Bidens Growth and Care Guide

Bidens are cheerful, sun-loving flowers that bring a burst of golden color to any garden. Known for their daisy-like blooms and trailing growth habit, they’re perfect for hanging baskets, containers, and borders. Our Plant Guide on Bidens provides everything you need to cultivate strong, vibrant plants. From planting and soil prep to watering, fertilizing, and troubleshooting, you’ll learn how to keep Bidens thriving all season long.

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By: Reggie Meehan (6/5/2025) - Last Updated (2/6/2026)

Introduction to Bidens

Bidens, sometimes called Spanish Needles or Beggarticks, is a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family valued for its bright, cheerful blooms, toughness, and wide-ranging adaptability. Native to tropical and temperate regions around the world, Bidens thrives in a variety of settings—from cultivated garden beds and containers to naturalized landscapes. Its daisy-like flowers, long bloom season, and pollinator-friendly nature have made it a favorite with gardeners and growers alike.

The most commonly grown ornamental species is Bidens ferulifolia, which includes many of the popular varieties found in garden center. These selections are bred for heavy flowering, compact habits, and season-long color in sunny settings.

Beyond these cultivated forms, the Bidens genus also includes several lesser-known species that highlight its adaptability in natural ecosystems. Bidens pilosa is valued for its role in supporting beneficial insects and is sometimes used for erosion control. Bidens laevis, commonly called Bur Marigold, is a native annual wildflower found in coastal areas and bogs throughout North and South Carolina. Bidens trichosperma (formerly Bidens coronata) is another native species found primarily in northern regions. These Bidens species are not widely produced or sold through garden centers, they are not discussed further in this overview, which focuses on ornamental varieties commonly grown for home gardens and containers.

Over the past years, I planted various varieties of Bidens ferulifolia here and there but finally found my passion with White Delight and Pretty in Pink, which in previous years, were focal points in my landscape and in my large containers. Their low-maintenance nature and long blooming season make them a gardener’s delight.

Characteristics of Bidens 

Bidens are prized for their cheerful, daisy-like flowers, fast growth, and remarkable versatility, making them a favorite among gardeners and landscapers. Their quick-growing nature makes them an excellent choice for filling in gaps in flower beds or adding immediate color to new planting areas. 

Over time, they can create a meadow-like effect with minimal effort, spreading themselves in suitable conditions. However, this same quality means they require some monitoring and control in formal garden settings to prevent them from becoming overly dominant or crowding out other plants.

Size and Growth Habit

One of the strengths of Bidens is how adaptable they are in size and form. Bidens ferulifolia, the most commonly grown ornamental type, typically reaches 6–12 inches tall and fits beautifully into smaller spaces. Its naturally mounded habit makes it ideal for edging, containers, and mixed plantings where steady bloom and clean shape matter. These plants tend to spread rather than stretch upward, which is why they work so well as low ground covers and spillers.

Leaves and Flowers

Bidens leaves are typically pinnate, featuring multiple small leaflets that give the plant a delicate, feathery appearance. The bright green foliage is fine-textured and adds an elegant, understated backdrop to the plant’s vibrant flowers. The leaves remain attractive throughout the season, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the plant even when flowers are not in full bloom.

The daisy-like flowers of Bidens are one of the plant’s defining features, blooming in cheerful shades of yellow, orange, white, and occasionally pink in select varieties. Though individual blooms are small, their abundance creates a dense, eye-catching display that persists throughout the growing season. Bidens flowers are known for their self-cleaning habit, which eliminates the need for deadheading and ensures a tidy, continuously blooming plant. Their nectar-rich blooms also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Are Bidens Annual or Perennial?

Bidens are versatile plants that can be grown as annuals or perennials depending on the climate, adapting to a wide range of growing conditions. In cooler regions, where frost will kill the plant after one growing season, Bidens are typically cultivated as annuals. In warmer climates, particularly in USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11, Bidens are commonly grown as perennials. Here, the plants can survive mild winters and regrow in the Spring, offering year-round greenery and blooms in some cases. 

Best Varieties of Bidens

Through years of growing Bidens, these varieties have proven to be in demand by Gardeners, and to have exceptional characteristics including beauty, durability, and pollinator appeal:

Blazing Series

The Blazing Series, bred by Danziger, earns its top ranking not just for strong trial data, but because Blazing Star ™ is our favorite Bidens variety overall. This series delivers a semi-mounded, trailing habit that’s incredibly versatile in containers, baskets, and landscape edges, backed by proven, reliable genetics. Trial results reinforce that confidence, with Blazing Flame and Ring of Fire posting excellent 4.8 ratings, while Blazing Star stands alone at a perfect 5.0, setting the benchmark for the entire series. 

White Delight (Improved)

White Delight™ proves that white doesn’t have to mean boring—especially when it’s paired with vigor, resilience, and nonstop bloom. This modern selection corrected the biggest flaw of earlier white Bidens: pest pressure. What was once an aphid-prone novelty is now a clean, dependable, and exceptionally floriferous annual that earns its place in high-performance plantings.

How to Grow and Care for Bidens

Bidens is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of garden settings. Known for its bright, cheerful blooms and adaptable nature, Bidens can quickly enhance any landscape. Following proper care guidelines ensures healthy growth and abundant flowers throughout the season.

Planting Bidens

Plant Biden starter plants in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 8–12 inches apart to allow for their spreading growth habit and to ensure good airflow. Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil to promote vigorous flowering. For container gardening, use a high-quality potting mix and a pot with adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Sunlight Requirements

Bidens thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce their vibrant blooms. In partially shaded areas, flowering may be diminished, and the plants may grow less vigorously. Providing ample sunlight ensures the best display of flowers throughout the growing season.

Soil Requirements

Although Bidens adapt to a wide range of soil types, they perform best in organic rich soils with good drainage. Enriching the soil with organic matter improves fertility and promotes healthy root development. A slightly acidic to neutral pH supports optimal growth and blooming.

Watering Needs

Water Bidens regularly during the first few weeks after planting to establish strong roots. Once established, these plants become drought-tolerant and require minimal watering. However, container-grown Bidens may dry out faster, so ensure consistent moisture without waterlogging to keep the plants healthy. Bidens do not respond well to drying out. They will lose blooms and their foliage will yellow and/or brown. Consequently, ensure that Bidens are watered before the soil dries out.

Fertilizer Needs

Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time helps promote steady growth and vibrant blooms. During the growing season, fertilize monthly with a bloom-boosting fertilizer to encourage continuous flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can result in excessive foliage at the expense of blooms.

Pruning and Maintenance

Although Bidens do not necessarily need to be deadheaded to prolong their blooming, deadheading can improve the overall aesthetic of the plant. Because Bidens ferulifolia blooms so profusely, the common statement is that the blooms bury their dead but sometimes, the blooms aren’t as plentiful as the dead ergo the need for maintenance once in a while.

Some of the Bidens series that trail more extensively may need regular pruning to keep them in check. The yellow bloomers, Goldilocks Rocks, Namid, Golden Empire and Yellow Charm varieties should be kept in check to keep the plants looking tidy. Many of the other varieties tend to mound more. However, if plants become leggy in midsummer, trim them back slightly to encourage bushier growth and fresh blooms. 

Overwintering

In cooler climates, Bidens are typically treated as annuals and do not survive frost. To preserve plants in frost-prone areas, bring potted Bidens indoors before the first frost and place them in a bright, sunny spot. 

Common Pests

Bidens are relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by aphids, spider mites, thrips and whiteflies. Varieties such as White Delight and Pretty in Pink were, in the past, aphid magnets. However, improvements in genetics have eliminated this big problem. However, all plants can still be susceptible to these pests. 

Each of these pests can affect foliage and flowers, but timely intervention can prevent severe damage. Here’s how to manage them:

• Aphids: These sap-sucking insects leave behind sticky honeydew, which attracts ants and fosters sooty mold. Use insecticidal soap for immediate control and neem oil for long-term prevention. Aphid populations can increase rapidly, so reapply treatments within 7 days to disrupt their lifecycle.

• Spider Mites: Often present in hot, dry conditions, spider mites cause tiny yellow or white speckles on foliage. Apply neem oil to affected areas, ensuring thorough coverage under the leaves. Repeat treatment weekly if infestations persist.

• Thrip: These pests cause leaf discoloration and can be managed with Spinosad, a natural bacterial insecticide. For prevention and control, use insecticidal soap in combination with neem oil.

• White Flies: These pests show up in the fall. Early detection is key to prevent their spread. Use insecticidal soap in combination with neem oil for control.

Since many pests hide on the undersides of leaves, ensure complete coverage when spraying treatments. Direct the spray beneath leaves to effectively target hidden pests and prevent reinfestation.

Common Diseases

There are few diseases common to Bidens. Of course, all plants are susceptible to root rot and powdery mildew with excess moisture. To prevent root rot problems, amend compact soils and avoid overwatering. To prevent powdery mildew problems, ensure proper spacing, avoid overhead watering, and remove any affected leaves to minimize disease risk.

Common Mistakes

Because Bidens can grow quickly, particularly the yellow trailing varieties, failing to keep the trailing varieties in check can be a mistake. Also, because most of the Bidens are mounding, failing to account for their mounding nature in containers can result in overcrowding.

Common Misconceptions

There’s a lot of confusion out there about Bidens, and most of it comes from lumping very different species together. Some gardeners worry that Bidens are invasive, but that reputation comes mainly from species like Bidens pilosa and Bidens laevis, which do self-seed freely in natural settings. Those plants aren’t what you’re finding on the benches at garden centers. The ornamental bidens grown for containers and beds behave very differently and don’t spread aggressively in managed landscapes.

Another common misconception is that Bidens only bloom yellow. While yellow is certainly the classic look, modern cultivated varieties now come in shades of orange, red, pink, white, and even bi-colors. The color range has expanded dramatically, giving gardeners far more flexibility than they had years ago.

Growth habit is another area where Bidens get misunderstood. Many people still think of them strictly as trailing plants, but that’s no longer accurate. Many newer selections are fuller, mounding plants that reach 8–12 inches tall and can spread 24 inches or more when given space. They’re just as useful for filling beds and borders as they are spilling from containers.

Concerns about pest problems are also largely outdated. Some older varieties may have attracted insects, but breeding improvements have made modern bidens much cleaner and far more resistant to common garden pests. Honestly, that alone has made them much more enjoyable to grow.

Finally, there’s persistent misinformation online about bidens being hardy in Zones 5–8. While some non-ornamental species may survive colder climates, the flowering Bidens ferulifolia varieties sold at garden centers are considered annuals everywhere except Zones 9–11. Knowing the difference saves a lot of confusion—and disappointment—at the end of the season.

Using Bidens in the Garden

Bidens is an adaptable and beautiful addition to gardens, enhancing both formal designs and casual, naturalized spaces. Its vibrant flowers and easy-care nature make it a favorite among gardeners. Whether attracting pollinators, adorning containers, or covering the ground, Bidens offers versatility and impact.

Pollinator Gardens

Bidens is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a vital component of wildlife-friendly landscapes. The daisy-like flowers bloom profusely and provide a steady source of nectar throughout the growing season, supporting pollinators from spring to fall. Its bright, cheerful colors add visual appeal while also promoting ecological balance in the garden. For a dynamic effect, pair Bidens with other pollinator-friendly plants like lavender, salvia, and coneflowers.

Container Gardening

Trailing yellow varieties such as Goldilocks Rocks®, Namid™, Golden Empire™, and Yellow Charm are especially well suited for containers and hanging baskets, where their cascading habit adds texture and movement. Bidens spill naturally over the edges of pots, softening hard lines and bringing a relaxed, flowing look to patio displays and window boxes. Their bright yellow blooms pair effortlessly with other container staples like petunias, calibrachoa, and scaevola, creating combinations that feel lively without being overwhelming.

Mounding and semi-trailing selections, including varieties like White Delight™ and Pretty in Pink™, offer even more flexibility. These bidens work beautifully as stand-alone hanging baskets, where their full habit and heavy bloom make a statement on their own, or as strong filler–spiller plants in larger containers. In mixed plantings, they help anchor the design while still providing softness and color, earning their place as reliable favorites for gardeners who want impact without fuss.

Ground Cover

Bidens’ spreading growth habit makes it an excellent choice for ground cover, providing lush, consistent coverage for garden beds and borders. It is particularly effective for erosion control on slopes or filling in bare spots where other plants may struggle. The dense foliage and abundant blooms create a carpet of color, enhancing the aesthetics of the garden while suppressing weeds. Plant Bidens alongside creeping perennials or low-growing annuals for a cohesive and vibrant landscape.

Bidens Keep Blooms Coming