Do Petunias Attract Bees?

Petunias attract hummingbirds, as well as bees and butterflies.

Petunias attract hummingbirds, as well as bees and butterflies.

Petunias (Petunia spp.) produce brightly colored, trumpet-shaped flowers on stems that grow 12 to 18 inches long. Commonly grown as annuals, petunias grow as tender perennials in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. While petunias are not as attractive to bees as other flowers, they do attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Petunias and Bees

Bees are attracted to certain colors, scents and types of flowers. While petunias do come in colors, like white and yellow, that attract bees, the blooms and petals are not wide enough to provide a good landing area. Bees land on flowers that produce nectar or pollen to take back to the hive. But petunias contain little nectar or pollen, which means they offer little or no value to bees. So, while bees may buzz around petunia blooms because of their bright colors, they do not stay long, especially if the petunia is planted alone in a container or bed.

Petunias, Butterflies and Hummingbirds

Unlike bees, butterflies are attracted to the bright, trumpet-shaped blooms of the petunia. To attract butterflies, plant red, pink or yellow petunias. Butterflies are attracted to flowers that grow in full sun, produce a light scent and some nectar. A petunia flower's trumpet shape also attracts hummingbirds.

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