Peonies, with their lush blooms and captivating fragrance, have long been a cherished addition to gardens worldwide. They contribute significantly to garden aesthetics, offering a range of colors and forms. Beyond their visual appeal, these flowering plants play a fundamental role in supporting local ecosystems by providing resources for pollinators. Bees, in particular, are essential for the reproduction of many plants, including those that produce much of our food.
Do Peonies Attract Bees?
Peonies can attract bees, though the extent of their attraction varies considerably among different varieties. The structure of the peony flower plays a significant role in determining how accessible its pollen and nectar are to foraging bees. Varieties with more open flower forms generally provide easier access to these valuable resources.
Why Peonies Attract Pollinators
Peonies attract pollinators through several natural mechanisms. They offer nectar, an energy-rich food source for bees. Peonies also produce pollen, a vital protein source for bees. Bees collect this pollen, facilitating cross-pollination.
Beyond these edible rewards, peonies utilize visual cues and scent. Bees are particularly attracted to vibrant colors like yellow, blue, and purple, in many peony varieties. The sweet fragrance emitted by peony blooms acts as an additional lure, guiding bees to the flowers. Peony blooms contain nectaries that produce nectar.
Peony Varieties Best for Bees
The structure of a peony flower significantly impacts its attractiveness to bees. Single-petal and semi-double varieties are generally the most appealing to pollinators because their pollen and nectar are readily exposed. This open structure allows bees easy access to food sources. Examples of single and semi-double peonies include ‘Krinkled White’ and ‘Coral Charm’.
In contrast, full-double peony varieties, characterized by numerous tightly packed petals, often make it difficult for bees to reach the pollen and nectar. While these varieties are visually stunning, their dense petal arrangement acts as a barrier to foraging insects. Therefore, when selecting peonies with bee attraction in mind, prioritizing single or semi-double forms is beneficial for supporting local bee populations.
Creating a Bee Friendly Peony Garden
Supporting bees in a garden goes beyond choosing the right peony varieties. Plant peonies in ample sunlight to promote robust blooms and attract bee activity. Incorporate diverse plants with varying bloom times for a continuous food supply throughout the growing season. Companion plants like bee balm, echinacea, and lavender can extend the pollinator season before and after peonies bloom.
Avoiding the use of chemical pesticides is another important step, as they can harm bees and other beneficial insects. Some “bee-friendly” nursery plants may be pre-treated with systemic pesticides like neonicotinoids, which can persist and harm bees. If pest control becomes necessary, consider manual removal or organic solutions, and avoid spraying plants when they are in bloom. Providing a shallow water source, such as a dish filled with pebbles or marbles, allows bees a safe place to land and drink. Placing this water source near flowering plants boosts bee activity.