Bidens

Bidens Pilosa – Best Plants In New Zealand!

Growing flowering plants such as Bidens pilosa delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They attract birds and bees.
• They bring colour and vibrance to a space.
• Greater biodiversity is created.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We’ll help you find the right Bidens for your space. Choose from a wide variety of locally grown plants that have been propagated and bred to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Bidens plants, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Bidens Questions

1. Is Biden's an annual or perennial?

The genus Bidens includes both annual and perennial species. Bidens ferulifolia, also known as Apache Beggarticks, is a perennial species that is commonly grown as an annual in cooler climates. It is a low-growing, spreading plant with finely dissected green leaves and clusters of bright yellow daisy-like flowers. While it is a perennial in warmer regions, it is typically grown as an annual in colder regions due to its sensitivity to frost. In these colder regions, it is often planted as a bedding plant or in containers and discarded after the first frost of autumn.

2. What are the different types of Biden's flowers?

The genus Bidens includes over 230 species of flowering plants, commonly known as beggar-ticks, Spanish needles, or tickseed sunflowers. These plants are native to various regions worldwide, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Bidens species exhibit a diverse range of characteristics, including their flower color, size, and growth habit. Here are some of the most common and popular types of Bidens flowers:

Bidens ferulifolia (Apache Beggarticks)

• Flower color: Bright yellow daisy-like flowers
• Growth habit: Low-growing, spreading plant with finely dissected green leaves
• Uses: Bedding plant, container plant, pollinator attractant

Bidens laevis (Smooth Beggarticks)

• Flower color: Yellow daisy-like flowers with a green center
• Growth habit: Upright, clump-forming plant with smooth, oval leaves
• Uses: Border plant, pollinator attractant, cut flower

Bidens bipinnata (Spanish Needle)

• Flower color: Yellow to orange daisy-like flowers with long, thread-like bracts
• Growth habit: Erect, branching plant with deeply lobed leaves
• Uses: Wildflower garden, meadow, cut flower

Bidens cernua (Nodding Bur-Marigold)

• Flower color: Yellow daisy-like flowers with nodding heads
• Growth habit: Trailing or creeping plant with rounded leaves
• Uses: Groundcover, container plant, hanging basket

Bidens triplinervia (Hawaiian Flare)

• Flower color: Tricolored daisy-like flowers with red centers fading to orange and yellow
• Growth habit: Upright, clump-forming plant with ovate leaves
• Uses: Bedding plant, container plant, pollinator attractant

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of Bidens flowers available. With their vibrant colors, attractive foliage, and ease of cultivation, Bidens plants make excellent additions to gardens, containers, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

3. How do you grow Biden's pilosa?

Bidens pilosa, also known as the hairy beggartick or hairy Spanish needle, is an annual flowering plant native to the tropical Americas and Africa. It is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of climates and soil conditions. Here's a guide on how to grow Biden's pilosa:

• Bidens pilosa thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Select a planting site that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Ensure the planting site has well-drained soil. Bidens pilosa does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with organic matter and sand to improve drainage.
• Water Bidens pilosa regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Aim to provide about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week. Adjust the watering frequency based on the local climate and rainfall patterns. Water thoroughly to encourage deep root development. Avoid frequent shallow watering, which can lead to weak and drought-prone plants.
• Bidens pilosa is not heavy feeder, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring or early summer can support its growth.
• Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the flower stalks back to the base of the plant.
• Bidens pilosa is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be occasionally affected by aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. If you notice any pests or diseases, take appropriate control measures using organic or least-toxic methods whenever possible.

4. What is the common name for Biden's flower?

The genus Bidens includes a wide variety of flowering plants, each with its own unique characteristics and common names. Here are some of the most common types of Bidens flowers and their associated common names:

Bidens ferulifolia (Apache Beggarticks):

• Common names: Apache Beggarticks, Fern-leaved Beggarticks, Golden Nugget

Bidens laevis (Smooth Beggarticks):

• Common names: Smooth Beggarticks, Smooth Bur-Marigold, Larger Bur-Marigold

Bidens bipinnata (Spanish Needle):

• Common names: Spanish Needle, Beggarticks, Stickseed, Devil's Pitchfork

Bidens cernua (Nodding Bur-Marigold):

• Common names: Nodding Bur-Marigold, Bur-Marigold, Tickseed Sunflower

Bidens triplinervia (Hawaiian Flare):

• Common names: Hawaiian Flare, Tricolored Bidens, Firecracker Bidens

Bidens pilosa (Hairy Beggarticks):

• Common names: Hairy Beggarticks, Hairy Spanish Needle, Devil's Needles, Farmers Friend

Bidens frondosa (Devil's Beggarticks):

• Common names: Devil's Beggarticks, Devil's Pitchfork, Devil's Bootjack, Pitchfork Weed

These are just a few examples of the many Bidens species and their corresponding common names. The specific common names used may vary depending on the region and local usage.

5. What is the use of Biden's flower?

Bidens flowers, commonly known as beggar-ticks, Spanish needles, or tickseed sunflowers, offer a variety of uses and benefits. These versatile plants are valued for their ornamental appeal, ecological importance, and traditional medicinal properties.

Ornamental Uses:

1. Garden Plants: Bidens flowers are widely used as garden plants due to their vibrant colors, attractive foliage, and ease of cultivation. They add a splash of color to borders, containers, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
2. Cut Flowers: The long-lasting blooms of Bidens flowers make them excellent cut flowers. Their vibrant colors and unique shapes add a touch of wild beauty to bouquets and arrangements.
3. Attracting Pollinators: Bidens flowers are excellent pollinator attractants, drawing bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to your garden. Their abundant blooms provide a valuable source of nectar and pollen for these pollinators.

Ecological Importance:

1. Soil Stabilization: Bidens flowers play a role in soil stabilization, preventing erosion and maintaining soil structure, particularly in disturbed or degraded areas.
2. Wildlife Habitat: Bidens flowers provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and insects. Their seeds are a valuable food source for birds, while their dense foliage offers protection for small animals.
3. Pollinator Support: Bidens flowers contribute to healthy ecosystems by providing essential food and habitat for pollinators, which are crucial for plant reproduction and agricultural productivity.

Traditional Medicinal Uses:

1. Antimicrobial Properties: Some Bidens species have been traditionally used for their antimicrobial properties, believed to help combat infections and promote wound healing.
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Traditional medicinal practices often utilize Bidens species for their anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in reducing pain and swelling.
3. Diuretic Effects: Bidens flowers have been traditionally used as diuretics, promoting urination, and potentially helping to reduce fluid retention and bloating.

It is important to note that these traditional medicinal uses are based on anecdotal evidence and may not be supported by rigorous scientific research. Consult with a healthcare professional before using Bidens flowers for any medicinal purposes.

Overall, Bidens flowers offer a diverse range of uses and benefits, from enhancing gardens and attracting pollinators to providing ecological value and potential traditional medicinal applications.