Bees are in danger because there are fewer and fewer plants suitable for them. This is not only harmful to bees but also to humans. So if you want to transform your outdoor space into a pollinator-friendly environment but don't know how, here is a list of bee-friendly balcony plants.
Why it is important to grow bee-friendly balcony plants
The world's bee population is in trouble, and you don't have to be an expert to know that this is bad news - not just for bees, bumblebees and other pollinating insects, but for humans too. The small buzzing creatures pollinate 70 of the approximately 100 plant species that feed 90% of the world's population. It is believed that without them the world would not produce enough food to feed the current population. Although many of the problems that bees and other pollinators are currently facing seem to be far beyond your control, there are some small things you can do to plant bee-friendly plants on the balcony is one of them.
While it may not seem like much, creating a bee-friendly environment at home can make a big difference, especially if you live in an urban area where there is little habitat for bees, bumblebees, etc.
Worth knowing:A 2015 study found that flowers planted in gardens and allotments in cities are a valuable source of food for bees, with some urban areas having more wild bee species than agricultural land.
Which balcony flowers are attractive to bees
Bee-friendly habitats in urban environments provide vital food sources, and creating a haven for bees, bumblebees, butterflies and other pollinating insects is also a real way to enhance your outdoor space. While bees are blind to the color red, they are most sensitive to shades of blue and yellow, so bee-friendly balcony plants are guaranteed to add color to the area.
Eryngium (flat-leaved man litter)
The Eryngium, also known as flat-leaved man litter, is an attractive flowering plant that is highly valued by bees and the like. It usually grows well in coastal or sunny gardens, but can also be planted on a balcony. The eryngium resembles the thistle, with a dense cluster of white and blue flowers and an ornamental spiky border. A wide variety of species is available. One of these is “Big Blue,” which, as the name suggests, has an intense, metallic blue color that is very attractive to bees.
Not only is the Eryngium perennial, so you won't have to repot it next spring, but its flowers also look great dried, so you can use them in a dry bouquet and enjoy them all year round.
Crocosmia (Crocosmia paniculata)
If you want your balcony upbloom into the autumn monthst, you should plant a beautiful Montbretia that blooms from August to October. This magnificent, bright and colorful flower is ideal for adding vibrant color to your outdoor space and also makes an excellent cut flower for vases indoors. Since bees love yellow, the “Citronella” or “George Davison” varieties are particularly suitable.
More bee-friendly flowers for window boxes: Bellflower, fan flower, verbena, vanilla flower, peacock broccoli, men's faithful, hellebore.
Bee-friendly balcony plants – rosemary
You probably know rosemary as a spice used in a variety of dishes, but did you know that it also produces flowers suitable for bees and other insects? You love rosemary, and the best part is that you too can enjoy its charms. Rosemary is an evergreen plant that grows beautifully in pots on the windowsill or balcony or in a small garden. There are even different varieties of rosemary that bloom in white, pink, blue and purple, so you'll be spoiled for choice.
More delicious bee-friendly culinary herbs:Savory, thyme, mint, basil, chives, lemon balm.
How to propagate rosemaryfind out here!
Lavender is also useful for honey bees
Lavender is a good choice because it promises spa-like calm (for you and the bees). This classic flowerNot only does it smell wonderful, but is also a favorite plant of honey bearers. Lavender is an extremely popular plant, and it's easy to see why. Quick and easy to grow, this bee-friendly plant for window boxes thrives in sunny locations. Lavender buds, on the other hand, can be used to add a floral aroma to homemade lemonade.
Bee-friendly balcony plants – the foxglove
If you want to add a “wow factor” to your outdoor space, a foxglove is for you. Not only do they look great, but they are also native to forests and also thrive in shady places. This is ideal if your balcony doesn't get much sun. Even gardening newbies can feel confident caring for a foxglove plant because it is extremely easy to care for while adding lots of color, height and structure to your outdoor space.
Foxgloveberries are easy to recognize by their bell-shaped heads, into which the anthers have to crawl to get to the pollen grains. If you look closely, you can see the bees crawling back out of the pollen-covered flowers - a truly beautiful sight.
Other bee-friendly plants for the balcony and gardenlook here!
