The Dipladenia (Mandevilla) is an evergreen climbing plant that impresses with its large funnel flowers that appear over many months. But is the attractive flowering plant one of the valuable food sources for bees? We would like to clarify this in this article.
Are Dipladenia flowers good for bees?
The Dipladenia flowers are very attractive to bees due to their pleasant scent and large amount of nectar. The bright funnel flowers provide bees with an abundant source of food during their long flowering period from March to October.
Is Dipladenia good for bees?
The pretty, brightly colored flowers of the Mandevillaprovide the bees with plenty of food. During its long flowering period from March to October, it continually produces new flowers, so that animals can drink from the Dipladenia's nectar throughout the summer.
But despite its natural we alth, it is not one of those nectar plants that are of real importance for the native insects.
Why is Dipladenia a bee magnet?
The bright red, violet, yellow or white colored, up to five centimeters largefunnel flowers spread, depending on the variety,a very pleasant scent. This magically attracts bees, bumblebees, butterflies and other insects.
There are numerous glands on the base of the flower that fill the entire base of the flower with nectar. The animals crawl deep into the flower tube, where they feast on the abundant food.
Can I cultivate the bee-friendly Dipladenia in a bucket?
The climbing plant, which comes from the tropics, isnot hardyand is therefore cultivated in our latitudesexclusively in pot culture on balconies or terraces. In order for the Dipladenia to produce many flowers, the plant should be protected from the midday sun but very bright.
Overwintering takes place in a cool place in the house. Here the Mandevilla sets numerous buds from March onwards, which open in May and which provide food for the bees in early spring.
Tip
Dipladenia is dangerous for some butterflies
The Dipladenia has developed an intelligent method of pollination because it holds the insects in its long flower funnels for some time. This can be risky for pigeontails, which buzz in the air while drinking the nectar. The butterflies continue to fly continuously, even though their long proboscis is attached to the pistil. They cannot break free and ultimately die of exhaustion.
