Bees have been a vital part of our ecosystem for millions of years. As pollinators, they play a critical role in plant reproduction and food production. Understanding what attracts bees can help us support their populations.
One common question is whether the color red attracts bees. This is an understandable assumption since red flowers like roses and poppies are popular with bees. However, the relationship between bee vision and color is more complex.
How bees see color
Bees see color differently than humans do. They have three types of photoreceptors (color sensing cells) compared to our three. This allows them to detect ultraviolet light in addition to the visible spectrum.
Bees also see more of the color green and less red than we do. Red flowers appear dark or even black to bee eyes. So rather than being attracted to the color red, bees seem to favor flowers with ultraviolet “bee guide” patterns leading to nectar.
Do bees prefer red flowers?
Several studies have tested the bee’s ability to distinguish between red and other flower colors. The results show bees have a hard time telling red apart from black or gray.
In one experiment, bumblebees were trained to visit yellow artificial flowers. When red flowers were introduced, the bees could not distinguish them from black flowers and visited both types equally.
Another study found honeybees could recognize blue, violet, and yellow targets but could not differentiate red targets from gray. The researchers concluded that red flowers are not exceptionally visible to bees.
Red flowers bees visit
Even though red appears dark to bees, they still frequently visit red flowers. Here are some of the most popular red blooms for bees:
- Roses
- Poppies
- Trumpet vine
- Cardinal flower
- Cranesbill
These flowers often have ultraviolet patterns, thick petals, or a shape that makes it easier for bees to access nectar. The lack of red reception may even help bees avoid distractions and focus on flowers with the highest quality rewards.
Other factors that attract bees
While color is one aspect that brings bees to flowers, other characteristics play an even bigger role in their foraging choices:
- Flower shape – Bees are drawn to radially symmetrical (round), bell or trumpet-shaped blossoms which indicate an easier route to nectar.
- Ultraviolet patterns – The ultraviolet pigments creating “landing strips”, rings, or dots on petals guide bees towards nectar.
- Scent – Fragrant compounds emitted by flowers can attract pollinators from far distances.
- Nectar quality/quantity – Flowers offering the highest calorie or most abundant nectar will receive more bee visitors.
As generalist pollinators, bees forage among a wide variety of flower forms, colors, and scents. Their flower preferences depend on what resources are available in a particular habitat and season.
Does red help attract hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds have better red color perception compared to bees. These birds utilize tubular red flowers as an important nectar source.
Some red blooms pollinated by hummingbirds include:
- Fuchsia
- Lobelia
- Penstemon
- Columbine
- Trumpet creeper
The carotenoid pigments producing red also indicate nectar with higher sugar content. Hummingbirds have evolved an attraction to these red tubular flowers.
Red flowers and butterfly pollination
Butterflies also seem more responsive to red flowers compared to bees. Blooms like pentas, lantana, zinnia, and milkweed attract many butterfly visitors.
Since bees don’t see red well, planting red flowers near food crops could help optimize pollination. The red blossoms will appeal more to butterflies than bees, directing them away from the crop flowers.
Should gardeners use more red flowers?
Red flowering plants can make beautiful additions to any garden. But they should be chosen as part of a diverse color palette. Just focusing on red may limit the range of pollinators drawn to a garden.
Bees actually respond better to blue, purple, violet, white, and yellow flowers. A variety of blossom colors, shapes, and scents will appeal to the widest range of pollinator species.
Here are some tips for selecting bee-friendly flowers:
- Plant flowers in clumps – bees like larger floral displays
- Include different colors and shapes
- Choose both annuals and perennials to provide spring, summer, and fall blooms
- Allow herbs like lavender, rosemary, thyme, and basil to flower
- Plant native wildflowers suited to your region
Creating a diverse, pollinator-friendly garden will support bees much more than planting red flowers alone. But some red blooms can be a beautiful complement to the color palette.
Conclusion
Red flowers do not actually attract bees with their color. Bees see red as dark or black rather than being especially drawn to it. However, bees still visit red flowers, likely guided by other floral cues. While red can help lure hummingbirds and butterflies, a variety of flower colors, shapes, and scents works best to bring in a diversity of helpful pollinators.
