When the wild red or yellow foxglove and the cultivars cultivated in many gardens bloom, numerous insects can be observed on the attractive bell flowers. In this article we will clarify whether and warm digitalis is also useful for bees.
Is foxglove a bee-friendly plant?
Depending on the variety, the foxglove has anectar valueof 2 to 3 and apollen valueof 1, which makes it agood food source for bumblebees, wild bees and some species of butterflies.
Why are there so many bumblebees on the foxglove?
This is due to thespecial structure of the foxglove flowers:
- The path to sweet plant sap is quite long with the bell-shaped flowers that open downwards.
- On the way there, the animals also have to overcome an obstacle made up of vertical barrier hairs. These are so stable that they block the path of smaller insects.
- On the way to food, they roam along the anthers and are loaded with nectar, which they carry to the next flower. In this way they ensure fertilization.
Tip
Foxglove reproduces through self-sowing
Once the foxglove has established itself, you usually do not have to bother with targeted breeding. Digitalis is often referred to as the “walker in the garden” because the inconspicuous seeds are very light and are dispersed around the area by the wind. As soon as temperatures rise above 15 degrees, they begin to germinate and form a rosette of leaves in the first year.
