Do honey bees like rose of sharon or dahlias

Rose of Sharon (also known as Hibiscus syriacus) is an easy-to-grow perennial that produces bright, colorful blooms and fragrant flowers in your yard. It may be the perfect plant option for you if you’re considering landscaping options! In addition, these appealing plants produce a range of lovely blooms attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

And yes, the Rose of Sharon and Dahlias attracts bees and other pollinators. But, do honey bees like Rose of Sharon or dahlias?

There’s no ideal answer to this query – it depends on the individual honey bee! For example, some honey bees prefer the Rose of Sharon, while others prefer Dahlias. What’s important is that you provide your honey bees with various flowers to feed on, so they receive the nutrients they require to reproduce and defend your hive.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the main reasons bees are attracted to these flowers, along with a list of other bee-friendly flowers. So, get set ready to maintain a bee-friendly garden!

What Type of Dahlia Flowers Do Bees Like?

When it comes to feeding bees, even though many people grow dahlias, they choose the wrong one. Because the bloom is covered in petals, most current dahlias are hybrid forms with little to no pollen for the bees. So instead, we prefer dahlias with an open bloom with a beautiful daisy-like yellow center. Because they need a lot of pollen to feed on and construct their hives, bees and bumblebees adore this.

From seed, dahlias are incredibly simple to cultivate. If you ensure to dig it out if there’s frost on the way after you’ve got a good tuber growing, it’ll last for years. Available varieties, which supply a lot of pollen to bees, should be sought after. You’ll want to deadhead the flowers once they’re spent for the plant to continue producing buds until the first frost arrives, so ensure they get some sunlight.

Simple, single-petalled open flower heads are often recommended for bees and butterflies. However, there are several dahlia cultivars to choose from if you prefer showy blooms and want to assist bees. In addition, Bumble bees, honey bees, and other solitary bees will visit your plants if you pick the appropriate species.

The flower heads are also attractive to butterflies. Several flies, including hoverflies, come to visit. They also share flower heads.

Below is a definitive list of Dahlia varieties that attract bees and other pollinators.

Pinks

Dahlia ‘Happy Single Wink’Dahlia ‘Pretty Woman’
Dahlia ‘Star Wars’
Dahlia ‘Bishop of Leicester’
Dahlia ‘Teesbrooke Red Eye’
Dahlia ‘Hillcrest Regal’
Dahlia ‘Chatsworth Splendour’
Dahlia ‘Fascination’
Dahlia ‘Harvest Samantha’
Dahlia ‘Little Dorrit’
Dahlia ‘Tartarus’
Dahlia ‘Twyning’s Pink Fish’
Various from the ‘Figaro’ collection.

Deep crimsons and reds

Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’
Dahlia ‘Annika’
Dahlia ‘Bishop of Auckland’
Dahlia ‘Scarlet Fern’
Dahlia Pulp Fiction
Dahlia ‘Dark Desire’
Dahlia ‘Mystic Wonder’
Dahlia ‘Twyning’s Chocolate’
Dahlia ‘Nuit d’Eté.’
Various from the ‘Figaro’ collection.

White

Dahlia ‘Omo’
Dahlia ‘Cherubino’
Dahlia ‘Twyning’s After Eight’
Dahlia ‘Trelyn Daisy’
Dahlia ‘Classic Swanlake’
Various from the ‘Figaro’ collection

Blushed pink/yellow/orange/peachy shades

Dahlia ‘Happy Single Date’
Dahlia ‘Waltzing Mathilda’
Dahlia ‘Carol Klein’
Dahlia ‘Peachette’
Dahlia ‘John Hill’
Dahlia ‘Dream Seeker’
Dahlia ‘Bishop of Oxford’
Dahlia ‘April Heather’
Dahlia ‘Classic Poème’
Various from the ‘Figaro’ collection

How to Plant Dahlias?

Dahlias need well-drained, humus-rich soil with a sunny spot. Then, cut the flowers back into the soil when they are done.

It’s a good idea to dig up the tubers in the fall, clean them, dry them, and store them in a tray (cover with potting compost) if you live in a colder climate with heavy soil. Then, the following year, in the spring, replant them.

Dahlias may alternatively be planted out in early spring after being started in pots under glass. Simply place them about 12 inches in depth, and leave enough room between tubers for the plant to spread and thrive.

Dahlias come in various bloom times, from spring through summer and fall, which is one of the best things about them. In addition, you may always use something to fill a void in your border, energize it, and feed the bees simultaneously.

Why Bees Like Rose of Sharon?

Because the rose of Sharon bushes is known for shedding a lot of seeds and growing weedy, we have mixed feelings about them. Nonetheless, these summer-blooming shrubs offer a plethora of pollen and nectar to many types of bees, which is indisputable regarding their pollinator abilities.

Sharon removes as many seeds as possible when it blooms for the plant to regrow new foliage to support the following year’s blooms. We must keep our planet populated with pollinators. Bumble bees feed on the flowers and are attracted to the Rose of Sharon plants. Their legs will be covered in pollen, which will allow the planet to stay lovely by spreading it elsewhere.

Final Words

Both roses of Sharon and dahlias are great flowers for bees. They can provide the honey bees with the nectar they need to survive and thrive. We have discussed why honey bees like these particular flowers, so are sure to check it out! In addition, be sure to buy your flowers from a reputable source that knows how to care for the bees. By doing this, you ensure a healthy crop for yourself and help save the honey bees from extinction!

Related FAQs

Do dahlias draw bees?

There is no ideal answer to this query, as the jury is still out on the effect that dahlias have on bees. Some experts believe they may attract bees and help pollinate their flowers, while others are not so sure. As with all things bee-related, further research is required to determine whether dahlias are bad for bees.

Which shrubs do bees like the most?

Hundreds of blooming bushes appeal to pollinators, although not all are appropriate for the average yard. Some expand too much, generating unappealing berries or having a low impact on most homeowners. It’s vital to know which pollinators the plants will support when choosing shrubs for pollinators; however, it’s also vital to know how well the plants will perform in your setting.

So, the bees like the shrubs, namely the ninebark, blue mist shrub, shrubby cinquefoil, buttonbush, etc.

Which variety of roses is best for bees?

Many varieties of roses are popular with bees, but the hybrid teacup rose is often recommended. This variety has small blooms and a strong scent that makes it ideal for attracting pollinators to your garden. Other favorites include the Rambling Roses, which have large blooms and a sweet fragrance, as well as the York Imperial Rose, which is known for its deep burgundy color and long-lasting flowers.

Whatever variety of roses you choose, be sure to remove any dead or damaged petals so that the bees can reach the nectar inside. And lastly, don’t forget to water your roses regularly to keep them healthy and happy!

Which kind of rose is better for bees: hardy or tender?

There is no definitive answer to this question since the best rose for bees depends upon various factors, including climate and soil conditions. However, some hardy roses that are good options for beekeeping include ‘Alessandri’ (hardy in the U.S.), ‘Braunschweiger Einhorn’ (temperate to warm), and ‘Red Admiral’. Tender roses that are also suitable for beekeeping include the pink Rosa ”Fanfare” (tender), Riesling Hybrid ”East Kingston Princess” (‘Kloster Rose’, cold-tolerant), and English Roses such as Williamsburg Beauty or Millbrook Sweet Charm.

It’s important to note that different types of roses grow differently in different climates, so you will need to experiment a bit before finding the rose variety that works best for your situation. Once you have found a particular type of rose suited for your location and needs, it is important to keep up with its water requirements, fertilizer schedule, pest control measures, etc. in order not to damage or lose pests due to changing weather conditions or terrain fluctuations.

Do bees like nectar plants like lavender and sunflowers?

Honey bees are used in farming activities and the products derived from such farming. The production of honey is very much known for its medicinal value as well as for its sweetness and flavor. Honey bees living on lavender flowers contribute more to soil fertility, creating a healthy environment for other plants which helps increase crop yields by up to 80%.

Since sunflowers are a favorite of bees, you can use that to your advantage. If they like sunflowers, then it will be easy attracting them. Sunflowers can attract bees naturally; this is possibly due to their high nectar and pollen production rate as well as their pungent smell which helps deter pests away from sunflower flowers.

Honey bees are attracted to the nectar of plants. In the past, honey bees were “powerful pollinators” who contributed to crop productivity and wildflower populations in all regions of the country. However we have lost or degraded much of our native habitat for these flowering plants and there is no sign that we will make a meaningful recovery over this century because humans continue to damage their environment at an alarming rate by converting land for agriculture, manufacturing facilities (e.g., concrete walls), buildings, roads, etc.