Plants for pollinators and honeybees
Around the farm steading, there are usually lots of little areas that could provide a haven and much-needed feeding space for honeybees and insect pollinators. They often don't need a lot of attention, but with a selection of the plants listed on this page, these areas could provide a food source throughout the seasons.
Top ten flowers to attract honey bees
- Hellebore species and hybrids
- Salvia species
- Echinacea
- Rudbeckia laciniate
- Lavandula species
- Galanthus nivalis Common Snowdrop
- Crocus species
- Cosmos
- Sedum species
- Verbena species
| Spring & summer flowering wildflowers | Summer & autumn flowering wildflowers | Trees | Shrubs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red campion | Red & white clovers | Field maple | Willows, especially goat willow, grey willow & crack willow |
| Bird's foot trefoil | Bird's foot trefoil | Small-leaved lime | Dogwood |
| Bugle | Bramble | Orchard trees e.g. apple, pear, cherry, medlar, quince | Wild privet |
| Comfrey | Comfrey | Alder | Hawthorn |
| Selfheal | Burdock | Crab apple | Blackthorn |
| Poppy | Teasel | Hazel | |
| Cowslip | Knapweed | Hawthorn | |
| Vetches | Vetches | Holly | |
| Red & white dead-nettle | Cornflower | Maple | |
| Foxglove | Field scabious | Maple | |
| Yellow rattle | Viper's bugloss | Rowan | |
| Cat's ear | Cat's ear | Sweet chestnut | |
| Angelica | Whitebeam |
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