Calla lilies are admired for their elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms and striking foliage, making them a popular garden choice. Many gardeners wonder about their role in supporting local ecosystems, especially their interaction with pollinators like bees. This article examines if calla lilies attract bees and how they contribute to garden biodiversity.
Do Calla Lilies Attract Bees?
Calla lilies are not typically considered a primary magnet for common bees like honeybees and bumblebees, especially when compared to other flowering plants. While calla lilies contain nectar, their floral structure and pollen characteristics make them an inefficient foraging stop for these bees. Certain bee species do visit, but they primarily rely on other plants for successful pollination. The flower’s design is not optimized for typical bee pollen collection methods.
Calla Lily Flower Structure and Pollination
The unique anatomy of the calla lily flower influences its interaction with pollinators. What appears as a large, single petal is a modified leaf called a spathe, which encloses a central, finger-like spadix. Tiny male and female flowers are densely packed along this spadix; male flowers are on the upper part, and female flowers are towards the base. Calla lily pollen is sticky and heavy, making it less likely to be dispersed by wind or easily collected by the fuzzy bodies of bees that prefer powdery pollen. This sticky texture means that even if nectar is present, the pollen is not readily accessible for efficient collection by many bee species.
Other Pollinators of Calla Lilies
Since common bees are not the primary visitors, other organisms play a significant role in calla lily pollination. Small insects, such as flies and beetles, are the primary pollinators of these plants. These insects are attracted to specific scents and pollen structures suited to their foraging habits. Hummingbirds are also drawn to calla lilies and contribute to their pollination. While not a major food source for bees, calla lilies support diverse groups of pollinators within the garden ecosystem.
Calla Lilies in a Pollinator-Friendly Garden
Gardeners cultivating a pollinator-friendly space can still include calla lilies while supporting a wide array of beneficial insects. As calla lilies do not attract many bees, companion planting is an effective strategy. Incorporating other flowers known as strong bee attractors, such as lavender, catmint, or coneflowers, creates a more inviting environment for these pollinators. This approach ensures a continuous supply of nectar and pollen throughout the growing season, appealing to a broader range of garden visitors.