From our perspective as African Daisies (Osteospermum spp.), the answer is a resounding yes, we are exceptionally adept at attracting these vital pollinators. Our very design is an advertisement for bees and butterflies. Our inflorescences, which humans see as a single flower, are actually a composite head made up of two types of florets. The central disc florets are tiny, tubular, and rich in nectar and pollen—the primary reward for bees. The surrounding ray florets act as vibrant landing petals, their often bold colors (purples, pinks, oranges, yellows, and whites) serving as large visual signals that are easily spotted by butterflies and bees from a distance.
Our nectar is a high-energy fuel source for these insects. We produce it in quantities and with a sugar concentration that is particularly attractive to both bee and butterfly species common in US gardens. For bees, especially honeybees and bumblebees, our flat, daisy-like form provides an easy landing platform. From this stable position, they can efficiently move from one disc floret to another, collecting pollen on their fuzzy bodies and legs while simultaneously feeding on nectar. This mutualistic exchange is our primary reproductive strategy; as they forage, they carry our pollen to neighboring African Daisy plants, ensuring our cross-pollination and genetic diversity.
Our flowering period is a key factor in our attractiveness. In many regions across the United States, we bloom prolifically from spring straight through until the first autumn frost. This provides a consistent and reliable source of sustenance for pollinators during times when other floral resources may be scarce, particularly in the late summer and early fall. For butterflies like Monarchs, Painted Ladies, and Swallowtails, who are fueling up for migration or simply seeking daily energy, our open-faced flowers offer easy access to nectar without complex maneuvering, making us a favored pit stop.
To truly maximize our ability to attract bees and butterflies to a US garden, you must provide us with our preferred conditions. We thrive in full sun, which intensifies the colors of our ray florets and promotes the highest nectar production. Well-drained soil is crucial for our health; a stressed plant cannot produce ample nectar. When planted in large, dense groupings or drifts, we create a powerful visual target and a concentrated "feeding zone" that is far more effective at drawing in pollinators than a single, isolated plant. This mass planting mimics our natural growth habit and significantly increases the traffic of bees and butterflies to your garden space.
