Impatiens, with their vibrant blooms, are a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add color to shaded areas. They attract various pollinators, including bees, providing a consistent food source throughout the growing season.
Why Impatiens Attract Bees
Impatiens flowers are structured to entice pollinators, offering nectar and pollen. Nectar provides a sugary energy source for bees, while pollen supplies essential proteins. The specific shape and color of impatiens blossoms are key to their attractiveness.
Many impatiens species have a spur, a tubular extension holding nectar, which varies in length and shape. This floral architecture guides bees to the nectar source, facilitating pollen transfer as they forage. Their bright colors, visible in the bee’s spectrum, also serve as visual cues, drawing bees to the flowers.
Bees Commonly Attracted to Impatiens
Impatiens attract various bee species. Bumblebees, with their relatively long tongues, are well-suited to access nectar deep within spurred flowers. Honeybees also visit impatiens, though their effectiveness as pollinators can depend on flower structure and tongue length relative to nectar accessibility.
The type of impatiens influences which bees are most attracted. While some cultivated annual varieties may offer less pollen and nectar compared to other pollinator plants, native impatiens species are often more specialized for bee pollination. Research indicates that some impatiens have evolved nectar compositions specifically tailored to the needs of bees.
Other Pollinators Visiting Impatiens
Beyond bees, impatiens attract other garden visitors. Butterflies are frequent guests, drawn to nectar and the broad landing platforms provided by the flowers. Hummingbirds also visit impatiens, especially varieties with tubular flowers suited for their long beaks.
Some impatiens species have developed nectar properties and floral shapes that cater to butterflies or hummingbirds. These diverse pollinators support a healthy garden environment.
Growing Impatiens for Pollinators
To maximize impatiens’ appeal to pollinators, gardeners can implement several strategies. Choosing single-flowered varieties is generally more beneficial than double-flowered ones, as the extra petals can make nectar and pollen less accessible to insects. Planting impatiens in groups or drifts makes them more visible and attractive to foraging pollinators.
Maintaining plant health through proper watering and appropriate light conditions ensures a continuous supply of blooms. Avoid systemic pesticides or spraying any pesticides on blooming plants, as these chemicals can harm bees and other beneficial insects. Creating a diverse garden with a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times further supports pollinators throughout the entire growing season.