Late summer forage for bees

The short lived Hibiscus blossom is backed up by many buds in various stages of development. Hibiscus adds to the late summer foraging opportunities. It is not stingy with it’s pollen.

Hibiscus buds

Bumblebee covered in pollen

Hardy Hibiscus and bees

Hardy Hibiscus starts to bloom in late August just when other foraging sources for bees are starting to fade. It will produce new blossoms every day right through till frost time. The bee in the picture below is gathering nectar at the base of the flower but it can’t help picking up the large pollen grains. The creamy white colour of the Hibiscus pollen is reminiscent of the colour of blueberry pollen.

 

Hardy Hibiscus

The bee isn’t into the Hibiscus blossom for long before she has to stop and gather up the pollen that is sticking to her body. Notice in the picture below the lineup of buds getting ready to open on a daily basis.

Hibiscus pollen