For many gardeners, the buzz of bees is a welcome sound, signifying a healthy ecosystem and successful pollination. However, there are times when a gardener might specifically be seeking plants that do not attract bees. Understanding What Shrubs Do Not Attract Bees is crucial for managing specific landscape goals, whether it’s to reduce insect activity in a high-traffic area or to cater to other wildlife preferences. This article delves into the characteristics of shrubs that tend to fly under the radar of our buzzing benefactors.
Understanding the Science Behind Bee Attraction
The allure of a shrub to a bee is primarily driven by two key factors: nectar and pollen. Bees are drawn to flowers that offer a rich source of these essential food resources. Shrubs that do not attract bees typically possess flowers that are either inconspicuous, lack significant nectar production, or have pollen that is unappealing or inaccessible to most bee species. This doesn’t mean these shrubs are devoid of beauty; many offer attractive foliage, berries, or structural interest throughout the seasons.
Several characteristics can contribute to a shrub’s low appeal to bees:
- Flower Structure: Many shrubs with very small, insignificant flowers or those with dense, double blooms (where nectar and pollen are often bred out) are less attractive.
- Nectar and Pollen Quality: Some plants simply don’t produce nectar, or the nectar they do produce is not rich in the sugars and amino acids that bees seek. Similarly, pollen may be too brittle, too sticky, or lacking in essential nutrients.
- Timing of Bloom: While less common, a shrub that blooms very early or very late in the season, when bee populations are low, might naturally attract fewer visitors.
Consider these examples of shrubs that generally do not attract significant bee activity:
| Shrub Type | Reason for Low Bee Attraction |
|---|---|
| Hydrangea (some varieties) | Many popular Hydrangea varieties have sterile outer florets that are showy but produce no nectar or pollen. Mophead and lacecap types often have a mix, but some are primarily ornamental. |
| Boxwood (Buxus) | Boxwood flowers are tiny, greenish, and produce very little nectar, making them unappealing to bees. Their primary appeal is their dense, evergreen foliage. |
| Holly (Ilex) | While holly produces small flowers, they are often inconspicuous and offer limited nectar and pollen, especially for the common ornamental varieties grown for their berries. |
| Japanese Andromeda (Pieris) | The bell-shaped flowers of Japanese Andromeda are often pollinated by early-season bees, but many varieties are not considered primary bee attractors compared to more prolific bloomers. |
It is important to remember that even plants that are not primary bee attractors might still receive occasional visits from a few opportunistic foragers, especially if other, more appealing food sources are scarce. However, focusing on shrubs with the characteristics outlined above will help in selecting plants that are less likely to be a major draw for bee populations in your garden.
To further explore the fascinating world of ornamental shrubs and their interactions with pollinators, we encourage you to consult the resources detailed in the section that follows this article.