Do Chrysanthemums Attract Bees – Selecting The Best Varieties
If you’ve ever stood in a garden center surrounded by vibrant autumn colors, you’ve likely wondered if those stunning flowers will bring life to your yard. We all want our outdoor spaces to be a haven for pollinators while maintaining that classic fall aesthetic.
The good news is that you can have the best of both worlds with the right knowledge. In this guide, we will explore the question: do chrysanthemums attract bees? We’ll also look at which specific varieties to plant for maximum impact.
You’ll learn how to distinguish between “florist” and “garden” types, the science of flower shapes, and how to keep your buzzing friends happy late into the season. Let’s dive into the world of mums together!
Understanding the Relationship: do chrysanthemums attract bees?
The short answer is yes, but with a very important caveat. Not all chrysanthemums are created equal when it comes to serving our pollinator friends. While some varieties are nectar goldmines, others are essentially “empty” decorations.
To understand why, we have to look at the anatomy of the flower. Chrysanthemums are part of the Asteraceae family. This family is famous for having composite flowers, which are actually clusters of many tiny flowers.
When you ask do chrysanthemums attract bees, you are really asking if the bee can reach the center of the flower. This center is where the pollen and nectar reside, waiting for a hungry visitor.
In many modern hybrids, humans have bred the flowers to have extra “petals” (which are actually ray florets). These extra layers often cover the central disk florets, making it impossible for a bee to land or feed.
Don’t worry—these flowers are perfect for beginners once you know which ones to pick! You just need to look for “open-faced” varieties that put their pollen on display for everyone to see.
The Anatomy of a Bee-Friendly Flower
If you want to be a hero to your local honeybees and bumblebees, you need to recognize the difference between “single” and “double” blooms. This is the single most important factor in your success.
Single-Flowered Mums
Single-flowered chrysanthemums look very similar to daisies. They have a single row of petals around a clear, visible yellow center. These are the absolute best choice for a wildlife-friendly garden.
Because the center is exposed, bees can easily land and access the nectar. These varieties are often hardier and more likely to return year after year than the fancy “pompom” types you see in grocery stores.
Double and Decorative Blooms
Double blooms are the ones that look like big, fluffy balls of color. While they are stunning to look at, they are often useless to bees. The dense layers of petals act like a physical barrier.
A bee might land on a double mum, but it will quickly realize it can’t get to the food source. It’s like being at a buffet where all the food is locked behind thick glass. It’s frustrating for the bee and a waste of their energy.
The “Daisy” Test
When you are shopping at the nursery, use the “Daisy Test.” If the flower looks like a traditional daisy with a visible “eye” in the middle, it’s a winner. If it looks like a decorative cushion, leave it for the indoor floral arrangements.
Top Chrysanthemum Varieties for Your Pollinator Garden
Now that we know what to look for, let’s talk about specific cultivars. These are tried-and-true favorites that I have seen covered in bees in my own garden over the years.
- ‘Clara Curtis’ (Chrysanthemum rubellum): This is a classic. It features beautiful pink, daisy-like flowers and is incredibly hardy. It’s often one of the first to attract bumblebees in late summer.
- ‘Sheffield Pink’ (or ‘Single Apricot’): This variety is a powerhouse. It blooms late in the season, providing a critical food source when other flowers have faded. Its soft apricot-pink petals are a magnet for honeybees.
- ‘Mary Stoker’: A lovely straw-yellow variety that offers a soft, natural look. It is a single-flowered type that is very easy to grow, even if you are just starting your gardening journey.
- ‘Country Girl’: Another hardy mum that produces light pink flowers with a distinct yellow center. It’s a reliable perennial that spreads gently over time.
Pro tip: When you plant these, try to group them in “drifts.” Bees are more likely to visit a large patch of the same flower than a single, isolated plant. It makes their foraging much more efficient!
Why Fall Blooms Matter More Than You Think
By the time September and October roll around, most garden flowers are starting to die back. This creates a “hunger gap” for pollinators who are trying to stock up for the winter or complete their migration.
This is where the question “do chrysanthemums attract bees” becomes so significant. Late-season nectar is a lifeline. For a queen bumblebee, that final meal could be the difference between surviving the winter or not.
By planting late-blooming mums, you are providing a high-energy fuel station. Think of your garden as the last open diner on a long, dark highway. The bees will be incredibly grateful for the nourishment you provide.
I always recommend mixing your mums with other fall favorites like Asters and Sedum. This variety ensures that if one plant has a bad year, the others are there to pick up the slack for your buzzing guests.
How to Grow Mums That Bees Will Love
Growing healthy chrysanthemums isn’t difficult, but they do have a few specific needs. If the plant is stressed, it won’t produce as much nectar, so keeping them happy is key to attracting wildlife.
Sunlight and Soil
Mums are sun-worshippers. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight every day to produce those massive clusters of blooms. Without enough light, the stems get “leggy” and the flower production will be disappointing.
They also prefer well-draining soil. Mums hate “wet feet,” especially during the winter. If your soil is heavy clay, try planting them in raised beds or adding some organic compost to improve the drainage.
Watering Wisely
When you water your mums, try to aim for the base of the plant. Avoid getting the foliage wet, as this can lead to fungal issues like powdery mildew. A soaker hose is a great tool for this.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During the heat of late summer, they might need a drink every day, especially if they are in pots. A thirsty plant won’t have the energy to produce nectar.
The “Pinch” Method
To get a really bushy plant with hundreds of flowers, you should “pinch” them in the spring. When the plant is about six inches tall, snip off the top inch of each stem. This encourages the plant to branch out.
You can do this every few weeks until the Fourth of July. After that, stop pinching so the plant has time to form its flower buds. This results in a much more prolific display in the fall.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Even the best gardeners run into trouble sometimes. The key is to catch problems early before they affect the health of your pollinators or the plants themselves.
If you see aphids (tiny green or black bugs) on your mums, don’t reach for the heavy chemical sprays! Remember, we want to help the bees, and many pesticides are toxic to them.
Instead, try a sharp blast of water from the hose to knock them off. You can also use a mild insecticidal soap, but only apply it in the late evening when the bees have gone back to their hives for the night.
Another common issue is “winter kill.” Many mums sold in big-box stores are treated as annuals. To ensure your bee-friendly varieties return, look for “hardy” or “garden” mums and get them in the ground by late summer so they can establish their roots.
Creating a Complete Pollinator Sanctuary
While we’ve focused on the question “do chrysanthemums attract bees,” a truly great garden offers a variety of resources. Bees need more than just food; they need water and shelter too.
Consider placing a shallow “bee bath” near your mums. This is just a saucer with some stones in it. Fill it with water so the stones are partially submerged. The bees can land on the stones and take a safe drink without drowning.
Also, try to leave some of the dead stems standing through the winter. Many solitary bees and other beneficial insects use hollow stems as a place to hibernate. You can clean up the garden in the spring once the weather warms up.
By providing food, water, and habitat, you aren’t just growing flowers—you are building an ecosystem. It’s a rewarding experience to look out your window and see your hard work literally buzzing with life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysanthemums and Bees
Are all chrysanthemums perennial?
Not necessarily. “Florist mums” are usually grown for indoor display or short-term outdoor use and often lack the hardiness to survive a cold winter. Always look for “garden mums” or specific hardy cultivars if you want them to return every year.
Do chrysanthemums attract other pollinators besides bees?
Yes! Butterflies and hoverflies also enjoy the nectar from single-flowered chrysanthemums. Butterflies, in particular, are drawn to the wide, flat landing pads provided by the daisy-like varieties.
When is the best time to plant mums for the bees?
The best time is actually in the spring. This gives the plant an entire growing season to develop a deep root system before it has to bloom and face the winter. However, you can plant them in late summer if you provide extra water.
Can I grow bee-friendly mums in containers?
Absolutely! Mums do very well in pots as long as the containers have good drainage. Just remember that potted plants dry out faster, so you’ll need to monitor the moisture levels closely to keep the blooms fresh for the bees.
Do white chrysanthemums attract bees as well as colorful ones?
Color does matter to bees, as they are particularly drawn to blues, purples, and yellows. However, a white chrysanthemum with a bright yellow center is still very attractive to them because that yellow “target” signals where the food is.
Final Thoughts: Go Forth and Grow!
Gardening is a journey of discovery, and choosing plants that support our environment makes that journey even more meaningful. Now that you know the answer to “do chrysanthemums attract bees,” you can shop with confidence.
Look for those open-faced, daisy-like blooms and avoid the over-bred, “double” varieties. By making this one simple choice, you are providing a vital resource for the creatures that keep our planet blooming.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and textures. Your garden is a canvas, and the bees are your most appreciative audience. Happy planting, and may your autumn garden be filled with color and the happy hum of busy bees!
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