Dark-red roses repel bees.
Many gardeners are convinced that the only flowers bees avoid are plastic. Fortunately, for those who are allergic to stings, several types of flowers repel bees or remain unnoticed by them. Plant flowers that make it difficult or impossible for bees to do their job--to gather pollen and nectar. In no time, your garden will be unpopular with the buzzing, summer insects, without the need for pesticides.
Tubular-Shaped Flowers
Flowers with an elongated, cylindrical petal structure discourage bees because their shape makes it difficult for bees to land, and their short tongues can't easily reach nectar and pollen--the two staples of their diet. A few commonly found tubular flowers include several columbine cultivars, trumpet creeper vines, funnel-shaped morning glory, some types of honeysuckle, hyssop and desert willow. While cylindrical-shaped flowers keep the bees at bay, the shape is attractive to hummingbirds.
Red Flowers
Bee-averse gardeners who like red flowers will be glad to hear that the buzzing creatures can't see deeply colored, red roses, zinnias and other red flowers. Bees perceive red as black, which makes red flowers essentially invisible or uninteresting to them. Choose red over white, yellow, pink, lavender and other lighter flower shades. Geraniums, tulips and dianthus are all available in shades of red. Bees also avoid flowers with dense petal structures and ruffles, so red carnations and ranunculi may also discourage bees.
Flowering Herbs
Bees generally avoid strongly scented herbs, including mint, thyme and rosemary. While most herbs don't produce showy flowers, feverfew is a charming exception. It has attractive flowers with a yellow center surrounded by a corona of white petals. A member of the daisy family, feverfew has a bitter smell and taste that repels bees. This characteristic makes it is a popular choice for entryways, patios and decks.
Tags: discourage bees, flowers with, repel bees