Are Dahlias Bee-Friendly?

What Makes a Flower Bee-Friendly?

Bees are attracted to flowers that provide nectar for energy and pollen for essential nutrients. The easier it is for them to reach these food sources, the more attractive a flower becomes.

That's why flower shape plays such an important role. Open-centred flowers, where the pollen-bearing stamens and nectar are easily accessible, are particularly beneficial for bees. Single-flowered varieties are therefore often considered the most bee-friendly flowers.

Colour and scent also make a difference. Bees are particularly attracted to purple, blue, white and yellow flowers, as well as those with a light, natural fragrance.

Flowering time is another important factor. Flowers that bloom in late summer and early autumn are especially valuable, as some other nectar sources are becoming scarce.

And this is where dahlias have a real advantage! They can continue flowering well into October, providing a valuable source of food for bees and other pollinators when they're still active in the garden.

Ball Dahlias

Ball dahlias are among the most eye-catching dahlia varieties. They're known for their perfectly rounded flower heads, made up of tightly arranged petals. It's this beautiful, full shape that makes them so popular!

Although ball dahlias are less bee-friendly because their tightly packed petals make it difficult for bees to access pollen and nectar, they can still offer something useful to insects.

After a rain shower, small droplets of water often collect between the petals, creating tiny natural drinking spots where bees and other insects may stop for a sip.

Single-Flowered Dahlias

Single-flowered dahlias are easy to recognise: they have a single row of petals surrounding an open centre filled with pollen-producing stamens and accessible nectar. This is exactly what makes these dahlias so bee-friendly!

Bees, bumblebees and butterflies can easily land on the flowers and reach the nectar and pollen. On warm days, the natural scent of the flowers can also help attract visiting pollinators.

Another wonderful benefit of single-flowered dahlias is their long flowering season. They continue producing beautiful blooms throughout summer and into autumn, making them a valuable food source for bees and other pollinators, especially in late summer when many other flowers have finished flowering.

Cactus Dahlias

Cactus dahlias are known for their striking, pointed and often twisted petals. Their playful, dramatic appearance adds character to any garden or cut flower garden.

When it comes to bee-friendly dahlias, cactus varieties fall somewhere in between. In fully double cactus dahlias, the tightly packed petals often make it difficult for bees to reach the pollen and nectar. However, varieties with a more open centre may occasionally attract bees and other pollinators.

Interestingly, some cactus dahlias have little or no fragrance, while others produce a delicate, slightly sweet scent.

Pompon Dahlias

Pompon dahlias look similar to ball dahlias, but their flowers are smaller and more compact. They have a beautiful, rounded shape made up of tightly rolled petals, giving them their distinctive pompon-like appearance.

When it comes to bee-friendly dahlias, the same principle applies: the more tightly packed the petals, the harder it is for bees to access nectar and pollen.

Because of their densely packed flower heads, pompon dahlias offer very little accessible nectar or pollen, making them less attractive to bees and other pollinators than single-flowered varieties.