Flowers for bees and butterflies – 7 favorites

Pollination not only results in larger crops but also enhances the flavor and quality of fruits, berries, and nuts. Bees help with pollination, but they have faced challenges due to pesticides and diseases. That’s why planting bee-friendly plants is so valuable.

So, what exactly is pollination? In short, it’s the process plants use for reproduction. Pollination mainly happens when an insect, like a bee or bumblebee, searches for food on flowers and picks up pollen. When the bee flies to another flower to look for nectar and food, the pollen is transferred to that plant.

Pollen comes from the male part of the plant and must be transferred to the female part of another plant for fertilization to occur. In biological terms, this is called “from pollen bearer to stigma,” and pollen grains are comparable to sperm cells.

Most flowering plants rely on pollination, and many of the vegetables we eat exist thanks to bees and other pollinating insects. Did you know that:

• One-third of the food we eat needs pollination by bees.
• Bees and bumblebees increase the yield and quality of crops.
• 30% of the wild bee species in Norway are on the red list, and their numbers are declining and could disappear.

Help bees and bumblebees by sowing and planting plants they like. When shopping for perennials at Plantasjen, look for the "bee-friendly" label, which appears as a small bee on the product label. This guarantees that the plants don’t contain harmful substances that can make bees sick. Even annual plants are often bee-friendly, though they lack the label. You can also choose organic plants. Marcus Larm, Category Director for Plants at Plantasjen, explains how the company works with bee-friendly plants:

"We maintain close communication with our suppliers of bee-friendly plants. We also regulate in contracts that they are not allowed to use any banned pesticides or other pesticides that can be harmful to pollinating insects. Additionally, we conduct routine checks on selected plants," he says.

There are a variety of flowers that attract insects with their scent, color, and taste. These plants can be planted to delight the bees:

• Honeywort – Sow seeds directly in the growing area and keep the soil moist until the seeds have germinated.
• Common buttercup – A perennial plant that thrives in sunny, dry, and nutrient-poor soil.
• Honeysuckle – A fragrant climbing plant that thrives in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.
• Lavender – Not only a favorite among butterflies but also among bees and bumblebees. It thrives in sunny locations and blooms for a long time.
• Thyme, rosemary, and sage – Herb plants that bees and other pollinators enjoy. Perfect for summer beds and pots on the balcony.

Of course, there are many other plants that attract pollinators with their scent and color. Red clover, willow, bird cherry, and hawthorn are some favorites, and weeds like white clover, thistle, and dandelion are also loved by them. Think diversity and wild meadows.

In addition to planting flowers that attract bees, there are other ways you can help increase their numbers:

• Create a bee and bumblebee hotel – Make homes for wild bees with a so-called bee hotel made of hollow bamboo or similar material. Hang it up in a bush or on a balcony. A clay pot, with the bottom facing up and filled with moss and grass, is a perfect home for a bumblebee.
• Create a wildflower meadow – Bees will also appreciate a wild meadow with a variety of flowers, including lungwort, daisies, and vetch.
• Buy a share in a beehive – You can also purchase a share in a beehive and receive honey jars in return. By buying local Norwegian honey, you also support Norwegian beekeeping.
• Buy organic – Choose organic produce in stores, as it is primarily pesticides in conventional farming that make bees sick.
• Start beekeeping – Join a beekeeping association and start your own beekeeping venture.

Together, we can increase the chances that bees will survive—especially by growing food plants for them and being more mindful of the impact our consumption can have. Let spring and summer be the buzzing seasons they should be—with bees, bumblebees, and other important pollinators.

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