Geraniums are popular plants known for their vibrant colors and easy care. These versatile plants are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use and can be found in gardens, parks, flower boxes, and windowsills all over the world. Geraniums come in different types and sizes, from small and compact plants to large and lush ones. In our flower garden, we prefer to see as many colorful flowers blooming as possible, especially geraniums, which are popular for their long blooming time and low maintenance costs. However, these flowers are not as innocent as they seem. In fact, some experts even warn against planting geraniums in your garden or balcony.
Bees and Geraniums: The Story
The appearance of the filled flowers of geranium looks enticing to bees, but unfortunately, they will find little there. The flowers have little or no nectar or pollen, which misleads bees. Bees depend on flowers for their food, and when they land on a geranium, they have no access to food and waste their energy. This has a negative effect on the bee population, which is already under pressure from various factors.
The Importance of Bees for Ecology
Bees play a crucial role in ecology and are vital to the survival of many plant species and ecosystems. Bees are pollinators and contribute to the fertilization of flowers and plants, allowing them to reproduce and spread. This is essential for the production of food crops and for the reproduction of wild plants and flowers. Without bees, many plant species would disappear, leading to a reduction in biodiversity and ultimately a decrease in the food supply for humans and animals.
Bees, therefore, play an important role in maintaining ecology and preserving the environment. In addition, bees also produce honey and other useful bee products used by humans. It is, therefore, crucial to protect and preserve the bee population, including by reducing pesticides, creating flowery areas, and promoting biodiversity in our environments. Curious about what you can do to still have beautiful geraniums in your garden? Read on to the next page.