Bees need flowers in order to survive and as Spring begins the bees will start to get active and so what flowers are good for bees in spring?
As I keep my bees in the UK I am talking about the varieties we find here but if you live anywhere else in the world then you need to check in your local area. The other thing to keep in mind is that even in the UK there will be local differences, not only in the varieties of flowers but also in the time they begin flowering.
Here in the Cotswolds we often find the following plants in Spring.
Aconites are among the first to flower here and their yellow flowers can sometimes be mistaken for buttercups. You will often see bees on these during a warm day.
Snowdrops are another early flower as is the crocus.
Hazel is an unusual plant in that it does not actually require any intervention from bees as it is wind pollinated but the easily available pollen from the catkins is an early favourite for bees. Willow is often another source.
In the garden hellebores will often be a good source of early nectar.
Later in the spring we start to get the fruit trees flowering and for many insects, especially bees are essential to a good crop later in the year. Apple, plum and cherry blossom will attract bees and it is a real delight to watch the bees working those trees on a mild day.
Then, please don’t forget dandelions when they come into flower. Much hated by gardeners who want to overcome nature but much loved by bees and beekeepers.
The above is just a brief list but a great source of further information is the RHS site including their Plants For Pollinators Section Plants For Pollinators
Don’t forget though Spring is often a time of great difficulty for the hive and it may well be necessary to feed in order to supplement the natural sources available.
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