Lavender plant, formerly regarded as beneficial to bees, now raising concerns about its toxicity toward them.
Lavender, a popular outdoor plant and balcony decoration, may not be as bee-friendly as previously thought, according to Oeko-Test magazine's latest investigation. In their issue 6/2025, the magazine examined 16 lavender plants and found that some contained harmful levels of pesticides, some of which are toxic to bees.
The tests revealed that certain lavender plants contained cocktails of up to eleven pesticides, including highly harmful neurotoxins like Spinosad and Deltamethrin. Ingestion of these pesticides through nectar can lead to the death of bees. Two particular lavender varieties, "Lavandula angustifolia D14" from Hagebau and Pflanzen-Koelle, were labeled as "inadequate" due to their high pesticide content.
Despite these findings, some lavender plants did receive positive ratings. The "Stauden Merz'Hidcote Blue' Lavandula angustifolia" from Sunflower Garten-Center was rated "very good," while the "Lavandula angustifolia 6er-Pack" from Globus Baumarkt and the "Piardino by Bauhaus Duftlavendel, Lavandula angustifolia" were rated "good." Both species of Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula stoechas, in general, are good food sources for bees, regardless of whether they are labeled as bee-friendly.
Planting and caring for lavender is relatively straightforward. Lavender can be planted in pots from spring to autumn and prefers a sunny location with some protection from the wind. In open fields, lavender can survive without as much water, thanks to its deep roots, but regular watering is necessary in pots. Lavender also prefers a well-draining, sandy soil mix.
Heavy fertilization can make the plant more susceptible to frost, so it is recommended to move multi-year varieties to a winter quarters when the first frost nights are announced. For lavender grown in the open field, it's best to choose frost-resistant varieties like Lavandula angustifolia. Pruning should be done immediately after summer flowering or in early spring.
Although Oeko-Test's investigation findings may be concerning for those wishing to create bee-friendly gardens, it's important to note that lavender is still generally considered a beneficial plant for bees. Bees are attracted to lavender for its nectar and fragrance, which support pollinator health. Bees avoid strong scents that are unpleasant to them, but this does not necessarily imply toxicity.
In conclusion, gardeners should exercise caution when purchasing lavender plants and research the specific varieties before planting them to ensure they are bee-friendly. By doing so, they can still enjoy the beautiful purple blossoms of lavender while also supporting the health of pollinators.
Source: ntv.de, awi/dpa
[1] [https://www.bee-science.de/en/content/lavender-essential-oil-is-irritating-to-the-eyes-respiratory-tract-and-digestive-system-of-bees][2] [https://www.bartleby.com/65/213.html][3] [https://www.pfannkuchen.uni-jena.de/mdn-Netz/kapiteln/horticulture-and-agriculture/lactive-importance/Lavender-an-example-for-the-allowance-of-essential-oil-extracts-in-bee-attractive-gardens][4] [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6799263/]
- To foster a health-and-wellness-focused community, it's crucial to implement a policy that encourages the planting of bee-friendly plants, such as certain varieties of lavender mentioned in a recent Oeko-Test investigation, to promote environmental science and help sustain the bee population.
- Employment policies should consider offering fitness-and-exercise incentives, as ongoing research in science shows that regular physical activity improves overall health and well-being, much like how bees benefit from the nectar and fragrance of lavender plants.
- Nutrition policies could benefit from incorporating studies on the effects of pesticides, such as those found in some lavender plants, on pollinators into their guidelines, as understanding the impact of these chemicals on bee health can help create a safer and more sustainable food system for all.
