Best Late Summer/Autumn shrub for bees

jimcrowch · Sep 22, 2023

Apart from ivy, what do members feel is the best shrub for bees September to October, fairly frost free, full sun site, does get breezy in N.Ireland. Thoughts

Gilberdyke John · Sep 22, 2023

jimcrowch said:
Apart from ivy, what do members feel is the best shrub for bees September to October, fairly frost free, full sun site, does get breezy in N.Ireland. Thoughts

My coralberry is still going strong. It overlaps the ivy quite nicely.

elainemary · Sep 23, 2023

Honeysuckle, Strawberry tree and Eleagnus, all among the RHS recommendation for top 12 autumn flowers. Landed in my mailbox yesterday

https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-inspi...rce=marketing enewsletters&utm_term=Read more

RonM · Sep 24, 2023

I have a large St Johns Wort in my garden that flowered in the summer is in full bloom again. Disapointingly I only see a few hover flies and the occasional bumble bee visiting it. I am going to dig it up in spring and put it on Freegle, so I can put in perennials that are more beneficial to bees, butterflies etc. I do have another smaller one at the bottom of the garden that I will keep.

BitterleyBee · Sep 26, 2023

I have got some salvias growing and hoping the bees will make use of them, any feedback from others if they are used?
I’ve heard mention of sedums and asters as well. Planning a green roof on my shed with some sedums.
Ron I reckon keep the St John’s wort. Amazing medicinal plant. I have tried tea from the flowers, only needed a very small amount and gave me a bit of a high.

E&MBees · Sep 27, 2023

Sedums and Asters are excellent for pollinators, as are Salvias. Also consider Echinacea, Nepeta, Campanula, Veronicastrum and Veronica’s. Some repeat flowering roses such as Sweet Haze also flower later in the year if you are diligent with dead heading.