Blue bee texas7/10/2023 For one, males take less time to develop than females. This likely takes place for a few reasons. Interestingly, female larvae hatch from the eggs laid farthest away from the entrance, while males hatch from the ones nearest the entrance. Then she seals off the entrance to the hole with mud. She repeats this process for the remaining six to 11 eggs she lays until she has created a separate cell for each egg in the same hole. Once a female has deposited enough pollen and nectar into the hole, she lays an egg in the hole and seals it with mud. Despite this, individuals will nest near each other, resulting in decreased predation pressures, more mating opportunities and increased genetic variation through cross-breeding.įemales use holes found in wood, hoses or pipes as nests for laying eggs. How does it reproduce?Īs a solitary species, each blue orchard bee looks after its own brood rather than living in a colony made up of worker bees and a queen. Females form a mixture of pollen and nectar that they bring back to their nests into balls with the aid of their own saliva, which the larvae eat. They pack pollen beneath rows of scopa, which are stiff hairs below the abdomen. This native species is highly valued for its pollination of fruit crops, including cherry, pear, apple, blueberry and almond. Like many other bee species, blue orchard bees feed on nectar and pollen from flowers, collecting nectar in their honey sacs from many plants. It can be propagated by division however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.The blue orchard bee occurs in woodlands and forest edges across North America, ranging in the east from Nova Scotia to Georgia, Michigan and Texas, and in the west from southern British Columbia to southern California. This is a selection of a native North American species. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen! As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 22 inches apart. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration īlue Stocking Beebalm is recommended for the following landscape applications īlue Stocking Beebalm will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 26 inches. It is a good choice for attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition. Its fragrant pointy leaves remain grayish green in color throughout the season.īlue Stocking Beebalm is an herbaceous perennial with a mounded form. This stunning variety grows up to four feet, producing deep violet flowers in mid summer on tall, strong stems mildew resistant as well great for massing along bordersīlue Stocking Beebalm has masses of beautiful clusters of fragrant violet flowers at the ends of the stems from mid summer to early fall, which are most effective when planted in groupings.
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