Bright, cheerful, and endlessly versatile, Bidens are a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Asteraceae. Known for thriving under the summer sun, Bidens bring a burst of color and energy to borders, baskets, and containers alike. These adaptable plants range from compact mounding types to graceful trailers that spill over pots and walls. As they mature, Bidens produce airy clusters of golden, white, or pink flowers atop fine, wiry stems—perfect for adding movement and brilliance to any garden display.
Our Selection of Bidens
At Martin Garden Center, we grow several vibrant Bidens varieties and supplement our crop with select 4″ containers from trusted local vendors. Most of our Bidens feature a lush, mounding habit with a slight trailing tendency—ideal for both garden beds and mixed containers.
- Pretty in Pink – Soft rose-pink blooms with a compact, uniform habit, perfect for borders and small planters.
- White Delight – Crisp white flowers that brighten containers and contrast beautifully with bold annuals.
- Blazing Star – Intense golden-yellow blooms and vigorous, upright growth for maximum summer impact.
- Golden Empire – Large, saturated yellow flowers that thrive in full sun and high heat.
- Compact Yellow – Dense, mounded form with abundant blooms, ideal for edging or low planters.
Growing and Caring For Bidens
Growing and caring for Bidens is relatively straightforward, making them an excellent choice for novice and experienced gardeners. Here are five essential tips to ensure the successful cultivation and maintenance of Bidens plants:
1. Site Selection: Choose a sunny location for planting Bidens, as they thrive in full sun exposure. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. If the soil is heavy or compacted, amend it with organic matter such as compost to improve drainage and fertility. Adequate sunlight and well-draining soil create optimal conditions for healthy growth and prolific flowering.
2. Watering: While Bidens is relatively drought-tolerant once established, consistent moisture is crucial, especially during periods of active growth and flowering. Water newly planted Bidens regularly to help establish a strong root system. Once established, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the root zone.
3. Fertilization: Bidens plants benefit from regular fertilization to support vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season, following the manufacturer’s dosage and application frequency recommendations. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers. A balanced fertilizer with equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium promotes plant health and blooming.
4. Deadheading: Deadheading spent blooms is essential to prolong the flowering period and encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Remove faded flowers promptly to prevent the plant from diverting energy into seed production. Use clean, sharp pruners or scissors to snip off spent blooms just above a set of healthy leaves or nodes. Regular deadheading extends the floral display, maintains the plant’s tidy appearance, and prevents self-seeding.
5. Pest and Disease Management: While Bidens are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, occasional problems may arise, particularly in humid conditions. Monitor plants regularly for signs of aphids, spider mites, or powdery mildew, and take appropriate measures to control infestations. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can effectively treat aphids and spider mites, while proper spacing and good air circulation help prevent powdery mildew. Promptly remove and dispose of any affected plant parts to prevent the spread of diseases.
Leaves and Flowers
Biden leaves exhibit a distinctive appearance contributing to the plant’s overall ornamental value. Typically lance-shaped or ovate, Bidens leaves are characterized by serrated margins, giving them a finely toothed or lobed appearance. The foliage ranges in color from vibrant green to shades of bronze or burgundy, adding visual interest and contrast to garden compositions. Some species of Bidens feature leaves with a slightly fuzzy or hairy texture, enhancing their tactile appeal. The foliage grows alternately along slender stems, creating a feathery and airy effect in the garden.
Bidens are perhaps best known for their abundant and cheerful flowers that brighten garden landscapes with their vibrant hues and intricate forms. The flowers typically consist of daisy-like blooms with prominent yellow or orange disc florets surrounded by slender ray florets in shades of yellow, white, pink, or red, depending on the species and cultivar. Each flower arises from a wiry stem above the foliage, creating a striking contrast against the backdrop of green leaves. Bidens flowers are profiled throughout the growing season, attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with their nectar-rich blooms.
Uses in the Garden
Bidens offers numerous uses in garden landscapes, thanks to its attractive foliage, profuse blooms, and low-maintenance requirements. Some common applications of Bidens in the garden include:
- Border Plantings: Bidens’ compact growth habit and abundant blooms make it well-suited for border plantings along walkways, garden beds, or driveways. Whether used as a colorful edging or mass-planted for impact, Bidens adds visual interest and charm to garden borders.
- Container Gardening: Trailing varieties of Bidens are ideal for container gardening, where they can spill over the edges of pots, hanging baskets, or window boxes, creating a cascading effect. Combined with complementary flowering or foliage plants, Bidens adds a vibrant touch to container compositions.
- Groundcover: Certain species of Bidens, particularly those with spreading growth habits, can be utilized as groundcovers to suppress weeds and fill in bare areas of the landscape. Once established, Bidens forms a dense carpet of foliage and blooms, providing an attractive and low-maintenance groundcover solution.
- Pollinator Gardens: Bidens’ nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens or wildlife habitats. By planting Bidens alongside other pollinator-friendly plants, gardeners can support biodiversity and promote ecological balance in their landscapes.
- Cut Flowers: The long-lasting blooms of Bidens make it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements and floral displays. Harvesting flowers in the early morning when they are at their freshest ensures maximum vase life, allowing gardeners to enjoy Bidens’ beauty indoors as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bidens an Annual or Perennial Plant?
Bidens include both annual and perennial species, with annual varieties being more common in cultivation due to their rapid growth and prolific flowering. However, some perennial species of Bidens are also cultivated as ornamental plants in suitable climates.
How Do I Propagate Bidens?
Bidens can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, depending on the species and desired propagation method. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden after the last frost date, while stem cuttings can be rooted in a well-draining potting mix to establish new plants.
Do Bidens Require Deadheading?
Deadheading spent blooms on Bidens promote continuous flowering and prevents the plant from diverting energy into seed production. Regular deadheading also improves the plant’s overall appearance and prolongs its blooming period.
Are Bidens Invasive?
While certain species of Bidens have the potential to self-seed and spread vigorously under favorable conditions, they are not typically considered invasive in most regions. However, gardeners should monitor their Bidens plants and prevent them from spreading beyond desired boundaries.