Bees & Botanicals: A Love Story

The relationship between bees and flowers is one of nature’s most beautiful love stories—an ancient dance of scent, colour, and survival. Bees rely on flowers for nectar and pollen, while flowers depend on bees for pollination, ensuring the continuation of countless plant species. But beyond this essential exchange, there’s something even more magical at play: the very same floral scents that attract bees are the foundation of aromatherapy. In this blog, we’ll explore how bees and botanicals are deeply intertwined, how flowers use scent to communicate, the Aromatherapy connection and how we can honour that connection by creating bee-friendly spaces that nurture both pollinators and our own well-being.

The Aroma of Flowers 🌸

Flowers have evolved to produce specific scents that attract bees and other pollinators, ensuring successful pollination. Here’s how scent plays a key role in this beautiful partnership:

Scent as a Pollination Signal

Flowers release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are tiny aromatic molecules that carry through the air. These compounds signal to bees that nectar and pollen are available. Each plant species has its own unique blend of VOCs, helping bees identify different flowers.

Bees Have a Highly Developed Sense of Smell

Bees can detect floral scents from long distances—some research suggests up to several hundred metres! Their antennae are packed with scent receptors, making them highly sensitive to even the faintest aromas.

Unlike humans, bees can pick up UV-reflected scents, which helps guide them to the flower’s nectar source.

Flowers Release Scent at the Right Time

Many flowers increase their fragrance when their pollinators are most active. Day-blooming flowers (like lavender and rosemary) peak in scent when bees are foraging. Some night-blooming flowers (like jasmine) target moths and nocturnal pollinators instead.

Flowers Reward Bees for Visiting

In return for following the scent, bees get nectar (energy) and pollen (protein). Some plants are extra clever—like snapdragons, which only release scent when a bee’s weight triggers the flower to open! Amazing 🌸.

How This Links to Aromatherapy & Bee Conservation

By using bee-friendly plants in gardens, we help support pollinator populations.

Many essential oils come from plants that depend on bees, highlighting the importance of ethical sourcing. Planting scented flowers benefits both humans and bees, creating a natural aromatherapy garden.

One of the reasons I wanted to become a beekeeper was because bees are so connected to my job as an Aromatherapist. Whilst I use their beeswax to create my balms, it's so much more than that. Many of the essential oils we know and love come from bee-pollinated plants. Which means, the very scents that attract bees are what give these plants their therapeutic properties.

Bellow are my favourite bee-friendly botanicals & their aromatherapy benefits

1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Why Bees Love It: Rich in nectar, easy to access, and blooms for a long time.

Aromatherapy Benefits: Calming, reduces stress and anxiety, promotes restful sleep.

How to Help: Plant in sunny spots; avoid over-pruning to extend flowering.

2. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Why Bees Love It: Early bloomer, providing nectar when few other flowers are available.

Aromatherapy Benefits: Boosts memory, improves focus, and relieves fatigue.

How to Help: Let it flower before harvesting leaves; avoid pesticides.

3. Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

Why Bees Love It: Large, fragrant flowers with high nectar yield.

Aromatherapy Benefits: Balances hormones, uplifts mood, and soothes menstrual discomfort.

How to Help: Grow in well-drained soil; leave flowers to go to seed for reseeding.

4. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Why Bees Love It: Small but abundant flowers, rich in nectar.

Aromatherapy Benefits: Antibacterial, supports respiratory health, and strengthens immunity.

How to Help: Let some plants flower instead of harvesting all the leaves.

5. Wild Marjoram (Thymus mastichina)

Why Bees Love It: Late summer bloomer, providing food during depleting nectar sources.

Aromatherapy Benefits: Supports immunity, fights infections, and eases muscle pain.

How to Help: Leave some flowers standing into autumn for late pollinators.

6. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Why Bees Love It: Lemon Balm produces abundant nectar, making it a favorite for bees, especially during the summer months. Melissa actually means honey bee! 🐝

Aromatherapy Benefits: Known for its calming properties, Lemon Balm helps reduce anxiety, promote restful sleep, and boost mental clarity. Its fresh, citrusy aroma is uplifting and soothing, making it perfect for calming the mind after a long day.

How to Help: Plant in a sunny, well-drained spot, as Lemon Balm thrives in full sun. To keep it flourishing, avoid cutting back too much, as leaving some flowers to bloom will benefit both bees and the plant.

Fancy making your own Lemon balm infusion? Check out an earlier blog post 🍋

Creating a Bee-Friendly Aromatherapy Garden

Go Organic: Avoid chemical pesticides and fertilisers.

Plant in Clusters: Bees prefer large patches of the same plant.

Choose Year-Round Blooms: Provide nectar throughout the seasons.

Let Some Herbs Flower: I harvest my lavender before the buds flower so it can be dried, but I always leave plenty for the bees!

"Bee Bliss" Uplifting Diffuser Blend

Here’s a bee-inspired aromatherapy blend that captures the essence of a buzzing, flower-filled meadow.

A bright, floral, and herbaceous blend inspired by the botanicals bees love.

3 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Calming, stress-relieving, and a favorite of bees.

2 drops Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) – Mood-lifting and balancing.

2 drops Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis – Uplifting and fresh, like a sunlit garden.

1 drop Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – Clears the mind and boosts energy.

How to Use: Add to a diffuser to bring the scent of a bee-friendly garden indoors.

Warning: Do not use if you are pregnant or if you suffer from epilepsy.

This blend not only supports emotional well-being but also reminds us of the important connection between bees, flowers, and aromatherapy.

What are we Doing for the Bees?

I have created a gorgeous aromatherapy-bee garden. The photos, on this blog post are all taken in my garden. It's aroma is amazing on a sunny day.

On 22nd April 2025 for Earth Day, I've launched #BloomForBees, in which we can take simple yet meaningful steps—planting nectar-rich flowers, avoiding pesticides, and creating safe spaces for bees to thrive. For all my orders I've been including a packet of wildflower seeds. To learn more about #BloomForBees read an earlier blog post.

For those who want to go even further, our Adopt a Hive program offers a way to support bees directly, helping to protect these vital creatures while enjoying the golden rewards of their hard work. You can find out all about Adopt a Hive and our love of bees via our Honey Bee page

By nurturing bees, we nurture the very essence of aromatherapy and the natural world itself. Let’s bloom together—for the bees, for the flowers, and for a flourishing future.

Love Kirsty x