The balloon flower, also known as the Chinese bellflower, is a perennial herb that can be grown in a flower bed or in a pot. From a human perspective the flowers are pretty to look at, but what about bees?
What value does the balloon flower have for bees?
The balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) has a medium nectar and pollen value for bees and is visited by various honey and wild bee species. Oligolectic bee species such as the large and small bellflower scissor bees in particular benefit from the balloon flower.
What value does the balloon flower have for bees?
The nectar and pollen value of the balloon flower for bees is in the medium range. Since it is not one of the long-established perennials, but is native to Northeast Asia, the traditional value can still be classified as high. Exotic plants are often said to have no value at all for native insects.
Which bees fly to the balloon flower?
The balloon flower is visited by honey (Apis melifera) and wild bees. The following species of wild bees and bumblebees have already been spotted on the flowers of Platycodon grandiflorus:
- Great bluebell scissor bee (Chelostoma rapunculi)
- Short-fringed scissor bee (Chelostoma campanularum)
- Garden leafcutter bee (Megachile willughbiella)
- Common masked bee (Hylaeus communis)
- Common Furrow Bee (Halictus simplex)
- Misrecognized golden bee (Halictus tumulorum)
- Common narrow bee (Lasioglossum calceatum)
- Green glossy bee (Lasioglossum nitidulum)
- Stone bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius)
Do I also help oligolectic bees with the balloon flower?
Observations of the balloon flowers have shown that they are visited by oligolectic wild bee species such as the greater and lesser bluebell scissor bees. Bee researchers explain this by saying that the balloon flower belongs to the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), which also includes native species such as the round-leaved bellflower (Campanula rotundifolia), which, however, are of greater importance for bees.
Tip
Combine balloon flower
The large flowers of the balloon flower go very well with bluebells, yarrow, marigolds and heather. If you combine these plants in mixed borders, the bees will also have a lot of fun.
