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Bees not interested in Antirrhinums (Snapdragons)

Jac19Jac19 Posts: 496
in Wildlife gardening
Bees have not seemed interested in my 2 Snapdragons, even through they have been flowering well.  Is this your experience? 
Are there particular Snapdragons that are more attractive to them than others?
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  • pitter-patterpitter-patter Posts: 2,429
    The bees did like the snapdragons in my garden this year, despite the fact that I grow other plants that are more attractive to them. They’ve enjoyed both the ‘closed’ ones and the varieties with more open flowers.

  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    Bumble bees have enjoyed my snapdragons too - though I agree with @pitter-patter, that other flowers are more popular.
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • YessicaHaircutYessicaHaircut Posts: 164
    My snapdragons have been constantly abuzz with bumblebees this summer.
    Sussex coast
  • Jac19Jac19 Posts: 496
    I will try different coloured ones this year, then.
  • borgadrborgadr Posts: 718
    I've seen quite a few on mine. I don't know what variety they are. I'd collected seed from one which randomly appeared in my old garden. Most of them came up white, but there are a few pale pinks and pale yellows. Bumblebees seem to like them.
  • Jac19Jac19 Posts: 496
    Thanks.  I had a red and white "Night & Day" and they did not even look at it.

    I will try the soft white, and pale yellows. 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Some types of bees can access nectar from antirrhinums and some can’t. You may not have the right type of bee in your locality. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Jac19Jac19 Posts: 496
    edited September 2021
    Ah, that makes sense, Dove.  There were wild buttercups right next to it and they were rolling in them.
  • paulconnery61paulconnery61 Posts: 13
    Hi folks my experience with Snapdragon plants is bumble bees and the carder bee seem to visit the yellow flowers more often what's your feeling on this . 
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    maybe the moths stole all the nectar?
    Devon.
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