Lavender, a fragrant herb, is one of the most reliable and attractive flowering plants for pollinators. Lavender fields and gardens are highly effective magnets for bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, and various solitary species. This plant has earned a reputation as a top-tier pollinator resource due to its prolonged bloom time and the quality of its floral rewards.
How Lavender Attracts Bees
The attraction of bees to lavender results from chemical and biological factors that align with their foraging needs. Lavender flowers are abundant sources of both nectar and pollen, providing a rich “bee buffet” of carbohydrates and protein. Nectar contains sugars for energy, while pollen delivers proteins and fats critical for larval development and colony health.
A strong scent acts as a long-distance beacon, guiding bees to the flowers. This aroma is due to volatile organic compounds, such as linalool, which are powerful olfactory cues. Once near the bloom, the bee’s vision takes over, as the purple and violet hues stand out vividly. Bees perceive ultraviolet (UV) light, and many lavender flowers feature UV reflectance patterns that function as “nectar guides,” directing insects straight to the reward.
The tubular structure of the flowers influences feeding efficiency. Studies show that bumblebees, which typically have longer tongues, extract nectar more quickly than honeybees. The flower morphology allows longer-tongued bees to access the resource with less effort. This high reward, coupled with the extended blooming season, makes lavender a consistent food source during the summer months.
Top Lavender Varieties for Pollinators
Not all lavender varieties are equally attractive to foraging bees, as some are bred for ornamental qualities over nectar production. Gardeners seeking maximum pollinator benefit prioritize English Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, which consistently offers the highest nectar yield. Cultivars such as ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ are popular choices known for their high appeal to both honeybees and bumblebees.
Lavandin, a hybrid known as Lavandula x intermedia, is valued by beekeepers. This cross between English and Portuguese lavender varieties, including ‘Grosso’ and ‘Provence,’ produces large plants with a high volume of flowers. These hybrids offer a good mid-to-late summer food source, extending the foraging season.
French and Spanish Lavenders (Lavandula stoechas) tend to bloom earlier than their English counterparts. While these varieties are attractive to pollinators, particularly bumblebees, their nectar content is often lower than that of L. angustifolia cultivars. Selecting a mix of varieties ensures a continuous supply of food from late spring through the end of summer.
Protecting Bees While Growing Lavender
Safeguarding the visiting bee population requires attention to maintenance practices, especially pest management. The primary concern is the use of systemic insecticides, which are absorbed by the plant and present in the nectar and pollen. These chemicals can be devastating to bees that consume the contaminated floral rewards.
Avoid all systemic insecticides and never apply any pesticide when the lavender is in bloom. If treatment is necessary, use a low-impact product and apply it late in the evening after bees have returned to their nests to minimize direct contact. Ensuring the lavender receives ample sunlight also supports bee health by maximizing flower and nectar production. A shallow water source, like a dish with pebbles for safe landing, offers a resource for thirsty foraging bees.