Every year about this time, I hope to see rusty-patched bumble bees, an endangered species. It's always a thrill to find them in my garden! Some of their favorite plants here have been various Alliums and Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa).
In the past several days, their preferred hangout has been the Invincibelle Lace® Hydrangea (H. arborescens subsp. radiata), which is a cultivar of the native H. radiata. For several years, this easy-care, shade-tolerant shrub has made itself at home in a special garden spot, and the pollinators are now visiting with abandon. It's a lovely shrub--from bud to bloom and beyond.
The scent when it blooms is amazing!
And even as it fades, its florets and filaments capture little treasures, like errant leaves.
And the wings of former visitors.
During my recent observation, rusty-patched bumble bees were joined by many other pollinators for a party on the flowers.
It was fun to watch banded longhorn beetles climbing up its structure.
The light of the shrub's dappled-shade location plays magically across the flowers.
The scent when it blooms is amazing!
And even as it fades, its florets and filaments capture little treasures, like errant leaves.
And the wings of former visitors.
During my recent observation, rusty-patched bumble bees were joined by many other pollinators for a party on the flowers.
It was fun to watch banded longhorn beetles climbing up its structure.
The light of the shrub's dappled-shade location plays magically across the flowers.
This little Hydrangea is happy in its home near a Crabapple tree. And it has a special purpose--hosting an endangered species and a wide range of other pollinators.
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The rusty-patched bumble bee has been listed as an endangered species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act since 2017. Once commonly found throughout a broad range of eastern and northcentral North America, its presence has shrunk to a few small areas within that native range. We're fortunate in this part of the Midwest to still find them in our gardens and natural areas.
The Xerces Society offers suggestions on how we can all get involved in bumble bee conservation--to help the endangered rusty-patched bumble bee and other species.
Happy 4th, Beth! I'm not familiar with the rusty-patched bee but it - and the lacecap hydrangea - are very attractive .
ReplyDeleteHappy Indenpendence Day, Kris! This Hydrangea is a lovely one. I'm appreciating the lacecap smooth Hydrangeas more and more, especially for their benefits to pollinators.
DeleteBeth, that's wonderful that you're attracting the endangered bee. You are a good steward. It's fun to see all the different kinds of insects gathered on that hydrangea.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susie. I feel fortunate that they're finding beneficial habitat and nectar and pollen here. The bees, and all the insects and garden visitors, are so fascinating!
Deletethe lace hydrangea is beautiful. We had one back in the UK and the scent was amazing. I I am also keen to protect the bees and other pollinators. In the hot weather here they are really suffering.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine the heat must be unbearable lately in Europe--tough for the people and the wildlife. I've only had this particular Hydrangea for a few years, but it is just the perfect little shrub for that spot. And now I know that rusty-patched bumblebees like it, too. :)
DeleteYour hydrangea is gorgeous, and a huge plus the bee finding it! Happy 4th.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a wonderful 4th, too! It's funny--every time I look at that shrub I think of what a great addition it was, for so many reasons.
DeleteI do love the lace cap hydrangeas, where the flower parts are available for the pollinators. I love that photo of the wings in the flower!
ReplyDeleteMe, too. I love the fact that this one is a smooth lacecap. It's really special--for its beauty, its ease of care, and the purpose it serves. Thanks--I just happened to notice the wings while glancing over the flower heads.
DeleteA perfect shrub I have growing although mine is a native white and featured in my vase this week. Pollinators do love them.
ReplyDeleteI noticed your Hydrangea in your arrangement--the perfect addition! I think the bud stage is just as pretty as the full bloom stage with these smooth Hydrangeas. Does yours have a lovely scent, too?
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