The attraction of rose bushes to bees depends almost entirely on the specific variety planted. Not all rose cultivars offer the resources that pollinators seek. Understanding the difference between rose types and the basic needs of a bee helps gardeners make informed choices to support local pollinator populations.
The Critical Difference Between Rose Varieties and Bee Attraction
The attraction of a rose to a bee is determined by its flower structure, categorized by the number of petals. Roses are broadly divided into two groups: single-petal types (wild and old garden roses) and double-flowered types (common in modern hybrids). Single-petal roses have an open, simple structure with only one row of petals surrounding the center. This arrangement leaves the pollen-producing stamens clearly visible and easily accessible to visiting insects.
Double-flowered varieties, such as hybrid teas, have been selectively bred to convert many or all of their stamens into extra petals. This results in the dense, “fluffy” appearance prized in ornamental roses. The packed petals physically obstruct the bee’s path to the reproductive parts of the flower, making resources difficult or impossible to reach. Furthermore, converting stamens into petals significantly reduces the total amount of pollen produced, lessening the reward for foraging bees.
Bees readily visit single and semi-double roses, which typically have between five and fifteen petals, because the pollen is abundant and freely available. Wild roses, such as the Dog Rose (Rosa canina), are effective pollinator plants due to their simple form and high pollen yield. Choosing a single-petaled rose variety is the most effective way to ensure the rose bush acts as a beneficial floral resource for bees.
Why Bees Visit: The Role of Nectar, Pollen, and Scent
Bees visit flowers primarily to collect two essential nutritional items: nectar and pollen. Nectar is a sugary liquid that provides carbohydrates, the bee’s primary source of energy for flight. Pollen, collected from the flower’s anthers, is a protein-rich food source necessary for the development and growth of bee larvae.
To locate these resources, bees rely on a combination of sensory cues. Flowers produce chemical signals in the form of scent, which bees detect from a distance. Upon closer inspection, bees are guided by color and visual patterns often invisible to the human eye. Many flowers display ultraviolet (UV) markings, sometimes called “nectar guides,” which direct the bee toward the nectaries at the flower’s center.
The availability of these rewards ultimately determines a flower’s attractiveness. While roses do not produce nectar, they are a significant source of pollen for bees. The simple, open structure of single-petal roses presents a clear visual target and an easy-to-access supply of pollen, making them worthwhile for foraging. Bees have also been found to sense the electrical charge of a flower, which helps them determine if the bloom is worth visiting.
Enhancing Your Garden with Proven Pollinator Plants
For gardeners whose double-flowered roses are not attracting pollinators, incorporating other high-value plants is a direct way to support local bee populations. The most effective approach is to select flowers with simple, open structures that provide continuous blooms from early spring to late fall. A continuous supply of resources ensures bees have food throughout their active season.
Proven pollinator plants often include native wildflowers and herbs. Herbs like mint, borage, and lavender are highly attractive due to their fragrant, nectar-rich flowers. Perennial options such as Bee Balm (Monarda), Coneflower (Echinacea), and Goldenrod (Solidago) offer steady sources of both nectar and pollen.
Planting in groups, often called “drifts,” makes it easier for bees to spot the flowers and forage efficiently. Choosing a variety of plants with different bloom times, such as early-flowering New Jersey Tea and late-blooming Goldenrod, helps establish a reliable “nectar café” for the entire season. Focusing on single-flowered roses and supplementing with other dependable blooms helps a garden become a thriving ecosystem for pollinators.