PLANTING FOR
HONEYBEES
FROM WINDOWSILLS TO GARDENS
A POCKET GUIDE
Fourth Edition
INTRODUCTION
A single beehive needs to gather around 50kg of pollen and
250kg of nectar every year – just to survive, without creating any
surplus honey crop.
This highlights the forage crisis facing bees of many species; not
just our honeybees but also their wild cousins such as the
bumblebees and solitaries, equally vital pollinators. Worldwide,
research continues into the issues assailing bees. Scientists cite
complex causations, with key factors including disease, parasites,
climate change and agrichemicals.
They all agree though, that bees living with plentiful forage have
healthier immune systems and are more resilient to environmental
pressures. Country bees go hungry as monoculture provides
erratic forage, trees die back and hedgerows are compromised. In
most cities, green space shrinks whilst the number of urban hives
just continues to grow, introducing competition that negatively
impacts all bee species. London, for instance, now has the greatest
density of hives in Europe, with bee disease levels rocketing due
to overcrowding and hunger.
So, as an individual, you really can
make a difference. Plant for bees and
other pollinators. Start community forage
projects. Support small beekeepers
by buying their honey. Start to
‘think bee’ and it’s amazing what
you’ll discover!
Dale Gibson & Sarah Wyndham Lewis
Bermondsey Street Bees
2021
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
We’ve designed this guide to be as flexible and informative
as possible.
Start with ‘Things You Need to Know’ to get a feel for
bee-friendly planting. Then identify the space you have – from a
windowsill to a large garden. But don’t limit yourself to that;
there’ll be good ideas in other sections too.
Our species suggestions are intended as starting points and to
get you thinking about all four seasons. Find out more about
the listed plants. Look online, in gardening books or at garden
centres. Discover other plants for yourself. Make a list of what
appeals most and always check:-
How tall does it grow and how wide does it spread?
Are there larger/smaller/different varieties I might prefer?
When does it flower?
Is it right for my soil conditions and weather?
Does it like sun/shade?
Is it high or low maintenance?
Even if you start on a very small scale, you
can easily create bee-friendly plantings
which give you and the bees equal pleasure
and will also attract other valuable
pollinator species. Your garden will
come alive.
CONTENTS
Things you need to know ................................................................. 4
Windowsills & Small containers ....................................................... 6
Patios and Planters ............................................................................ 8
Small gardens ................................................................................. 10
Big gardens .................................................................................... 12
Edible gardens ............................................................................... 14
Roof terraces & Green roofs ............................................................ 16
Resources ....................................................................................... 18
Bee facts .......................................................................................... 19
About us ......................................................................................... 20
The Bermondsey Street Bees Planting Guide
Fourth edition: 2021
© Bermondsey Street Bees
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Some basic principles of bee-friendly planting.
EXTEND THE FORAGE SEASON
Although March to September are the key months, bees will fly
whenever the temperature is above 10°C, so look for early and
late flowering plants. Choose June flowering species too – bees
often have cope with a ‘food gap’ at that time of year.
MOW LESS & LOVE WEEDS
Many ‘weeds’ provide precious forage. Mow lawns, but less
often. Always clear cuttings away and leave some areas to
grow wild. This encourages useful species to grow, such as
daisies, clovers and dandelions – a vitally important early
season nectar source.
BEES SEE BLUE
Bees see into the ultra-violet spectrum, which makes blue and
purple plants especially attractive to them. Red flowers are
least attractive.
THE WILDFLOWER QUESTION
True wildflower meadows need large areas and specialist
management including careful species choice and scheduled
mowing. Although planting wildflowers is useful, you can often
make better choices to provide longer lasting, more structural
forage. Look for perennials rather than annuals and plant in big
clumps. Honeybees only forage on one species at a time, so a
dense clump or drift of the same plants will be most attractive.
4
THINK BUSHES & TREES
A single lime (linden) tree in flower provides the same amount
of forage as 300 sq metres of wildflower meadow. If space
allows, bee friendly plantings should always start with a
framework of durable, perennial forage from bushes and trees.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
With shorter tongues than many bumblebees or butterflies,
honeybees often can’t feed from complex flower structures.
Showy, highly-bred flowers give minimal forage. Generally, stay
close to the original, simpler forms of flowers where nectar and
pollen are easily accessible.
WATER, WATER
Bees don’t store water in the hive. They leave the hive to collect
water, which they often choose from surprising sources. If you
don’t have a pond, a bowl of pebbles full of rainwater provides
a good stop off.
GARDEN ORGANICALLY
Read up on organic gardening
techniques. If you must
use chemicals, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions
to prevent over-dosing. Buy
organic seeds, plants, bulbs
and composts which
have not been pre-
treated with chemicals.
5
WINDOWSILLS
& SMALL CONTAINERS
Even if all you have is a narrow ledge, there’s still plenty to
grow for you and the bees. Herbs are ideal, if you share them
with pollinators by letting them flower. But there are plenty
of other options listed here too, giving year-round interest
and forage.
SPRING
Flowers & Edibles: Snowdrops, Crocus, Forget-me-nots,
Coltsfoot, Winter Aconite, Hellebore, Primrose, Anemone,
Rosemary, Chives, Hyacinths, Grape Hyacinths, Aubrietia,
Alpine Aster, Sea Pink, Pasque Flower.
SUMMER
Flowers & Edibles: Potentilla, Borage, White Clover, Hebe,
Catnip, Cornflowers, Gypsophila,
Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary,
Chives, Strawberries,
Hyssop, Marjoram, Mint,
Lavender, Asters, Sage,
Dwarf Godetia.
6
AUTUMN
Flowers & Edibles: Black eyed Susan, Anemone,
Wild Marjoram, Rosemary, Chives, Woodland Sage, Asters,
Autumn Crocus, Asters, Delosperma, Heather, Scabious,
Autumn Stonecrop, Nasturtium.
WINTER INTO SPRING
Flowers: Michaelmas Daisy,
Cyclamen, Winter Aconite,
Heathers, Snowdrops,
Crocus, Rosemary,
Chives, Hellebore,
Rock Cress, Winter
Pansy, Snowdrops,
Sweet Violet.
7
PATIOS & PLANTERS
The smallest patio or terrace offers so many different
planting opportunities; from tubs brimming with herbs,
flowers or shrubs to profusely flowering climbers supported
on walls or trellis.
SPRING
Flowers & Edibles: Allium, Potentilla, Primula, Lungwort,
Borage, Catnip, Crocus, Forget-me-nots, Hellebore, Christmas
Rose, Aconite, Hyacinths, Anemone, Rosemary, Chives,
Strawberries, Hyssop, Marjoram, Mint.
Compact Bushes: Hebe, Mahonia, Box, Berberis. Skimmia.
Climbers: Clematis, Wisteria.
SUMMER
Flowers & Edibles: Phacelia, Cosmos, Lemon Verbena,
Helianthus, Borage, Cranesbill, Nasturtium, Purple Coneflower,
Thyme, Rosemary, Chives, Strawberries, Hyssop, Marjoram,
Mint, Scabious, Mexican Fleabane.
Compact Bushes: Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Hebe, Mahonia,
Box, Berberis, Cotoneaster.
Climbers: Passion Flower, Climbing Hydrangea, Tufted Vetch.
8
AUTUMN
Flowers & Edibles: Michaelmas Daisy, Bugbane, Winter Aconite,
Heathers, Asters, Monkshood, Autumn Ox-Eye, Black Eyed Susan,
Helenium, Bugbane, Cosmos, Sedum.
Compact Bushes: Choisya, Bluebeard, Small Abelias, Hebe.
Climbers: Clematis, Flowering Ivy, Passion Flower.
WINTER INTO SPRING
Flowers: Cyclamen, Winter Aconite, Heathers, Snowdrops,
Crocus, Rosemary, Chives, Hellebores, Siberian Squill,
Rock Cress.
Compact Bushes: Mahonia, Berberis, Witchhazel, Winter Daphne.
Climbers: Winter Jasmine.
9
SMALL GARDENS
Small gardens can easily produce a bee-thrilling variety of
year-round pollen and nectar-bearing flowers and shrubs
plants. Keep mown lawn to a minimum, maximize borders
and put planters on hard landscaped areas such as terraces or
decks. Smother walls with flowering climbers.
SPRING
Flowers & Edibles: Allium, Potentilla, Primula, Lungwort,
Borage, Catnip, Crocus, Forget-me-nots, Hellebore, Honesty,
Aconite, Hyacinths, Anemone, Rosemary, Chives, Strawberries,
Hyssop, Marjoram, Mint, Deadnettle, Leopard’s Bane.
Bushes & Compact Trees: Ceonothus, Flowering Currant,
Skimmia, Willow, Hebe, Mahonia, Box, Berberis, Crab Apple,
Hawthorn, Judas Tree.
Climbers: Clematis, Wisteria.
SUMMER
Flowers & Edibles: Euphorbia, Allium, Cosmos, Hollyhocks,
Cranesbill, Globe Thistle, Primula, Lungwort, Borage, Catnip,
Crocus, Forget-me-nots, Aconite, Hyacinths, Anemone,
Viper’s Bugloss, Thyme, Blackberries, Sage, Sweet Pea.
Bushes & Compact Trees: Potentilla, Mallow, Snowberry,
Hypericum, Ceonothus, Dog Rose, Buddleja, Hebe, Mahonia,
Box, Berberis, Vibernum, Rock Rose, Deutzia.
Climbers: Passion Flower, Rambling and Climbing Roses,
Climbing Hydrangea, Tufted Vetch, Black Eyed Susan Vine.
10
AUTUMN
Flowers: Helenium, Yarrow, Goldenrod, Michaelmas Daisy,
Bugbane, Wallflower, Black Eyed Susan, Campanula, Winter
Aconite, Heathers, Asters, Monkshood, Autumn Ox-Eye.
Bushes & Compact Trees: Choisya, Small Abelias, Escallonia,
Bluebeard, Hebe, St John’s Wort, Escallonia, Buddleja.
Climbers: Flowering Ivy, Clematis, Passion Flower.
WINTER INTO SPRING
Flowers: Cyclamen, Christmas Rose, Winter Aconite, Heathers,
Snowdrops, Crocus, Rosemary, Chives, Siberian Squill,
Wallflower.
Bushes & Compact Trees: Vibernum, Mahonia, Berberis,
Witchhazel, Winter Daphne, Forsythia, Winter Flowering
Cherry, Winter Honeysuckle, Forsythia.
Climbers: Winter Jasmine, Vine Lilac.
11
BIG GARDENS
Big gardens offer the chance to create the broad swathes of
single species planting which honeybees adore. Shrubs can be
larger species. Large flowering trees offer magnificent forage
and can be under-planted with colourful nectar and
pollen-bearing bushes and flowers. Wild grassy margins or
open areas can be planted as wildflower meadows.
For more flowers, look at previous sections. For more on
edible plantings see pages 14 & 15.
SPRING
Flowers: Allium, Aubretia, Dead Nettle, Hollyhocks,
Potentilla, Primula, Lungwort, Borage,
Catnip, Crocus, Forget-me-nots,
Hellebore, Honesty, Aconite,
Hyacinths, Anemone, Bugle.
Trees: Alder, Horse Chestnut,
Sycamore, False Acacia,
Lilac, Hazel, Maple, Plum,
Ornamental Almond,
Cherry, Mountain Ash,
Pussy Willow, Hawthorn,
Blackthorn.
Bushes: Flowering Holly,
Ceonothus, Broom, Gorse,
Barberry, Weigela, Flowering
Currant, Skimmia, Mahonia,
Berberis, Lily of The Valley
Bush, Myrtle, Hebe, Viburnum.
Climbers: Clematis, Wisteria.
12
SUMMER
Flowers: Snapdragons, Aquilegia, Nicotiana, Bee Balm, Veronica,
Calendula, Cranesbill, Cosmos, Heuchara, Lupins, Sedum,
Evening Primrose, Euphorbia, Allium, Cosmos, Hollyhocks,
Globe Thistle, Poppy.
Trees: Lime (Linden) Indian Bean Tree, Tulip Tree.
Bushes: Cotoneaster, Ceonothus, Calicarpa, Kolkwitzia, Japanese
Aralia, Mallow, Snowberry, Dog Rose, Hebe, Berberis.
Climbers: Passion Flower, Climbing Hydrangea, Clematis,
Rambling & Climbing Roses.
AUTUMN
Flowers: Single flowered Begonia, Helenium, Yarrow, Goldenrod,
Michaelmas Daisy, Bugbane, Wallflower, Black Eyed Susan,
Campanula, Winter Aconite, Heathers, Asters, Monkshood,
Autumn Ox-Eye, Joe Pye Weed, Yarrow, Zinnia.
Trees: Eucalyptus, Autumn Cherry, Eucryphia, Pagoda Tree,
Tetrodium (Chinese Bee-Bee Tree).
Bushes: Hoheria, Choisya, Abelia Bee Bush, Clematis,
Escallonia, Bluebeard, Hebe, late flowering St Johns Wort,
Winter Honeysuckle.
Climbers: Clematis, Flowering Ivy, Black Eyed Susan Vine.
WINTER INTO SPRING
Flowers: Cyclamen, Christmas Rose, Winter Aconite, Heathers,
Snowdrops, Crocus, Rock Cress, Wallflower.
Bushes & Trees: Vibernum, Gorse, Mahonia, Berberis, Witchazel,
Winter Daphne, Forsythia, Winter Cherry, Poplar.
Climbers: Winter Jasmine, Clematis.
13
THE EDIBLE GARDEN
Honeybees play a role in the pollination of many food-
producing species, gathering rich and varied forage whilst
helping ensure abundant cropping.
You don’t even need a garden or allotment to grow your own
produce. There’s plenty that will happily grow in containers
on patios or balconies.
FRUIT & NUT TREES
Apple, Almond, Apricots, Cherry, Crab Apple, Medlar, Pear,
Peach, Plum, Rowan, Quince, Walnut, Sweet Chestnut, Hazelnut.
FRUITING BUSHES/VINES
Gooseberry, Raspberry, Blackberrry, Blueberry, Blackthorn
(sloe), Dog Rose (rosehips), Redcurrant, Blackcurrant,
Whitecurrant, Bilberry, Kiwi, Grapes.
14
VEGETABLE SHORTLIST
Aubergines, Asparagus, Artichokes, Beans, Bell Peppers, Brussels
Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Celery, Cucumbers,
Courgettes, Fennel, Garlic, Melons, Onions, Peas, Pumpkins,
Strawberries, Tomatoes, Turnips. (Some edibles, such as lettuce, can only
benefit bees if some of the crop is left to flower.)
HERB SHORTLIST
Basil, Borage, Chives, Comfrey, Coriander, Dill, Lavender, Lemon
Balm, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Sages, Thyme.
(Don’t pinch the tops off all your herbs. Allow some to flower and feed the bees.)
15
ROOF TERRACES
Rooftop gardening has its own challenges including exposure,
wind and drought. It is important to favour hardy varieties
able to withstand that tough environment. However, the
advantage of gardening in containers, as most people do on
roof terraces, is that you can easily replace any failing plants
or give them another chance in a more sheltered area.
Experiment with what grows best. Roof terraces can also be
incredibly productive spaces for growing vegetables and fruits.
FLOWERS
Borage, Oregano, Russian Sage, Viper’s Bugloss, Yarrow,
Lavender, Cranesbill, Knapweed, Carline Thistle, Scabious,
Heathers, Caryopteris, Sea Holly, Senecio, Teucrium.
BUSHES
Rosemary, Hebe, Ceonothus, Berberry, Box, Lilac, Mahonia,
Spirea, Oleander.
CLIMBERS
Honeysuckle, Clematis, Flowering Ivy, Climbing Hydrangea,
Passion Flower, Black Eyed Susan Vine.
16
GREEN ROOF SYSTEMS
Green roof systems are good for buildings and good for
people, mitigating the urban ‘heat island’ effect, reducing
energy consumption and improving run-off water quality.
And, if planted with the right species, they can be
bee-friendly too.
All too often though, they use a limited range of species –
usually sedum. This flowers only once a year, making green
roofs ‘green deserts’ much of the time.
But planted to support pollinators and biodiversity, often using
the wide range of hardy native species which can thrive even
in shallow substrates, a green roof can become productive
and beautiful.
There are many expert Green Roof providers in the UK, many
of whom are now offering pollinator friendly plantings.
If you want to learn more about this
emerging science, you can follow the
world-leading research being
conducted by New York Parks
Department’s Randall Island facility.
Their rooftop ‘living laboratory’ features
more than 30 different green roof
growing systems.
Search nycgovparks.org
17
RESOURCES
There are many ways to help bees. If you have
nowhere to plant forage, consider volunteering, or
setting up a community planting project. Or support
bee charities carrying out vital research.
If you’re considering beekeeping, think hard. It’s a big
commitment. First stop is your local beekeeping
society to receive the proper training & mentoring.
It’s also vital to consider forage sources & existing
hive density in your area, especially in cities.
BRITISH BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION: bbka.org
To find your local beekeeping association & other advice.
The BBKA also runs an ‘Adopt A Beehive’ scheme.
BEE CHARITIES
International Bee Research Association: ibrabee.org.uk
Bees for Development: beesfordevelopment.org
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: rhs.org
Inspiring gardens, important research & the best bee-friendly
planting guides.
BEE FRIENDLY GARDENS TO VISIT
Highgrove, Sissinghurst, Oudolph Field, Eden Project,
Potters Field SE1, Greenwich Gateway, Kew Gardens, RHS Wisley
.… and many more. Search online for local information.
ONLINE BEE-FRIENDLY PLANT SHOPPING
rosybee.com beehappyplants.co.uk bee-friendlygardenplants.co.uk
jekkasherbfarm.com
18
BEE FACTS
Honeybees tend to forage within a 2 - 3 mile radius of
their hive.
They pollinate a high percentage of vegetable & fruit
crops. A crucial link in the eco-system, their pollination
also feeds wild mammals, birds and insects.
There are more than 25,000 species of bee. Only seven of
these are honeybees.
Honeybees have been on earth for around 80 million
years.
They collect nectar (carbohydrate) to make honey &
pollen (protein) to feed their brood.
They need to fly around 55,000 miles and make 4 million
individual flower visits to make a single jar of honey.
During its entire lifetime, a single bee will collect enough
nectar to make one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey.
All worker bees are female. A busy summer hive can
contain as many as 70,000 worker bees. In winter this
will fall to around 10,000 or less.
Honeybees do not hibernate in winter. They cluster
around the Queen to maintain the constant hive
k temperature of 35°C. and can safely leave the hive when
the outside temperature exceeds 10°C.
19
ABOUT US
Founded in 2007 as a sustainability-led artisan
beekeeping practice, we prioritise bee welfare
above any honey production. However, our
small batch honeys are highly prized, with
awards including two Golden Forks from the
Guild of Fine Food and consistent wins in the
Great Taste Awards, the National Honey Show and The Great
British Food Awards. Our apiaries are carefully sited in urban
and rural locations where hive density is low and natural
forage plentiful. We produce our raw honeys by hand in the
traditional way.
Building awareness of bee welfare is crucial and working with
greening charities, corporates, and many other groups, we deliver
education and collaborate on many planting projects. We are
active members of the Slow Food Movement and contribute data
to worldwide bee research projects.
Combining the craft of beekeeping with high-
level business experience, Apis works worldwide
with chefs, bars, hotel groups and other
corporates, developing best-practice blueprints
and meaningful CSR/ESG policy. Our clients
range from blue-chip businesses to SMEs. (See website for client
list and further information on our work.)
bermondseystreetbees.co.uk
@bermondseybees
@bstreetbees @plantingforhoneybees
@honeysommelierlondon
20
If you have found this little booklet helpful and want to explore the world of bees and
plantings in more detail, Sarah Wyndham Lewis’s book ‘Planting for Honeybees’
published by Quadrille, is available from good bookshops everywhere.
“Concise and easy to follow, this is a much needed guide to
honeybee-friendly plantings. Increasing forage availability is
vital for healthy bee populations, especially in our cities"
- Ian Mould, Potters Field Trust
Bermondsey Street Bees & Apis Consulting
103 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XB
bermondseystreetbees.co.uk
