During winter hibernation, bumblebee queens use up their fat reserves to stay alive. When they wake up from early spring onwards, they desperately need to feed on flowers to build up their strength! 💪
In February and March you may see hungry queens feeding on: mahonia, winter heather, lungwort (pictured), crocus, snowdrops, and flowering currant. 🌼
Queens and their offspring then need a steady supply of nectar and pollen throughout the year (generally until October) to make sure their colonies thrive!
You can help by providing bumblebee-friendly plants which flower across different seasons. Bee inspired by our Community Planting Guide, which contains flower lists for spring, early summer and late summer/autumn!
Plan your bumblebee-friendly planting through the seasons
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