The question of whether the shrub Hydrangea attracts bees is complex. The plant’s value to pollinating insects is not universal, as attraction depends entirely on the specific flower structure of the variety planted. Understanding this biological difference is key for gardeners looking to support local bee populations.
The Critical Difference: Fertile vs. Sterile Flowers
Hydrangea floral clusters are composed of two distinct types of blooms that serve different purposes. The fertile floret is small and inconspicuous, containing the necessary reproductive parts. These smaller blooms are the true resource for bees and other pollinators because they produce pollen and a sugary reward of nectar.
The sterile floret is large, showy, and often mistaken for the entire flower. These prominent blooms are essentially billboards, designed to attract attention from a distance but offering no pollen or nectar reward. Sterile florets have been intensely selected for by horticulturists because they provide the impressive visual impact that gardeners desire.
Varieties bred to produce massive, ball-shaped clusters are dominated by non-productive, sterile blooms. While beautiful, they offer little value to a foraging bee because energy-rich components are absent or inaccessible. Conversely, varieties that expose the small, fertile florets are the ones bees actively visit for food.
Hydrangea Varieties That Attract Bees
Gardeners aiming to support pollinators should select varieties that prioritize the presence and accessibility of fertile flowers. The Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), which is native to North America, features cone-shaped flower clusters. Its blooms are naturally structured to expose the tiny fertile flowers, providing an easily accessible source of pollen and nectar for bees and butterflies.
Another highly attractive group is the Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata), which includes popular cultivars such as ‘Limelight’ and ‘Little Lime’. Although these varieties feature large, cone-shaped flower heads, they contain a significant proportion of fertile flowers within the structure that are readily available to foraging insects. These panicle types also offer the advantage of a long bloom period, providing a consistent food source from mid-summer into the fall.
The lacecap varieties of Bigleaf Hydrangea (H. macrophylla) and Mountain Hydrangea (H. serrata) are excellent choices for bees. These flower heads feature a flat center packed with small, fertile blooms, encircled by a ring of larger, showy sterile florets, which acts as an ideal landing platform. The Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), particularly native varieties or lacecap cultivars like ‘Haas’ Halo,’ is also a proven bee magnet due to its abundant fertile florets.
Maximizing Pollinator Activity in Your Garden
Selecting the right hydrangea variety is only one part of successfully attracting and supporting bees in the garden environment. The overall health and maintenance of the plant, as well as the surrounding landscape, significantly influence pollinator activity. Bees prefer to forage in sunny areas, so planting your chosen pollinator-friendly hydrangeas in locations that receive ample morning sun can increase their appeal.
Avoid the use of systemic pesticides, especially during the bloom period of any plant in the garden. These chemicals are absorbed into the plant’s tissues and can contaminate the pollen and nectar, posing a significant risk to foraging bees. Opting for organic or targeted pest control methods helps ensure a safe food supply.
Hydrangeas should also be integrated into a larger scheme that provides a continuous sequence of blooms throughout the season. Pairing hydrangeas with other pollinator plants that flower earlier, such as spring bulbs, and later, like asters or sedum, ensures a steady food source. This strategy helps sustain bee populations from early spring through late autumn, providing a more reliable habitat than a single plant species alone.