Rosemary, a fragrant evergreen shrub long valued in the kitchen, is also a highly attractive plant for the insect world. The answer to whether bees like rosemary is a definitive yes. When the plant is in bloom, particularly with its delicate blue or lavender flowers, it becomes a hub of activity for various pollinators. The consistent and often prolonged flowering period makes this Mediterranean herb a reliable source of nutrition for bees across many climates.
The Biological Attraction Factors
Rosemary flowers offer a high-quality food reward. Nectar, the carbohydrate source, is hidden at the base of the flower in a four-lobed disc, easily accessible to bees with moderately long tongues. While the specific percentage can vary, a sugar concentration between 30% and 50% maximizes a bee’s collection response, making it a valuable energy source.
The flower’s structure, a classic two-lipped shape found in the mint family, is perfectly adapted to facilitate pollination by a bee. The lower lip forms a convenient landing platform, allowing the bee to stabilize itself while probing for nectar. As a bee inserts its tongue deep into the floral tube, the arched stamens bend over to dust the insect’s head and thorax with pollen.
Beyond the nectar, the pollen provides a necessary protein source, containing approximately 21% protein. The plant’s strong, aromatic scent, derived from essential oils like cineole and camphor, acts as a long-distance cue for bees. This powerful fragrance guides the bees to the flowers, complementing the visual appeal of the blue-hued blooms, which are highly visible in the ultraviolet spectrum that bees perceive.
Key Pollinators Utilizing Rosemary
Rosemary is a significant forage plant for a variety of bee species, often serving as a lifeline during periods of scarcity. The European honeybee (Apis mellifera) is a common and constant visitor, working the flowers in large numbers. For honeybee colonies, the plant offers both carbohydrate-rich nectar for honey production and protein-rich pollen necessary for raising brood.
This herb is particularly important for early-flying species because it often blooms in late winter and early spring, before many other plants are available. This out-of-season forage allows colonies to emerge from winter strong. The open flower structure is also perfectly suited for larger native bees, such as bumblebees, which use the lower lip as a strong landing pad. Solitary bees, including mason bees, are also drawn to the reliable source of pollen and nectar.
Cultivation Tips for Attracting Bees
To maximize rosemary’s attractiveness to bees, gardeners should focus on encouraging a full and abundant bloom. Planting rosemary in a sunny location is advised, as full sun exposure generally leads to higher nectar production in flowering plants. Since rosemary is a Mediterranean plant, it thrives in well-drained soil and prefers warm, dry conditions, which also support heavy flowering.
Allowing the plant to flower fully is crucial, meaning heavy pruning should be avoided during the blooming period. Constant trimming removes the potential flower buds that are such a valuable food source for pollinators. Gardeners should consider planting varieties that bloom during the cooler months, such as some winter-flowering types, to provide forage when other options are scarce.
Both upright (like ‘Tuscan Blue’) and prostrate forms of rosemary are useful. Upright varieties offer a high density of flowers, while prostrate forms can be used as groundcover, making the flowers accessible to foraging bees low to the ground. Providing this consistent, accessible forage throughout the season helps support local bee populations.