You may think that all plants equally attract pollinators. After all, they depend on them for their reproduction, isn’t that so? Well, the truth might surprise you. Indeed, some flowers are better pollinators than others.
Generally, that has to do with the amount (and quality) of pollen and nectar they produce. So, interestingly enough, that has nothing to do with the “beauty” of the flower. But what about the pretty begonia? Do bees like begonias? Keep reading this essential guide if you want to find out!
Are Begonias Good For Bees?
You would expect the hardy (and gorgeous) begonia to be an excellent plant for attracting bees. Their bright colors and abundant blooms are eye-catching and hard to miss. However, the reality is that begonias don’t produce enough nectar to be an attractive option for bees.
Also, the nectar that these blooms contain is usually challenging to access, meaning most bees will avoid getting around begonias.
Indeed, if you look at the favorite flowers among bees, you may notice a pattern: they usually display simple flower heads without many petals and where pollen is easily accessible.
Plants with several rows of petals are a challenge for most pollinators, who struggle to get to the center for pollen and nectar.
Indeed, pollinators prefer the “easy way” and would visit a plant once to get all the nectar they need. Having access to nectar in low quantities is not worth it. And that makes sense.
After all, the only reason bees visit flowers is to “suck” their nectar, which provides them with essential proteins and carbohydrates. None likes to spend energy unnecessarily, especially when it is not worth it.
Plants such as lavender and honeysuckle are much better options (and food sources) than begonias to bees, which won’t waste their time around plants that won’t feed them unless necessary.
Can You Make Begonias Better For Bees?
The truth is that the lack of adequate quantities of pollen is a characteristic of begonia you can do little about. Begonias fall under the “bedding plant” category, which includes plants developed to please the eye of humans.
So, the truth is that you can’t make begonias better for bees. However, you can prevent them from being worse. For instance, avoid using pesticides on them, as that might severely harm the bee population in your garden.
Instead, if you have issues with pests in your garden, tackle them with organic solutions. While they might take more time to be effective, they won’t threaten any plant of living being lingering around during (and after application).
Keep in mind that even if begonias might not be the best food source for bees, that doesn’t make them bad for these insects. Instead, you can add them to your yard in combination with other plants.
Doing so will increase your chances of attracting plenty of beneficial insects. And, in turn, that will contribute to making your garden healthier and more productive.
Are There Alternatives to Begonias?
Of course, while begonias might not be the best plants to attract bees in your garden, there is plenty of variety of alternatives you can consider.
Forget-me-not, foxgloves, hardy geraniums, cornflower, and campanula are only a few examples. Such options better produce delicious nectar and are as beautiful as begonias, making them the ideal alternatives.
Do Bees Like Begonias?: Conclusion
Consider planting different species to increase the variety in your garden and attract a wide range of beneficial pollinators.
Indeed, even if not many people think about it, there are thousands of bee species (so, don’t limit your imagination to honey bees) and a lot of other beneficial pollinators you should have around in your garden.
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