Plum Tree and Bees

My plum tree has been in full bloom for a week or so. There have been plenty of bees around but they seem to have been completely avoiding it and been more attracted to just about anything around about despite not being flowers e.g. sticker on my wheelie bin, things in my garage, nails on my fence, etc.

Might be coincidence but this morning I tied a couple of colourful ribbons onto the tree and in less than 10 minutes I have observed 2 bees dive down straight to it and give it a good going over.

Seems they are easily confused by different colours and perhaps need some encouragement to get them to go where you want them. I've read about companion planting be friendly plants near by to attract them so may add some new plants in.

 

Sounds like a good plan, you could underplant with pulmonaria as they are loved by bees. The bumbles are interested in twigs and other spaces because of nesting they are a little later waking up from hibernation this year.

 

Good idea regards the ribbons. Will try this on my Nashi and Victoris plum tree, cheers