Do yourself a favor and plant things around your property that attract pollinators, like birds, butterflies, and bees. The benefits of bees are abundant- and the plants that they specifically like best could also have other perks. For instance, did you know that marigolds are a natural insect repellent? Planting marigolds ensures fewer mosquitoes, beetles, and slugs.
But do bees like marigolds?
Bees do like marigolds and are attracted to these easy-to-grow flowers. Marigolds have a distinctive scent that may be unappealing to people, but that bees seek out when they look for nectar. Bees generally fly first to flowers that offer a scent and plenty of nectar.
Keep reading to learn more about the flowers that bees like!
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Bees and Flowers
Bees are pollinators, that is, they need the nectar from flowers to survive. There are numerous benefits to the pollination of flowers- and in fact, without pollinators like bees, food sources would dry up and species would starve. It is vital to plant flowers that bees like, to keep agriculture strong and hardy.
Bees do not like every kind of flower- and there are some varieties that may repel them and have the opposite effect. In terms of flowers offering bees the most nectar, poppies rank number-one.
Right behind poppies, however, are marigolds. Pot Marigold and Corn Marigold are ranked highest and offer bees the most reward when flying around and foraging.
Some more favorite flowers that attract bees include:
- Lavender
- Snapdragons
- Bee Balm
- Sunflowers
- Black-eyed Susan
- Lilacs
- Coneflowers
- Wisteria vines
- Sedums
- Cosmos
- Hollyhocks
- Foxgloves
- Crab apples
- Bluebells
Remember that bees have some color blindness. That is, bees do not see the color red, but they do see blue and yellow. Using yellow and blue flowers in your beds or gardens will help to attract them to the property.
Bees and Marigolds
When it comes to pollination, bees and marigolds are a good match. It is easy for bees to identify and find marigolds due to their colors and smell. Also, marigolds are full of nectar that the bees need for food and for honey production.
Interestingly enough, Honeybees do not decimate or damage the marigold flowers during pollination like other species do. For example, wasps and hornets often damage the flower beyond repair. Marigolds are an excellent source of nectar for bees, especially for those making honey.
Honey and Bees
Honeybees use the nectar in the marigolds- or other flowers- to make honey. Nectar is essentially a sugar that feeds and energizes the bees. Bees bring nectar back to their hive, sharing the food with the other bees, and turning the excess nectar into honey.
It is easy for bees to find marigolds due to their vibrant colors, particularly the yellow flowers. Bees are not the only species that appreciate marigolds; ladybugs also love them, too!
More About Marigolds
So, what is it that makes marigolds so special? In the eyes of a bee, it is the scent, color, and nectar! Marigolds are a popular garden option, found globally, that are easy to grow. These cheery yellow and orange blooms can sometimes be found in shades of red, too, in sizes that range from large to dainty.
Marigolds like warm weather and lots of moisture, but they do best in soil that drains well. They bloom in summer in the US- but don’t do well in cold, frosty conditions.
Marigolds have a lot to offer bees and humans alike! Here are a few of their distinct benefits:
- Marigolds work great as an insect repellent around your vegetables and herb gardens. The scent of marigolds is strong, and bugs like aphids and beetles do not care for it! It is also great for deterring pests like cabbage worms, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies- all which can wreak havoc on your garden.
- Marigolds are as effective as Citronella for keeping mosquitoes away. Try planting big pots or window boxes of brightly colored marigolds and positioning it near your seating or conversation area. It will reduce the number of pests that bother you when enjoying your outdoor space.
- Marigold is a natural antiseptic and is used for healing wounds. In ancient times, people used marigold to rub on burns, rashes, bites, and sores. It also helps to reduce swelling and inflammation. Modern day use includes applying marigold to wounds to initiate healing and soothe dry or irritated skin.
- Marigold’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce eye swelling associated with conjunctivitis.
- Marigold can be steeped and used to make a soothing tea that aids in digestion. This is a great homeopathic remedy for anyone who struggles with digestive issues, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or Colitis.
- Add a few marigolds to your garden or a pot on the porch to pick and use for healing. You can make teas, tinctures, and oils with marigolds that can be used for a wide range of therapeutic purposes, from soothing a sore throat to curing bad breath- and more!
Marigolds are hardy and versatile flowers, that thrive equally well in gardens, beds, and containers. Provide them with full sun, warm temperatures, and well-draining soil for best results. They pair perfectly with many different companion plants and flowers; talk to a gardening or landscaping professional to learn more!
FAQs Regarding Bees and Marigolds
Do marigolds attract bees?
Marigolds attract bees. Bees like the scent and nectar of marigolds, so planting them ensures a visit from these pollinators. There are other perks to planting marigolds, as they also keep pesky, unwelcome insects and pests away.
Will marigolds keep bees away?
Marigolds do not keep bees away. Bees are attracted and drawn to marigolds as they have a strong scent that is appealing to these pollinators- as well as nectar.
Do marigolds really repel garden pests?
Marigolds repel and deter garden pests including mosquitoes and some beetles. Marigolds also curb wildlife from coming around- rabbits, for instance, do not care for the scent of marigolds. This can go a long way toward keeping neighborhood rabbits from nibbling on your garden.
Do morning glory flowers attract bees?
Bees are attracted to Morning Glory flowers. Morning glories do not last long- typically, a few days- but once established, the plant should produce blooms all summer long for bees and other pollinators.
Attract bees to your property with pots or beds of marigolds this summer! Marigolds are easy to grow, resilient flowers that provide a pop of color on a walkway, path, garden, or porch throughout the warmer months of summer.
In shades of orange, yellow, and red, marigolds are not just a great way to bring pollinators like bees to your property, but also to enhance your current curb appeal, too!
