Bees are vital to our environment, pollinating plants that provide food, flowers, and biodiversity. One of the best ways to support them is by planting bee-friendly flowers, especially bulbs that bloom early in the season when food sources are scarce. Here are our top five bulbs to plant in your garden to help bees thrive throughout the winter months.

Crocus (Barr’s Purple)

Crocus plants are an excellent early-season food source for bees, particularly in late winter and early spring when nectar and pollen are scarce.

The open, cup-shaped flowers make it easy for bees to land and collect nectar and pollen efficiently.

Hyacinth (Blue Blend)

The bright colours and sweet fragrance of Hyacinth ‘Blue Blend’ will attracts bees. Its dense clusters of star-shaped blossoms provide a valuable food source for bees emerging from winter, offering both nectar and pollen when few other plants are in bloom.

The vibrant shades of blue and purple, which bees can easily detect, make it particularly attractive to pollinators.

Jonquil (Silver Chimes)

Due to their fragrant, multi-flowered blooms, Jonquil ‘Silver Chimes’ provide a valuable source of nectar and pollen in early to mid-spring. Its clusters of delicate white flowers with pale yellow cups attract bees by offering an easily accessible food source when other floral options may still be limited.

The strong, sweet scent, further enhances its appeal to pollinators, drawing them in from a distance.

Daffodil (Merieke)

Daffodil ‘Marieke’ provides a crucial food source for bees emerging from their winter dormancy when other nectar-rich plants may still be scarce.

Its large, trumpet-shaped corona holds ample nectar and pollen, making it easily accessible for honeybees, native bees, and other pollinators. The bright yellow petals act as a natural beacon, attracting bees with their vivid color and strong contrast against early-season landscapes.

Daffodil (Magnifique)

Daffodil ‘Magnifique’ is the earliest flowering yellow daffodil, providing an important nectar and pollen source for pollinators emerging from winter.

Their large, golden-yellow trumpet and bright petals attract bees, offering a clear landing platform and easy access to its floral rewards.