
The Love Story Between Bees and Lavender
The hum of bees around a lavender bush is a familiar summer sound, a gentle reminder of the importance of the plant and its pollinator.
This isn't just a casual encounter; it's a symbiotic relationship, a partnership forged over millennia. Today, we'll look into the reasons behind this "buzzing affair" and explore which lavender varieties are most attractive to these amazing pollinators.
Why are Bees Drawn to Lavender?
Bees, especially honey bees and bumblebees, are frequent visitors to lavender flowers. The allure lies in the lavender's abundant offering of nectar and pollen, essential food sources for bees.
Lavender blooms during spring and summer, providing a reliable food source when other floral resources may be scarce. The flowers’ vibrant purple hue and unique fragrance also act as powerful attractants.
However, it's not a simple matter of "bees like lavender." Different bee species have varied foraging techniques and preferences, and not all lavender varieties offer the same bounty.

Bumblebees vs. Honeybees on Lavender
Bumblebees and honeybees are both common visitors to lavender, but their foraging methods differ.
Studies have shown that a bumblebee can extract nectar from a lavender flower in as little as 1.1 to 1.4 seconds. Their body shape allows them to easily reach the nectar source. In contrast, honeybees need to push their heads deeper into the flower, resulting in an average nectar-extraction time of 3.5 seconds per flower.
This difference in efficiency means that bumblebees may visit more flowers in a shorter amount of time.
The Ancient Partnership of Bees and Lavender
The mutualism between bees and lavender has ancient roots. For centuries, bees have benefited from lavender's rich floral resources, and in turn, lavender plants rely on bees for pollination.
This pollination process is essential; when bees move from flower to flower to collect nectar and pollen, they transfer pollen grains, fertilizing the ovules and ensuring the production of seeds, guaranteeing the lavender's reproductive cycle and survival. This relationship is a crucial link in our ecosystem.
The Benefits of Lavender for Bees is More Than Just Nectar
Lavender is a "bee buffet". The nectar provides essential carbohydrates, while the pollen delivers proteins and fats needed for larval development and colony health. But lavender's benefits for bees extend beyond food.
The dense foliage of lavender plants can also offer bees a safe haven, providing shelter from harsh weather and protection from predators.
Cultivating Lavender to Attract Bees: A Guide for Gardeners
If you wish to attract more bees to your garden, here's what you can do:
Sunlight: Lavender thrives in full sun. Ensure your plants receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily to maximize nectar production and bee appeal.
Avoid Pesticides:Â Chemical pesticides can harm bees and other beneficial insects. Opt for organic pest control methods instead.
Watering: While lavender is drought-tolerant once established, new plants require regular watering. Ensure well-drained soil to avoid root rot.
The Best Lavender Varieties for Bees and Which Ones Do They Love?
While most lavender varieties will attract bees, some are particularly favored. Here are a few varieties to consider:
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Known for its hardiness and fragrant flowers, varieties like 'Hidcote,' 'Munstead,' and 'Imperial Gem' are very popular with pollinators. These are among the hardiest and most adaptable lavenders, thriving in a range of climates.
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata and Lavandula stoechas): These boast larger, more showy flowers and tend to bloom earlier than English Lavender. While they are attractive to bees, they tend to be slightly less cold-hardy and prefer milder climates. Varieties like 'Papillon,' 'Otto Quast,' and 'Phenomenal' are commonly used.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia): A hybrid of English and Portuguese lavender, Lavandin is prized for its high nectar production, which is particularly appealing to bees. Varieties like 'Grosso,' 'Provence,' and 'Hidcote Giant' are excellent choices.

Climate, Soil, and the Importance of Local Conditions
The success of growing lavender, and attracting bees, depends on matching lavender varieties to your local climate.
Lavender prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. If you are in a climate with cold and wet winters, consider planting English Lavender varieties like ‘Hidcote’ or ‘Munstead’ which are more winter-hardy and avoid planting French lavender which will suffer in the cold.
For hotter and drier climates, Lavandin varieties like ‘Grosso’ tend to be better suited.
Our advice is to consult your local gardening experts for the best lavender for your specific region.
Bees and lavender are inseparable partners in nature's balance. Whether you're a gardener, beekeeper, or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, consider cultivating a bee-friendly garden with lavender.
This simple act can have a significant impact on local bee populations and promote a thriving ecosystem. Remember to plant a variety of bee-friendly lavenders, and enjoy the sight and sound of buzzing pollinators enjoying their lavender feast.
A Friendly Reminder
If you're planning to grow lavender for bees, remember to avoid using chemicals on plants in bloom. Bees can take the insecticide with them back to the hive and harm themselves and their co-workers.

Let's Sum it Up
Ready to attract more pollinators to your garden? Consider planting one of the suggested varieties and share your experiences with us.
For more information on how to care for your lavender plants, refer to your local garden center or gardeners from where you live. They may have gone through the trial and error learning cure all of us gardeners go through. Plus it is a great way to meet your neighbors.
Betsy and Pete
Las Vegas, Nevada
About Us: The Authors

We're Betsy and Pete, passionate Las Vegas beekeepers trained by a master in the field. With hundreds of successful bee and bee swarm removals under our belts, we're not just experts; we're enthusiasts committed to the well-being of these incredible pollinators.
We manage dozens of beehives, both natural and honey-bearing at our Joshua Tree Preserve.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Education is an ongoing journey, especially in a dynamic field such as beekeeping. That's why we continually update our knowledge base, collaborate with other experts, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in bee control methods and beekeeping practices.
We also provide top-tier beekeeping supplies, offering everything a beekeeper needs, from beginners to experts.