Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

ALMOST BEEKEEPING - RELATED TOPICS => GARDENING AROUND THE HOUSE => Topic started by: MrILoveTheAnts on June 23, 2008, 06:37:16 PM

Title: The Worst Bee Plants
Post by: MrILoveTheAnts on June 23, 2008, 06:37:16 PM
I nearly stopped dead when I saw this. This bee for reasons unknown decided to get nectar from a common Jersey Lily. A few plants out in the yard have produced hundreds of flowers and dozens of them at a time for the past five years. This is the first time I have EVER seen a bee in them. I mean I've never so much as seen a fly or beetle in them either.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v735/mrilovetheants/Bees%202008/Beeliy.jpg

So this brings us to our topic. What are some of the worst plants for bees?
Title: Re: The Worst Bee Plants
Post by: reinbeau on June 23, 2008, 09:34:47 PM
I don't think there are 'worst plants' for bees.  Some they just don't bother with, because the nectaries are out of reach of their tongues.  Some they only take pollen from.  Some they ignore completely.  Keep a good variety going in your garden and you're bound to have plants that will make your girls happy!
Title: Re: The Worst Bee Plants
Post by: Cindi on June 24, 2008, 01:42:14 AM
They have found a better nectar/pollen source.  Beautiful, most wonderful day.  Cindi
Title: Re: The Worst Bee Plants
Post by: SgtMaj on June 26, 2008, 07:01:26 AM
My pansies never see any bee action, or fly action, or any other action for that matter.  It's odd, too, because I know they have a decent amount of nectar to give, and they flower year-round for 2+ years in my garden.  They are an especailly nice splash of color to ward off the wintertime blues.
Title: Re: The Worst Bee Plants
Post by: JP on June 26, 2008, 08:11:41 AM
Crepe Myrtles although beautiful, and they're in full bloom here in Louisiana, don't offer hardly anything at all in the form of nectar or pollen.

I would say the carnivorous ones have to be the worse of all for obvious reasons.

http://www.botany.org/Carnivorous_Plants/


...JP
Title: Re: The Worst Bee Plants
Post by: qa33010 on June 27, 2008, 01:17:54 AM
   They're hitting the Crepe Myrtles this year.  Plenty of clover, herbs, Rose of Sharon, melons, vegetable, Accasia (-1sp), and other stuff that they are on also.  Might be how the spring started for the Myrtles this year.  The last time I saw them on this thick was...never since '91...whoa... :shock:
Title: Re: The Worst Bee Plants
Post by: poka-bee on June 27, 2008, 01:56:18 AM
I have my little bog w/pitcher plants, they are blooming now.  I've not found bees in them but lots of flys, ants & gnat type things. ;) Jody