectly happy growing in any ordinary soil but may they need support in an exposed position unless they are growing within an established herbaceous border.
Rudbekia species. There are around 25 hardy annuals and herbaceous perennials within this genus found throughout most of the American continent. Ranging in height from 2-6ft most will produce flowers within the yellow to deep orange spectrum which will appear anytime from July to October. Rudbeckias will grow in any ordinary, free-draining soil preferably in an open, sunny site.
Solidago species. This genus of hardy, herbaceous perennials is native to eastern Canada and eastern United States. Depending on the species they will grow between 6 inches and 3ft in height producing yellow flowers between August and October. They will tolerate any ordinary soil, in full sun to semi shade. The taller varieties may require staking, but only to half the plants full height.
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1 comment:
Brilliant article! Thanks. I will spread it around.
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