Bees are incredibly authoritative pollinators in our gardens and landscapes . They toy a essential function in pollenate flowers , which chair to the production of fruits , vegetable , and seeds . While we have mainly focused on plants that bring on pollen for bees , it is evenly important to provide them with sources of ambrosia . Russian Sage ( Perovskia atriplicifolia ) is a terrific plant for attracting bee , as it offers a generous amount of nectar .
Russian Sage is a repeated herbaceous plant that belong to the mint family line ( Lamiaceae ) . It is aboriginal to Central Asia and has become a democratic garden plant in many parts of the world . This plant get beautiful lavender - blue flush that flower from mid - summertime to early fall , reach it a worthful late - season nectar source for bees .
Carpenter bee , leafcutting bees , and honey bees are particularly attracted to Russian Sage . These bees are known as generalist foragers , mean they visit a wide variety of flowers for nectar and pollen . Russian Sage provide them with a reliable and abundant source of nectar , which is a vital Department of Energy source for their daily activities .
One of the understanding bee are attracted to Russian Sage is its high nectar production . The plant give rise copious amounts of nectar , which is a sweet liquidness robust in dough . Bees are naturally drawn to the sugary ambrosia as it provides them with the carbohydrates they involve for vim . Russian Sage ’s abundant nectar provision assist as a valuable food source for bees , especially during geological period when other efflorescence plants may be less abundant .
The prime structure of Russian Sage also act a purpose in attracting bee . The lilac - puritanic flowers are tubular in shape , with a long tube - like corolla and a protruding style and stamens . This flower Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe is well - suited for bees with long tongues , like dear bees and some humblebee , as they can easily get to the ambrosia deep within the flower . The tubular flowers also provide shelter for the ambrosia , preclude it from vaporise quickly and making it more accessible to bee .
to boot , the color of the bloom can be attractive to bees . bee have fantabulous colour vision and are particularly attract to blue and empurpled chromaticity . The vivacious lilac - down color of Russian Sage flowers acts as a visual cue , guiding bees towards the nectar - rich reward .
In my own gardening experience , I have find the buzzing activity of bees around Russian Sage . It is truly a sight to lay eyes on , as legion bees foregather to collect nectar from the flowers . The bees dart from one bloom to another , their fuzzy body covered in pollen , as they diligently forage for nectar to work back to their colony . It is a joy to observe these industrious animate being at body of work , benefiting both the bee and my garden .
bee are essential pollinators , and provide them with nectar source is crucial for their survival and the wellness of our gardens and ecosystems . Russian Sage is a rattling works for attract bee due to its high nectar production , cannular efflorescence shape , and attractive lilac - blue color . Carpenter bees , leafcutting bees , and honey bee are peculiarly drawn to Russian Sage , making it a valuable addition to any garden or landscape painting assay to indorse these significant pollinator .
Caroline Bates
