Flowering calendar for bee-friendly plants in the garden and balcony
by Michael Watson (comments: 0
- Wild bees and pollinating insects are threatened with extinction.
- To preserve the wild bee, we can make gardens and balconies bee-friendly.
- There is a wide range of bee-friendly plants that are very easy to care for.
- Whether sun or shade; garden or balcony: with the flowering calendar you can always provide bees with food.
The spectacle that unfolds every year anew in our gardens and balconies is one of the most beautiful interactions in nature. Plants form opulent flowers that, with their scent and vibrant colors, attract bees, which feed on the nectar and pollen of the plants. In the process, pollen gets caught in the dense hairs of the bees, which then carry it to the next plant, pollinating it. Only once this pollination is completed is the plant fertilized and can produce fruit or seeds.
Despite this immensely important task, there is unfortunately a disturbing trend in Germany and around the world: wild bees and other pollinating insects are dying out! One of the reasons for this is that there are too few suitable food sources for wild bees. By allowing bee-friendly plants to thrive in our gardens and balconies, we can make an important contribution to the preservation of wild bees. And the best part: It's very easy to make your garden bee-friendly, as there is a suitable plant for every location – whether sunny or shady.
Topic | Bee-friendly plants |
Plant classes | Woody plants, perennials, seasonal plants and wildflowers |
Flowering time | Depending on the weather February to October |
Locations | Garden, balcony, terrace, flower box, sunny to shady |
Care | Very easy to care for: just water, do not fertilize |
Example plants | Willows (Salix), viper's bugloss (Echium), bluebells (Campanula) |
Bee-friendly plants: Why do bees love flowers?
Even in biology class at school, we learn about the "birds and the bees." But can you remember why bees love flowers? The reason is not necessarily because flowers are so beautiful – although their beauty does have something to do with bees – but because bees feed themselves and their offspring with the nectar and pollen in flowers. It's a win-win situation for both the bees and the plants. To understand all of this better, let's take a brief journey into history.
Unlike humans and animals, plants cannot move, which significantly limits their ability to find a mate. After all, plants need to reproduce somehow in order to create offspring. As with other living beings, there are male and female individuals in plants – and some plants are even both male and female at the same time! There are plants whose flowers have a female reproductive organ in one place, and directly next to it, male pollen cells, also known as flower dust. Other plants, on the other hand, have both male and female flowers on the same plant. But there are also plants that only produce either male or female flowers. Despite these differences, all plants have one thing in common: In order to reproduce, the male pollen cells must fertilize the female pistils (stigma). Once fertilized, fruits or seeds are formed – the offspring of the plant.

The bees and the flowers: Evolution of bee-friendly plants
The problem, however, is that the male pollen cells don't just land on the female pistils by themselves. When the first land plants about 300 million years ago started producing pollen, it was mainly blown by the wind, and with some luck, it would land on the stigma of a flower. A little later, the first beetles came, carrying pollen from flower to flower, but this method was also not very efficient. It wasn't until the first flying insects developed and eagerly drank the sweet nectar of plants that the big pollination event really began.
Biologists call this evolutionary step "coevolution," as animals and plants have strongly influenced each other. While many insects devoured or fed on the delicious pollen of plants, a lot of it also stuck to the animals and was thus carried as a "stowaway" to other plants, where it triggered fertilization. This recombination and exchange of genetic material between different individuals ensured (and still ensures) that offspring continue to evolve and adapt to environmental influences.
A few hundred million years later, and the principle hasn't really changed: Bees and other insects fly to the flower of plant A to sample the nectar and pollen and pollen gets stuck in their hairs. Once the flower is "emptied," the bee flies to the next flower to continue feeding, leaving the pollen from plant A on the female pistil of plant B. This fertilizes the flower, and a fruit or seed can be formed.
Over millions of years, plants developed strategies to attract bees and other insects: Most insects don't have great vision, so in order to get their attention, plants formed large, colorful flowers that smell delicious. When a bee sees a beautiful, colorful flower, it expects a tasty meal. Especially yellow and blue flowers seem to attract bees, and once they land, they insert their proboscis into the flower's stigma and suck out the nectar. Honeybees collect this nectar in their honey stomachs and bring it back to their colony, where it is then made into honey. The wild bee collects nectar and pollen, which it stores in its brood cells, ensuring that its offspring has enough provisions for the long brood period.
Various bee-friendly plant species
In principle, it can be said that bees particularly love open and cup-shaped flowers because they can more easily access the nectar than in filled flowers. In this region, there are countless plants that provide bees and other insects with food and, in return, are pollinated by them, allowing them to reproduce. It's not just flowers and meadows that attract bees, but also many trees, shrubs, perennials, climbing plants, and herbs. We divide the different plants into three categories: woody plants, perennials, and seasonal plants.
Bee-friendly trees and shrubs: Which trees and shrubs do bees like?
Woody plants refer to trees, shrubs, and climbing plants. These usually have deep roots, branched branches, and can grow very large – so they are not necessarily suitable for flower boxes, but rather for gardens. They are hardy (meaning they can survive low temperatures) and can bloom and bear fruit year after year. Some bee-friendly woody plants include:
- Apple tree,
- Pear tree,
- Hazel,
- Lavender,
- Willow, and
- Wild grapevine.
Of course, this is just a small sample of (native) bee-friendly woody plants. Bee friendly has also compiled a detailed list of bee-friendly woody plants for you, so you won't make a wrong purchase the next time you visit the nursery.
Due to the size of trees and shrubs, they offer bees and other insects a huge food supply. And after being pollinated by the hard-working bees, they also provide us humans with plenty of food in the form of apples, pears, or cherries. Because only when the flowers are pollinated can fruit form. Climbing plants also fall into the woody plant category and fulfill two important tasks for bees: On one hand, they provide bees with food and, on the other hand, shelter.
Bee-friendly perennials: perennial nectar enjoyment
Perennials are herbaceous and perennial flowering plants, whose plant parts do not (or only slightly) become woody. The majority of native perennials are hardy and sprout from the rootstocks for several years. There are some bee-friendly perennial species that also thrive in flower boxes, pots, or containers – making them suitable for the balcony or terrace. Some bee-friendly perennial species include, for example:
- Wood strawberry,
- Daisy,
- Bellflower,
- Catnip, and
- Oregano.
Once again, we've put together a detailed list of bee-friendly perennial species for you, so you'll always know which perennials you can plant with a clear conscience.
Perennials are a very diverse plant group: There are perennials for sunny and shady spots; there are perennials for the garden and for flower boxes; and there are even perennials whose leaves we humans enjoy eating! Oregano, thyme, and mint belong to the perennials and provide both bees and us with tasty and healthy food.
Bee-friendly flowers: seasonal plants and wildflowers
In contrast to shrubs and perennials, seasonal plants and (wild)flowers are mostly not hardy and need to be replanted every year. Sowing and care are easy and can be done in no time. Most seasonal plants and wildflowers are delicate and can easily thrive in pots or flower boxes – but of course also in the flower bed in the garden. Many people here in Germany painstakingly take care of their balcony plants, like geraniums, year after year. While these plants are beautiful for us humans, they offer very little food for bees and insects.
The same goes for double flowers, like those of roses, carnations, or begonias: Humans have bred these plants to develop more petals. For us, these plump flowers are beautiful, but for bees, they are usually a letdown, as they cannot fight through the petals to reach the nectar. Over time, bees learn to ignore these flowers, but many young bees waste a lot of energy and time on such flowers.
Excursus: Plants for specialized wild bees
Among the native wild bees, there are some that are not very adventurous when it comes to eating. These so-called pollen specialists (also called oligolectic wild bee species) only collect pollen from one plant family – some even only from one genus. For example, the dark willow sand bee only likes willows, and the bellflower shear bee only likes bellflowers. Around one-third of the approximately 585 wild bee species in Germany are pollen specialists, and many of them are endangered in this country. Therefore, it is all the more important that we provide such pollen specialists with a rich food supply. Important plants for pollen specialists include:
- Viper’s bugloss,
- Creeping thistle,
- Marigold, and
- Wild carrot.
Flowering calendar for bee-friendly plants and the seasons: Winter
In order for bees and other insects to have something to eat all year round, it is important to have a continuous flowering supply in the garden or on the balcony. In nature, there are many early, mid, and late blooming species that bloom earlier or later depending on the weather.
The first rays of sunshine in February usually do not manage to completely drive away the cold, yet some bee-friendly plants are not discouraged by the winter temperatures. This includes the lesser winter aconite, which comes up from the ground as early as late January in a mild winter and awakens our longing for spring. The yellow flowers offer early bumblebees a high-energy food, which is a true blessing during this cold season. The spring crocus is also loved by bumblebees, as well as honeybees and wild bees like the horned mason bee, who also enjoy the crocus.
One of the first flowering shrubs is hazel, which causes runny noses and itchy eyes for allergy sufferers as early as February. But for bees and bumblebees, the nectar of hazel is essential for life and serves honeybees as a buildup crop for the brood. Snowdrops, which are the epitome of the beginning of spring for many, unfortunately do not offer much nectar and pollen to bees; however, bumblebees still collect whatever they can here.
March brings a true explosion of flowers in the gardens of the nation, and many wild bees now see the light of day. Whether as a 30-meter-high tree or a 30-centimeter bush: The incredibly important willow usually begins to bloom in early March. Within a short time, the small hairy catkins transform into large yellow pollen sacs that are highly sought after by wild bees. Down on the ground, the first tulips begin to bloom at the same time. While they do not offer much food for wild bees, they are still eagerly visited during this relatively barren time. Another spring star in the flowerbed is the daffodil. But be careful: Only the yellow daffodil is native to Germany, so you should make sure not to buy highly cultivated varieties.
Flowering calendar for bee-friendly plants: Spring
The April weather usually blows away the last cold days and brings spring to Germany. Slowly, the barren landscape becomes greener, and in some gardens, there is already a real hum and buzz. The dandelion is a typical April bloomer: This all-rounder is a medicinal herb for us humans and an all-you-can-eat flower for wild bees and others. The dandelion provides a lot of pollen and nectar, and the best part: it blooms twice a year – once in the spring and once in the autumn!
If you've ever taken a walk in the forest in April, you can surely attest to this: a strong smell, reminiscent of garlic, fills the air – but why is that? This scent comes from wild garlic, which grows densely in meadow areas under the forest trees. Often, wild garlic shares the space with forest forget-me-nots, creating a true sea of flowers. Masked bees, masonry bees, and some species of sand bees love this spot and start spring in a good mood.
Outside the forest, in the gardens of people, the first fruit trees start blooming in April. The apple tree – and in warmer temperatures, the pear tree – bloom in April and are happy to welcome diligent pollinators. Both apple and pear trees are not self-pollinating. So, if you want to plant an apple tree, you should first look around your neighborhood and make sure there is another apple tree nearby. Only when the pollen of another apple tree fertilizes the blossoms of your apple tree can fruits develop.
In May, many bees and insects enter a real mass phase: Numerous beautiful flowers begin to bloom, offering plenty of pollen and nectar. The poppy, which has become increasingly rare in recent years, brings its red flowers into bloom. The bright red especially stands out on fields or along roadsides and provides food for pollen specialists, such as the rare poppy bee. Also threatened is the meadow bellflower, which grows on poor, fresh meadows and is extremely undemanding. The bellflower is also visited by pollen specialists, making it an important part of our ecosystem.
The raspberry is not only popular with the sweet-tooths among us humans but also with many (specialized) wild bees. Although the flowers of the raspberry do not have a strong scent, they offer plenty of nectar and pollen. The blackberry and cranberry also begin to bloom in May and provide food for pollen specialists.
Flowering calendar for bee-friendly plants: Summer
June heralds the summer, and the first hot days arrive. Now it is the heat-resistant and not-too-thirsty plants that begin to bloom. For example, the native wild mallow starts blooming in June. The mallow loves the sun so much that it simply refuses to bloom in the shade. At the right location, it blooms continuously until October and is visited by a wide variety of wild bees. The bloom period of the viper's bugloss also starts in June and is eagerly awaited by many bees. This native flower is needed by many pollen specialists and is therefore very valuable. It requires nutrient-poor soil and sun or partial shade.
Once considered a weed, the cornflower now enjoys a bit more respect – at least among bee lovers. Every wildflower meadow should include cornflowers, as they are accepted by many (specialized) wild bees. It has been native to this region since the Stone Age, and it should stay that way! Unfortunately, the cornflower is becoming increasingly rare, and in agricultural areas, it is hardly found anymore.
With the warm weather, some extravagant wildflowers also emerge, such as the red foxglove. This plant should not be missing from any wildlife garden, as its lush flowers are loved by both humans and bees. But be careful: The red foxglove is very poisonous and can be fatal even when consumed in small amounts. Families with young children should avoid planting foxglove until the children are older.
In July, many bees enter an unwanted fasting period, as the food supply already begins to shrink. One reason for this is that most fields are harvested and mowed in July, leaving no more flowers from one day to the next. Therefore, it is even more important to offer many nectar sources in our gardens so that no bee has to go to bed hungry.
Tropaeolum is a good choice for this, even though it is not a native plant. The plant, native to Central and South America, grows quickly and climbs up trellises; it can also be used as a ground cover. Many insects visit it, and it blooms until the first frost in autumn. Also, the well-known sunflower is not originally from here but was introduced from North America. Some sunflower varieties can grow over three meters tall – and some are only 25 centimeters tall. Here, the common sunflower is cultivated as a crop for sunflower oil. Bees and other insects benefit from its abundant nectar and pollen.
Flowering calendar for bee-friendly plants: The fall
In late summer, the food supply becomes increasingly scarce, and the late bee species must hurry to find something to eat. A delicious late-summer plant that is devoured by both humans and bees alike is the artichoke. If the closed flowers haven't been eaten yet, they open up in August and start to bloom. The result is a beautiful blue-violet flower that blooms until September and offers plenty of nectar and pollen. The artichoke can grow up to two meters tall and looks particularly good in the garden next to wild angelica, whose stems should definitely be left standing, as many insect larvae overwinter there.
Other late-summer bloomers include the blue aconite, which is very adaptable and also thrives well in the shade. The aconite bumblebee will especially thank you if you plant this flower. However, you should be careful, as the entire plant is poisonous! The smooth-leaved aster blooms at the end of August and remains an important food source for bees until October. By October, it becomes too cold for most plants and bees, and bumblebee queens and larvae snuggle up to wait for the next spring.
Bienenfreundliche Pflanzen: Die besten Ideen für Garten und Balkon
Es gibt eine Vielzahl an (heimischen) bienenfreundlichen Pflanzen für Deinen Garten und Balkon. Ob für Blumenkübel, Blumenkasten oder im Beet: Mit etwas Wissen über die jeweiligen Pflanzen, steht Dir nichts mehr im Weg, Deinen Garten und Balkon bienenfreundlich zu gestalten. Leider gibt es aber auch einige unseriöse Anbieter, die problematische Bienensamen-Mischungen anbieten. Oftmals sind darin zwar viele schöne Blumensorten enthalten, allerdings haben sie nur ästhetischen Wert und bieten Bienen und Insekten keine Nahrungsquelle. Daher solltest Du immer beim Kauf von Bienensamen auf die enthaltenen Pflanzensorten achten und sie mit der Bee friendly Liste abgleichen.
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Quellen:
Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft, Jetzt Bienen füttern, https://www.bienenfuettern.de/.
Deutsche Wildtier Stiftung, Hochbedroht und unverzichtbar › Wildbienen, https://www.wildbiene.org/.
Naturschutzbund Deutschland e.V. Schleswig-Holstein, Wild- und Honigbienen, https://schleswig-holstein.nabu.de/tiere-und-pflanzen/insekten/wespen/19172.html.
Eder, Anja (Hg.), Dirk Peters, Michael Römer, Wildbienenhelfer. Wildbienen & Blühpflanzen jeder kann zum Wildbienen-helfer werden und damit zum Erhalt unserer Artenvielfalt beitragen, 1. Auflage, Rheinbach 2017.
Deutsche Wildtier Stiftung: Wir geben Natur und Wildtieren eine Stimme, https://www.deutschewildtierstiftung.de/.
Westrich, Paul, Faszination Wildbienen, https://www.wildbienen.info/.
Westrich, Paul, Die Wildbienen Deutschlands, Stuttgart 2018.
Wikipedia, Wildbiene, https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildbiene.
Wildbienenschutz im Naturgarten, Naturgartenfreude.de, https://www.naturgartenfreude.de/.