Bidens: A Gardener's Guide to these Beneficial Plants

Beautiful Blooms and a Haven for Beneficial Insects

Bidens are a genus of flowering plants with over 200 species. They are native to a wide range of regions, including North America, South America, and Europe. Bidens plants are known for their prolific blooms and their ability to attract pollinators, making them a valuable addition to any garden.

Varieties of Bidens

Bidens come in a wide range of varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties include:

• Bidens ferulifolia, also known as Goldmarie, is a beautiful trailing plant with yellow or orange daisy-like blooms.
• Bidens pilosa, commonly known as hairy beggarticks, is a tall, upright plant with yellow flowers.
• Bidens tripartita, also known as three-lobed beggarticks, is a low-growing plant with white flowers.

Benefits of Bidens

Bidens plants offer a number of benefits to gardeners:

• Pollinator Haven: Bidens flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them an important part of any pollinator garden.
• Erosion Control: The trailing varieties of bidens can help to control erosion on slopes and banks.
• Ground Cover: Bidens plants can quickly cover bare ground, making them a good choice for filling in empty spaces in the garden.

Planting and Care

Bidens are easy to grow and care for. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant and can be grown in a wide range of climates. Bidens plants can be started from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Cuttings can be taken from healthy plants in the spring or summer. Once established, bidens plants require minimal care. They should be watered regularly, especially during hot weather. Fertilizing is not necessary, but it can help to promote blooming.

Pests and Diseases

Bidens plants are relatively disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Conclusion

Bidens are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden. They are easy to grow and care for, and they offer a number of benefits to gardeners and pollinators alike.