How can I attract bees and bumblebees?

Insects such as bees, bumble bees and butterflies are must-haves in every garden. The soothing hum of bees and bumble bees industriously gathering nectar and fluttering butterflies showing off their wonderful colours will appeal to everyone and will make your garden come to life.

Bees and bumblebees are very important for the survival of flowers, plants and other crops. Fortunately, both groups benefit from each other. Flowers need the pollination the bees provide to produce seeds and fruits and the bees need the plants’ nectar and pollen as nutrition. One cannot live without the other. They are each other’s true love. Bees and bumblebees use a wide range of nectar and pollen. Flowers that are producing nectar and pollen attract the bees and bumblebees with a wealth of colours and scents and there is some fierce competition! Insects are the most important pollinators of flowers and plants and honeybees and bumblebees are the most important pollinators of roses. Flowers are often categorised according to their pollinators: birds, bats and insects. Flowers pollinated by insects are subdivided again according to the type of insect. Flowers pollinated by bees tend to have their nectar situated near the surface, as a bee’s tongue is only 6 mm long. Flowers pollinated by bumblebees tend to have their nectar situated deeper inside the flower and more effort is required to push the petals aside. The bumblebee is strong enough to do this. Flowers pollinated by insects are often very striking, colourful and fragrant and in contrast with their surroundings.

Colour and fragrance diversity is extremely important if you want to attract bees to your garden. Add some variety to your garden by complementing your Parfum de Nature roses with other plants that attract bees and bumblebees, such as salvia, lavender and catmints.