Lavender suspected of being a pesticide: Endangered for bees and nature?

Lavender suspected of being a pesticide: Endangered for bees and nature?

Lavender is not only a popular plant for window sills and balconies, but is also considered a good source of food for bees and other pollinating insects. However, a recent study by the magazine Öko-Test has revealed alarming results. A total of 16 lavender plants were tested in issue 6/2025. The results show that some of these plants contain up to eleven pesticides that are classified as toxic to bees. This poses a serious risk to bees, which depend heavily on the flowering plant.

The lavender species tested include both “Lavandula angustifolia” and “Lavandula stoechas”. Öko-Test selected these plants independently, without considering their claim to be bee-friendly. The pesticide analysis was carried out in specialized laboratories and included around 700 different pesticides. Of particular concern are insecticides such as spinosad and deltamethrin, which act as neurotoxins and can kill bees.

Pesticides and their effects

The use of pesticides in agriculture is a major factor contributing to the extinction of bees and the loss of biodiversity. Öko-Test has set devaluation limits that provide for a devaluation of four grades if one or more unapproved pesticides are detected above 0.01 mg/kg. If there are five or more particularly questionable pesticides, the rating is downgraded by two grades. The method for the investigation includes LC-MS/MS tests in accordance with German food standards.

The current results show that there is both one “very good” and three “good” varieties among the lavender plants tested, including the Lavandula angustifolia 6-pack from Globus Baumarkt. Organic lavender was not available at the time of testing, limiting the choice of products. The pot sizes vary in price between 2.99 euros and 12.99 euros, while containers of 6 cost around 6.99 euros.

Care and planting recommendations

Despite the pesticide problem, lavender can be planted in pots from spring to autumn. The plants need a sunny and wind-protected location. While lavender needs less water outdoors, it needs to be watered regularly in pots to avoid waterlogging. A well-drained soil is ideal, and heavy fertilizing should be avoided to reduce susceptibility to frost. Perennial varieties should be moved to winter quarters before frost.

In order to guarantee a food supply for bees all year round, it is advisable to combine different types of plants with different flowering times. However, the results of Öko-Test cast a shadow on the idea that lavender is definitely a bee-friendly garden ingredient. It remains important to pay attention to the origin and care methods of the plants to ensure the health of the bee-friendly environment.

For details and further information on the test results, please refer to the reports from South German newspaper and Eco test.