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I live in Europe, and planted several non-native perennials, most notably:

  • echinaceas
  • hellenuims
  • rudbeckias

For all species, I chose several cultivars, for the sake of experimenting.

Although all three species are listed as bee-attractive, bees at my place like only echinaceas and hellenuims. They totally ignore rudbeckias! Is there any plausible explanation for this?

Can it be that european bees are just not used to rudbekias, or simply don't like it, while american bees do?

Aleksandar M
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1 Answers1

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Rudbeckia generally don't attract many pollinating insects in the UK either, I wouldn't class them as particularly 'bee friendly' in comparison with, say, Lavender or Monarda. According to this https://www.ecobeneficial.com/ask_ecobeneficial/rudbeckia-attracts-lots-pollinators/ Rudbeckia laciniata does attract pollinators, but I've never grown it myself, so I can't comment. Note that particular variety of Rudbeckia may be invasive, but it is hardy down to -20deg C.

Bamboo
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