The rising interest in supporting local ecosystems has led many home gardeners to focus on creating pollinator-friendly spaces. A common question among these enthusiasts is whether popular garden annuals, such as the vibrant marigold, offer a beneficial food source for bees. Clarifying the role of plants like Tagetes is important for gardeners aiming to make effective, science-based planting choices.
The Direct Answer: Marigolds and Bee Attraction
Marigolds, belonging to the Tagetes genus, are technically nectar and pollen producers. However, the level of bee attraction depends significantly on the specific variety planted. Most modern garden centers stock highly hybridized, ‘double-flowered’ varieties, which are bred for maximum visual appeal to humans.
This intense breeding process converts the flower’s pollen-bearing stamens into extra petals, creating a dense, pom-pom-like bloom. This structure physically obstructs access to the pollen and nectar, making it difficult or impossible for many bee species to reach the floral rewards. These showy, dense marigolds are often disappointing for bee enthusiasts.
In contrast, the older, single-flowered varieties, such as the French marigold (Tagetes patula) or the signet marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia), feature an open, daisy-like center. This open structure allows for easy access to the visible pollen and nectar, making them significantly more attractive and useful to a wider range of bees, particularly smaller native species and bumblebees. The common, dense hybrids are generally poor choices for a dedicated bee garden.
Floral Traits That Influence Pollinators
The ability of a flower to attract a bee is determined by a complex set of sensory inputs known as floral traits. Bees rely on these signals to efficiently locate high-quality sources of nectar (energy) and pollen (protein and nutrients). Understanding these traits provides the biological context for why certain flowers are preferred over others.
Flower Color
Color is a primary factor, which bees perceive differently than humans because their vision extends into the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. While they do not see red well, blue, purple, and yellow flowers appear vibrant. Many blooms feature UV patterns that act as “nectar guides,” directing the bee toward the center of the flower.
Flower Shape
Flower shape determines the accessibility of the rewards. Bees generally prefer flowers with flat, open structures, such as those in the daisy family, which provide an easy landing platform and unobstructed access. Conversely, complex or deeply tubular flowers may restrict access to only those bee species with long tongues, like certain bumblebees.
Floral Scent
Floral scent also plays an important role in attracting bees from a distance. Flowers release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that create a chemical signal, advertising the presence of a food source. Bees are often drawn to sweet, herbal, or spicy fragrances that typically indicate a high-energy nectar reward.
Alternative Flowers for Bee Gardens
Gardeners seeking to maximize support for bee populations should prioritize plants with open structures and high nectar or pollen production. Native plants are always an excellent starting point, as local bees have co-evolved with them and are naturally adapted to their floral resources.
Herbs like borage and lavender are proven bee magnets. Borage is valued for its star-shaped blue flowers that quickly replenish nectar, and lavender for its dense spikes of fragrant, nectar-rich blooms. Simple, open-faced annuals are also highly effective replacements for hybrid marigolds. Cosmos and zinnias, for example, offer accessible, daisy-like landing pads that appeal to a wide range of bee species.
Perennials like coneflower (Echinacea) and bee balm (Monarda) provide high-value resources over a long season. Coneflowers feature prominent central cones that are covered in easily accessible florets, and bee balm produces dense clusters of flowers that are particularly attractive to bumblebees. By selecting a diverse array of these high-performing flowers, gardeners can create a continuous “nectar flow” that sustains local bee populations from spring through fall.