Wild bees in Austria number over 690 species, and many of them depend on specific native plants. A balcony or courtyard can make a real difference, especially if you choose plants that flower in sequence.
Spring
Pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) and cowslip (Primula veris) feed the first queens out of hibernation.
Summer
Viper’s bugloss (Echium vulgare), meadow sage (Salvia pratensis) and wild marjoram are bee magnets and handle dry containers well.
Late season
Field scabious (Knautia arvensis) and Aster amellus keep going into October when food is scarce.
Leave some mess
Hollow stems left standing over winter are where many solitary bees nest. Cut back in late March, not October.
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