The perfect plant for bees & Co.

Does gorse attract bees and other insects?

Whether dyer's or stone broom, broom and which species still exist: All species are valuable forage plants for bees, bumblebees, butterflies and other insects. Above all, the fat bumblebees cavort on the colorful flowers, because the gorse mainly contains pollen. Nectar, on the other hand, is less available, but beekeepers' associations still recommend the plant as a honey bee foraging plant.

Therefore, the attractive gorse should definitely be planted in the insect-friendly garden, especially since the plant is quite undemanding and also grows very well nutrient-poor soils grows. Some species such as the cushion broom (Cytisus decumbens) can also be used as a soil conditioner.

Which types of gorse are particularly suitable for bees?

In principle, all types of gorse are suitable as a nutrient plant for bees, bumblebees and other insects. However, different varieties differ in their flowering time as well as in their demands on location and Care. Particularly popular and easy-care species are:

• Dyer's broom (Genista tinctoria): loosely growing small shrub with golden-yellow flowers for sunny to slightly shady locations and lean but fresh soil
• Pillow broom (Cytisus decumbens): only up to approx. Growing 20 centimeters high. very rich flowering, for sunny locations
• Noble broom (Cytisus scoparius): growth height up to 200 centimetres, many varieties with different flower colors available, for sunny locations with sandy soil
• Rock broom (Genista lydia): low dwarf shrub with bright golden flowers, suitable for warm, sunny locations

When does the bee-friendly gorse bloom?

The different types of gorse bloom at different times, which is advantageous for bees and co.: In this way, the insects can find food in the garden over a longer period of time. In general, it makes sense to plan the garden planting according to the flowering period, so that insects always find a richly laid table from spring to autumn.

The flowering times are:

• Dyer's broom: June to August
• Cushion gorse: May
• Noble broom: May to June
• Stone broom: mid-May to June

Other broom species such as the sand broom (Genista pilosa) also bloom from May to June. The ivory broom (Cytisus praecox), on the other hand, is a very early bloomer, showing its blooms as early as April.