Honesty

Value for beekeeping

Honesty is a biennial crucifer from south-eastern Europe, grown as an ornamental in gardens and readily going semi-wild. Its fragrant purple, sometimes white flowers are visited by honey bees, bumblebees and butterflies. Its nectar and pollen contribution is moderate, and it ranks among the spring sources in shady garden corners and on woodland edges.

Flowering

In the first year it forms only a leaf rosette; in the second year it flowers for 4-6 weeks from April to June.

Honey and pollen

There is no honey under its own name. The flat, round, silvery seed-pod partitions used in dried flower arrangements are the plant's best-known feature.

Note for the beekeeper

Because it tolerates partial shade, it is a bee-friendly garden plant for areas under trees where other flowers struggle. It self-seeds and comes up again every year.