Flowers Loved by Australian Native Bees

Flowers Loved by Native Bees throughout Australia

Left, teddy bear bee *(Amegilla)* on an *Abelia* flower; and, right, two stingless bees *(Trigona)* on some *Brachyscome* daisies
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The Australian Native Bee Research Centre asked Aussie Bee readers to help compile a list of flowers loved by native bees throughout Australia so that we could advise people how to to plant a garden which will encourage and support their local native bees. Here are ten of the top plants they recommended.

Ten Favourite Flowers Loved by Australian Native Bees
Abelia x grandiflora	Abelia
Buddleja *	Butterfly Bush
Callistemon	Bottlebrush
Eucalyptus	Gum Blossom
Grevillea	Spider Flower
Lavandula	Lavender
Leptospermum	Tea Tree
Melaleuca	Honey Myrtle
Westringia	Rosemary
Many Varieties	Daisies

A complete list of the plants nominated by our contributors was published in Aussie Bee Issue 6 (May 1998).

* Note: Buddleja davidii is a particularly good garden plant for native bees. However, it can act as an environmental weed in damp sclerophyll forest, disturbed areas, roadsides and river beds, especially in Victoria and SA. See: Environmental Weeds: a Field Guide for SE Australia, K Blood (2001). We have not had any problem with it in Sydney but take care that it does not cause a weed problem in your area.

Can You Add to this List?

Please send an email to the Australian Native Bee Research Centre with the names of plants loved by your native bees and the location of your garden (Town / State). Our email address is: <anbrc@zeta.org.au>.