Pacific Northwest Garden Forum: bee help?

Message

   I had purchased a couple of purple osteospermums, I have had them outside for a month now and all of a sudden there are bumble bees all over it but they seem to be very lethargic, they almost seem to be paralyzed. I have never sprayed this plant with anything, I use organic soil and there are no pesticides near. The bees seem to stay on the flower until they cant move at all then hang off the end of the flower and by morning they are gone. Has anyone seen this before?

Thanks, Leif

(I would add a pic but cant figure out how to place picture from my computer onto this site)

Author	Message
icewave Rainy Side Gardener Joined: May-30-2010 Location: British Columbia, Vancouver Island Posts: 12	Topic: bee help? Posted: May-30-2010 at 3:33pm
	I had purchased a couple of purple osteospermums, I have had them outside for a month now and all of a sudden there are bumble bees all over it but they seem to be very lethargic, they almost seem to be paralyzed. I have never sprayed this plant with anything, I use organic soil and there are no pesticides near. The bees seem to stay on the flower until they cant move at all then hang off the end of the flower and by morning they are gone. Has anyone seen this before? Thanks, Leif (I would add a pic but cant figure out how to place picture from my computer onto this site)

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DebbieTT Admin Group Sunset zone 5, USDA zone 8 Joined: Jan-25-2003 Location: Washington, Kitsap Peninsula Posts: 4306	Posted: May-30-2010 at 8:40pm
	The bees are normally lethargic when it's cold and rainy, so don't worry they will warm up and be all a buzz again.
	When the going gets tough, the tough need a hug.
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Joy C Rainy Side Gardener Joined: Feb-10-2009 Location: Oregon, Greater Portland Metro Posts: 288	Posted: May-31-2010 at 11:04am
	I am 100% ready for Spring to return, Are you as tired of March weather in May as I am? However, I am so happy to hear and see the bees, after all the warnings of bad bees invading the PNW. I love it when you walk past the blooming hardy geraniums, and hear the intense buzzing of many bees.
	Joy
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icewave Rainy Side Gardener Joined: May-30-2010 Location: British Columbia, Vancouver Island Posts: 12	Posted: Jun-01-2010 at 9:36am
	Thanks DebbieTT, I hope that I am just being paranoid and the bees are ok, I just found it strange that they where so many on this one plant and that this was the only plant that they were "sleeping on". Thanks, happy gardening!
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