Holly bushes (Ilex) are a significant food source for local bee populations and other flying insects. These plants offer a reliable supply of both nectar and pollen, making them highly attractive to foraging bees. Holly actively supports the health and growth of various bee species, including honeybees and native solitary bees. Understanding how these shrubs function can help home gardeners support their local pollinator communities.
Holly’s Appeal to Pollinators
The flowers of the Ilex genus are not large or brightly colored, yet they effectively draw in a wide range of pollinators. These blooms are typically small, four-petaled, and white or greenish-white, often appearing in dense clusters. Their inconspicuous nature is outweighed by the sheer volume and nutritional quality of the rewards they hold.
Holly flowers are highly nutritious, providing copious amounts of nectar, which is the carbohydrate source for energy. They also offer high-quality pollen, an essential protein source for feeding developing bee larvae. This dual resource makes holly valuable for honeybee colonies and native bees. The small, open flowers are easily worked by many different types of bees.
The Critical Difference Between Male and Female Holly Plants
The Ilex genus is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. This distinction is important for maximizing bee forage, as the sexes offer different rewards. Male holly plants produce staminate flowers loaded with abundant pollen, which serves as the bees’ primary protein source.
Female holly plants produce pistillate flowers that are receptive to pollen and contain the nectar reward. While female flowers still attract bees with their sugary secretions, they do not produce viable pollen and thus do not provide the protein component of the bee’s diet. For successful berry production, a male plant must be located within foraging distance of the female plants so bees can transfer the pollen. Gardeners should plant at least one male specimen for every few female plants to guarantee both a substantial food source and subsequent berry set.
Holly’s Importance as an Early Spring Food Source
Many species of holly bloom relatively early in the year, often from late winter into the early spring, depending on the climate and specific variety. This timing positions holly as a significant “bridge” food source when few other trees or shrubs are flowering. For honeybees, this early forage allows colonies to rapidly build up populations after the leaner winter months.
The early availability of both nectar and pollen helps emerging native bees, such as certain solitary species, gather the necessary provisions to establish their nests. In regions with large stands of holly, the abundance of nectar can even lead to the production of a distinct varietal honey, such as the well-known Gallberry honey of the southeastern United States. This reliable, early-season bloom helps sustain local bee populations when other floral options are scarce.
Best Holly Varieties for Bee Attraction
For gardeners aiming to support pollinators, focusing on species and varieties known for heavy flowering is the most effective approach.
Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
The native Inkberry is an excellent choice, growing in large, dense groves that produce an intense burst of nectar and pollen. This results in the highly sought-after Gallberry honey in commercial beekeeping operations. Inkberry is a hardy evergreen shrub native to a wide range of the eastern and southern U.S.
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry is a deciduous holly appreciated for its bright red winter berries and loved by bees for its dense spring bloom. Varieties like ‘Winter Red’ are popular female choices. They must be paired with a male pollinator, such as ‘Southern Gentleman,’ to ensure both berry production and a heavy pollen supply for bees.
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
Yaupon Holly is a southern native that also provides an abundance of forage. Beekeepers note its flowers are numerous enough to allow bees to draw off nearly pure yaupon honey.
When selecting any holly for bee support, it is important to choose plants of the same species for the male and female pairing. This ensures their bloom times align for effective pollination and maximum bee attraction.