Known for its unique and captivating appearance, Granny’s Bonnet, or the Aquilegia variety, has long been a favorite among gardeners and nature enthusiasts. But do these captivating blooms also hold a special place in the hearts of our buzzing friends? In this post, we will explore the allure of Granny’s Bonnet flowers for bees, and how these blossoms can play a vital role in supporting our essential pollinators. So let’s dive into the delightful connection between Granny’s Bonnet, the Aquilegia variety, and our beloved bees!
The small garden bumblebee is a special kind of bumblebee that has a much longer tongue than other species. This makes it particularly attracted to plants like Granny’s Bonnet, also known as Aquilegia, which have deep flowers that are perfect for the bee’s long tongue.
What Are Granny’s Bonnet
Granny’s Bonnet, or Aquilegia vulgaris, is a flowering herbaceous perennial wildflower native to Europe. It has escaped gardens and naturalized in many parts of the world. Granny’s Bonnet grows up to 1.2 m tall, with branched, thinly hairy stems and biternate leaves that have three groups of three leaflets each. The flowers are showy and come in shades of blue, purple, pink, yellow, and white.
Granny’s Bonnet is an important part of the ecosystem as it provides nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It also helps to stabilize soil on slopes and banks by preventing erosion due to its deep root system. The foliage can provide food for some species of birds and mammals too.
Growing Granny’s Bonnet
Granny’s Bonnet prefers moist soils in partial shade but can tolerate full sun if given enough water during dry spells. It will thrive in most soils as long as they are not overly wet or dry. To ensure healthy growth, it should be fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season. Deadheading spent blooms will help promote more flowers throughout the summer months.
Overall, Granny’s Bonnet is an attractive addition to any garden or landscape due to its showy flowers and ability to attract pollinators while also helping to stabilize the soil around it. With proper care and maintenance, this hardy perennial can bring beauty and life into any outdoor space for years to come!
Sow your Granny’s Bonnet seeds directly in the ground in early spring, when there is still some chance of frost. Cover them lightly with soil and water them thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs, which usually takes about two weeks.
Once your plants have sprouted, keep them well watered and fertilize them regularly with an organic fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms throughout the season.
Best Varieties For Bees
When it comes to planting Aquilegia variety flowers that attract bees, two of the best varieties are William Guinness and Columbine. Both of these plants are hardy, easy to grow, and provide a great source of nectar for bees.
William Guinness
William Guinness is a perennial flower that blooms in late spring or early summer. It has a white corolla with deep purple spurs, making it an attractive addition to any garden. The flowers have a sweet scent that attracts bees from miles away. This variety is also drought-tolerant and can thrive in full sun or partial shade.
Columbine
Columbine is another great bee-friendly plant variety. It has delicate bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. These flowers bloom from late spring through early summer and attract a wide variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies.
Both William Guinness and Columbine are easy to grow from seed and will come back year after year if planted in the right conditions. They should be planted in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter added for nutrients. Water regularly during dry spells to keep the soil moist but not soggy. These plants prefer cooler temperatures so they should be planted in the fall or early spring when temperatures are milder.
By planting these varieties in your bee-friendly garden you can help support local pollinators while adding beautiful color and fragrance to your landscape!
Where To Buy Granny’s Bonnet Seeds
If you’re looking for the best place to buy Granny’s Bonnet seeds, look no further than Crocus.co.uk! They have a wide variety of Granny’s Bonnet seeds and offer fast delivery service so you can enjoy your new plants in no time. Plus, their prices are great! So don’t miss out – order your Granny’s Bonnet seeds today from Crocus.co.uk for the best selection and great value!
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