The Different Colours of Bee Pollinated Flowers

Bee-pollinated flowers display a dazzling array of colours, each carefully evolved to attract their primary pollinators—bees. These colours are not just for beauty; they play a crucial role in the survival of both the flowers and the bees. The interaction between bees and flowers is a classic example of mutualism, where both species benefit: bees gather nectar and pollen for food, while flowers receive the necessary pollination to reproduce. The colours of bee-pollinated flowers are shaped by this mutual relationship and are influenced by the visual capabilities of bees, which differ significantly from human vision.



The Bee’s Vision and Flower Colours
Bees perceive colours differently than humans. While humans see colours across the visible spectrum from red to violet, bees cannot see red. Instead, they see ultraviolet (UV) light, which is invisible to the human eye, along with blue and green. This unique visual perception influences the colours that bee-pollinated flowers exhibit. Flowers that are particularly attractive to bees often appear in shades of blue, violet, and yellow, which are the colours most visible to them.



Blue and Violet Flowers
Blue and violet are among the most common colours found in bee-pollinated flowers. These colours are highly visible to bees and are often associated with flowers that offer substantial rewards, such as high nectar or pollen content. Flowers like lavender, borage, and forget-me-nots are examples of species that utilize these colours to attract bees. The blue and violet pigments in these flowers not only stand out against the green foliage but also may signal to bees that these flowers are rich in nectar, encouraging them to visit and pollinate.



Yellow Flowers
Yellow is another colour frequently found in bee-pollinated flowers. Unlike blue and violet, yellow is a colour that bees see vividly, often appearing even brighter to them than it does to humans. Sunflowers, dandelions, and buttercups are typical examples of yellow flowers that rely on bees for pollination. Yellow flowers often contain UV patterns, invisible to the human eye, that guide bees to the nectar. These patterns, known as nectar guides, are particularly effective in directing bees to the reproductive parts of the flower, ensuring successful pollination.



UV Reflective Patterns
While humans cannot see ultraviolet light, many bee-pollinated flowers have evolved to include UV reflective patterns that are visible to bees. These patterns can appear as concentric rings, stripes, or spots that guide bees to the centre of the flower where the nectar and pollen are located. Flowers like black-eyed Susan’s and marigolds, while appearing solid yellow or orange to humans, may have intricate UV patterns that make them highly attractive to bees. The presence of these UV patterns makes even simple-coloured flowers stand out, increasing their chances of being visited and pollinated by bees.



Red and Other Less Common Colours
Red is a colour that bees generally cannot see well, which is why bee-pollinated flowers rarely use red as their primary colour. However, some flowers, like certain varieties of salvia, appear red to humans but actually reflect UV light, making them visible and attractive to bees. In these cases, what humans perceive as red may have a different appearance to bees, often blending with blue or violet hues that bees can see.



The colours of bee-pollinated flowers are a product of millions of years of co-evolution between bees and plants. These colours, particularly blues, violets, and yellows, are perfectly adapted to the visual capabilities of bees, ensuring that the flowers stand out and attract their pollinators. UV patterns further enhance these colours, guiding bees to the nectar and facilitating successful pollination. The vibrant and diverse colours of bee-pollinated flowers not only enrich our natural landscapes but also play a critical role in maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems where bees and flowers co-exist and thrive.