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Bumblebee on flowers in a garden
Even in winter, you might see the odd bumblebee on a mild day. We look at plants you can grow that will offer bees a winter lifeline.
  • There is joy to be had in supporting wildlife. Winter plants with nectar can help any bees get the energy and nutrition they need
  • Adding plants that flower in winter to your garden gives it life and movement in the colder months
  • Increase your knowledge of the plants that can support wildlife through all the seasons

You may have wondered, where do bees go in winter?

In Britain, we have around 270 species of bee. Many of these spend the winter hiding away. This is why bug houses and piles of logs are so important in the garden!

Bumblebees, however, will occasionally be seen flying on a warm winter day. This is why the Bumblebee Conservation Trust has a campaign called Bee the Change. Through it, they urge gardeners to grow plants that will offer bumblebees a winter lifeline.

You can help whether you have a garden, a balcony or just a flowerpot. Adding winter flowering plants can help feed winter-active bumblebees and hungry queens emerging from hibernation in the early spring.

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Here is a selection of plant recommended to support bumblebees through winter. Most are straightforward to grow and look after.

1.Mahonia

Flowering time: November to March

Mahonia BCT
Yellow mahonia flowers

2. Winter flowering heather

Flowering time: December to April

Heather BCT
Pink heather flowers

3. Crocuses

Flowering time: December to March

A field of white and purple crocuses
A field of white and purple crocuses

4. Stinking hellebore

Flowering time: December to April

Stinking hellebore BCT
Green stinking hellebore flowers

*caution* stinking hellebore is potentially toxic if eaten

5. Pussy willow

Flowering time: February to March

Pussy willow BCT
Pussy willow branches

Like Thrive, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust is passionate about the health benefits of gardening. Bee the Change is designed to empower anyone to take small, positive steps to help bumblebees, while also supporting their own wellbeing.

Try spending a few mindful minutes outside watching these fascinating little creatures as they buzz from flower to flower. It’s a great way to engage your senses and connect with nature! You could even download a free what's that bumblebee app and try spotting the species in your garden.

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