Not all lavender flowers are equally attractive to bees
As I noticed when I visited Cambridge University Botanic Garden in July.
The gardens are curated by lavender expert Dr Tim Upson (his PhD is in lavender!), and I was fascinated by his extensive collection there.
![bee on lavender flowers intermedia sussex bee on lavender flowers intermedia sussex](https://driedflowercraft.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Bee-on-lavandula-intermedia-Sussex-1024x768.jpg)
Surprisingly, not all lavenders seemed equally attractive to bees, with some plants seeming to host hundreds at a time, while only one or two visited others. So if you’re out shopping for bee-friendly plants, it’s probably best to see if you can see any insects visiting them before you buy!
![lavender flowers intermedia abriallii lavender flowers intermedia abriallii](https://driedflowercraft.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Bee-on-lavandula-x-intermedia-Abriallii-1024x768.jpg)
Dried lavender flowers as an insect repellent
Thinking about bees and lavender makes me consider the connection between lavender as an insect repellent and as a good source of nectar.
Lavender plants (particularly Intermedia) produce essential oils which contain camphor compounds. These are unpalatable to insects, which is why dried lavender makes such a good repellent.
So why have I just posted two photos and a video of bees on Lavandula X Intermedia varieties? I think that there is a trade off in bees where the instinct to avoid camphor laden plants is overridden by the benefits to the bee of the quantities of pollen & nectar to be had.
Incidentally, the lavender essential oils which are most soothing and most commonly used in aromatherapy are the Angustifolia varieties, which have a much lower camphor level. I wonder – if I compared the number of bees on Angustifolia varieties with those on Intermedia – would there be a correlation?
I think another trip to Cambridge might be in order!
Related posts on dried lavender flowers
Lavender as an insect repellent – put the dried flowers in a bag in your wardrobe.
Choosing lavender to dry – some flowers may have a better colour or fragrance than others when dried.
Drying lavender at home – hang up some flower bunches to dry.