Lavender is good for bees, serving as a significant perennial food source for a wide variety of bee species. This plant, popular in gardens worldwide, offers a reliable and abundant supply of both nectar and pollen over a long blooming season, especially during mid-summer when other flowers may be scarce. Bees, including honeybees and bumblebees, frequently seek out lavender blossoms for foraging. The strong attraction is the result of a precise combination of visual cues, aromatic chemicals, and a high-quality nutritional reward. Planting this fragrant herb is a direct and effective way to support local pollinator populations.
The Components That Attract Bees to Lavender
The intense attraction bees have for lavender is rooted in the plant’s chemical and nutritional composition. Lavender flowers produce a high quantity of nectar, which is the primary energy source for foraging bees and is rich in sugars. This sugary liquid fuels their flights and is used by honeybees to produce honey.
The pollen collected from lavender is also a valuable resource, providing the high protein and fat content necessary for larval development and the overall health of the colony. Beyond the nutritional rewards, the plant’s distinct aroma acts as a powerful beacon for navigation. This scent is caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with linalool being one of the most prominent compounds that bees are highly drawn to.
The visual appearance of the flower heads also plays a significant role in bee attraction. Bees possess trichromatic vision, allowing them to see ultraviolet (UV), blue, and green light. Lavender’s purple and blue hues, combined with UV patterns known as nectar guides on the petals, make the flowers stand out clearly against green foliage.
Key Differences Among Lavender Species and Cultivars
Not all lavender varieties offer the same bounty or accessibility for all bee species. The three most common groups are English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French/Spanish lavender (L. stoechas), and Lavandin (L. x intermedia) hybrids. English lavender, with cultivars like ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead,’ is often favored by honeybees and bumblebees and is known for its hardiness.
Lavandin is a hybrid prized for its high nectar production, making varieties like ‘Grosso’ and ‘Provence’ particularly appealing to bees. However, the physical structure of the flower, specifically the length of the corolla tube, dictates which bees can most efficiently access the nectar. Research has shown that bumblebees, which have longer tongues, are better adapted to extract nectar from the tubular flowers of some lavender varieties compared to the shorter-tongued honeybees.
For example, the corolla tube of the ‘Grosso’ cultivar can be approximately 7.5 millimeters deep. Bumblebees, with tongues ranging from 7.5 to 9 millimeters, can quickly reach the nectar, making them highly efficient foragers on this type. In contrast, honeybee tongues are typically shorter, around 6 to 7 millimeters, which means their nectar collection takes longer per flower. Spanish lavender (L. stoechas) often blooms earlier than other varieties, offering an early-season food source.
Optimizing Lavender Cultivation for Pollinator Health
Gardeners can take specific actions to maximize the benefits lavender provides to local bee populations. Lavender is a sun-loving plant, and planting it in a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily is necessary for optimal growth and bloom production.
Providing a continuous supply of nectar and pollen is achieved by extending the plant’s blooming season through simple maintenance practices. Regularly removing spent flowers, a process known as deadheading, encourages the plant to produce new blooms instead of setting seed.
The most important cultivation practice for pollinator health is the complete avoidance of systemic pesticides. These chemicals are absorbed by the plant and move into the nectar and pollen, which can be highly toxic to bees. Instead of chemical controls, companion planting with other aromatic herbs like rosemary or thyme can help deter pests while attracting more beneficial insects. Finally, ensuring a nearby, shallow source of fresh water provides hydration for the bees, which is particularly important on hot, sunny days when they are actively foraging.