Did you know that planting calendula can boost the number of bees and other pollinators visiting your yard?1
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a vibrant, cheerful flower that not only adds beauty to your garden but also serves as a valuable food source for these vital insects.
See how this versatile plant can transform your outdoor haven into a thriving hub for pollinators.
What Is Calendula & Why Should You Grow It?
Calendula is a low-maintenance annual flower that belongs to the daisy family. Its bright orange and yellow flowers are a popular choice for gardens due to their vibrant colors and ease of growth.
Calendula is also dubbed as the “poor man’s saffron.” Its edible fresh petals can add a touch of color and flavor to salads, while dried petals can infuse cheeses with a golden hue or serve as a delectable substitute for pricey saffron (ref).
By growing calendula, you can add a pop of freshness to your plate, a touch of elegance to your garden, and support local pollinators.
How Calendula Attract Bees & Other Pollinators
Calendula flowers attract bees and other pollinators due to their rich nectar and pollen content. The bright colors of the flowers also serve as a visual cue for pollinators, drawing them in to collect the valuable resources.
The shape and structure of the calendula flower also allow for easy access to the nectar and pollen, making it an ideal source of nutrition for pollinators. By planting calendula, you can create a welcoming environment for bees and other pollinators.
What Role Do Calendula Flowers Play in Bee Nutrition & Health?
Calendula flowers provide a vital source of nutrition for bees, offering a rich supply of nectar and pollen. When bees collect nectar and pollen from calendula flowers, they stock up on these important building blocks.
The pollen also contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that help support bee health. By providing a consistent source of calendula flowers, you can help support the overall health and well-being of local bee populations.
Additional Advantages of Calendula
Besides attracting bees, calendula also offers several benefits to your garden. The flowers can be used as a natural pest repellent, helping to deter aphids and other unwanted pests.
Calendula also has medicinal properties, making it a popular choice for herbal remedies. Furthermore, the plant’s leaves and stems can be used as a natural dye, and their color adds a bright touch to your garden.
By including calendula into your garden, you can enjoy a range of benefits that go beyond just attracting pollinators.
Source:
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311621379_Evaluation_of_Selected_Ornamental_Asteraceae_as_a_Pollen_Source_for_Urban_Bees
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.