May 29, 2024 · Why Borage is Beneficial for Honey Bees. Borage (Borago officinalis) is an herb-that is also called Starflower. It is an annual plant that grows, blooms and produces seed all in one season. It often reseeds itself each season for continued bloom.

May 11, 2020 · Bees are also attracted to borage flowers in preference to those of many other plants. Bees tend to be attracted to purple/ blue flowers, and the simple structure of borage flowers means that the nectar is easy for bees and other pollinators to access.

Other names for borage include bee bush and bee bread. It is a favorite plant of honeybees (with especially nutritious blue pollen), bumblebees, and small native bees, all of which aid pollination in the vegetable patch. At one time, beekeepers grew it to boost honey production.

Aug 7, 2022 · Borage, in my book, is one of the most versatile plants you can grow in your garden. It’s edible, medicinal, and perhaps best of all it’s a powerhouse for supplying pollen and nectar for bees, wasps and other beneficial insects. What plant produces the most nectar for bees? Use these seven plants to help your bees with honey production. Sunflowers.

Bee on borage (Borago officinalis) flower. The reason for its popularity among pollinators, is quite simply that borage provides lots of nectar and pollen. Scientists have even quantified how much this plant provides, and which pollinators benefit.

Jan 23, 2025 · Borage is a fast-growing herb with clusters of starry blue flowers that are beloved by bees! It’s a wonderful companion plant for tomatoes, cabbage, strawberries, and squash, helping to reduce tomato hornworm and cabbageworm damage.

Oct 11, 2024 · It’s easy to see why borage is also called ‘bee bread’. Bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators flock to this plant that is so rich in nectar. Pro Tip: Grow this triple combo for superb pollination: Borage, bee balm, and comfrey. …

Plant borage in full sun with partial shade. To get the most blooms and sturdy stalks, provide more sun than shade. The ideal soil pH is 6.5, but borage will grow in soil with a pH from 4.5-8.5. Plant in early spring after the last frost.

Jan 7, 2021 · Borage, also known as bugloss and starflower (Borago officinalis) is an easily grown hardy annual flowering herb that comes from Mediterranean countries. Pretty star-shaped pure blue flowers are borne from early summer though to autumn, on spreading bushy plants 60cm high. Bees love borage and the blooms are some of their favourite flowers.

Jan 21, 2020 · A historic medicinal herb, Borage (Borago officinalis), is a Mediterranean annual also known as starflower, bee bush, bee bread, and bugloss. It's not only a favorite plant of honey bees, but also attracts bumble bees and small, native bees. It has served many purposes from the time of ancient Rome to the present.