MINOR BULBS

Many of the minor bulbs bloom very early in the year and provide critical first pollen and nectar sources for honey bees.  Since they bloom before the trees leaf out and are very small, they can be tucked into just about any apiary garden.  You can even plant them in containers.

You can often find them at local nurseries and big box stores in late summer/early fall for fall planting.  There are numerous online sources as well.

Snowdrop – Galanthus nivalis

• Blooms January – February; this year, they were already starting to bloom in December!
• White, drooping flowers with grass-like foliage, 4-12” tall.
• 2 star nectar, 3 star pollen source for honey bees; bumble bees also visit.

Winter Aconite – Eranthis hyemalis

• Blooms January – February.
• Yellow, buttercup-like flowers open with the sun each day, 6-8” tall.
• 3 star nectar and pollen; bumblebees also visit.

Crocus species

• Blooms February – March.
• Comes in a variety of colors and sizes, including purple, white, yellow, bicolored, and striped.
• 3 – 6” tall.
• First to bloom are the “Tommy Crocus” – Crocus tommasinianus, which also tend to spread and naturalize in to produce a wonderful display each year.
• 2 star nectar, 3 star pollen; bumble bees also visit.