Bedding plants are commonly found in garden centres up and down the country. They’re often planted to add colour to gardens and attract a host of the UK’s pollinating insects.
Bedding plants are often seasonal and can be bought as seeds, seedlings or fully-grown specimens.
Here are some of the best bedding plants for attracting bees to your garden.
Name: Crocus
When to plant: Early autumn (from bulbs)
When they flower: Spring
Popular with: Hairy-footed Flower Bees, Bumblebees
Name: Bee Balm
When to plant: Spring (from seeds)
When they flower: Summer
Popular with: Garden Bumblebees, Common Carder Bees, Wool Carder Bees
Name: Perennial Wallflower
When to plant: Spring or summer (from semi-hardwood cuttings)
When they flower: Autumn
Popular with: Red Mason Bees, Common Carder Bees, Garden Bumblebees
Name: Sedum
When to plant: Early spring (from seeds)
When they flower: Autumn
Popular with: Honeybees, Bumblebees
Name: Snowdrop
When to plant: Early spring (from bulbs)
When they flower: Spring
Popular with: Bumblebees, Honeybees
Name: Winter Acronite
When to plant: Late spring (from seeds)
When they flower: Winter
Popular with: Bumblebees, Honeybees, Mining Bees