Bidens Ultimate Growth and Care Guide

Discover the Best Guide for Growing Bidens. Interested in adding these cheerful, pollinator-friendly flowers to your garden?

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By: Reggie Meehan (6/5/25)

Introduction to Bidens

Bidens, sometimes known as Spanish Needles or Beggarticks, is a genus of flowering plants within the Asteraceae family, celebrated for its vibrant blooms, ecological benefits, and adaptability. Native to tropical and temperate regions worldwide, Bidens species thrive in diverse environments, from ornamental garden borders to naturalized areas. Their daisy-like flowers, resilience, and environmental versatility make them a favorite among gardeners and conservationists alike.

The more commonly found flowering species, Bidens ferulifolia, includes popular varieties such as Goldilocks Rocks, Pretty in Pink Bidens and White Delight Bidens. Bidens ferulifolia, with its nectar-rich blooms, is perfect for sunny garden beds and borders, offering a long blooming season and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

The less known Bidens pilosa, widely known as Spanish Needles, and Bidens laevis, commonly called Bur Marigold, showcase the genus's versatility. Bidens pilosa is valued not only for its ecological role in supporting beneficial insects but also for its medicinal properties and use in erosion control. Bidens laevis is a commonly found annual Native wildflower in coastal areas and bogs in North and South Carolina. It grows to heights of 4-6 ft and continuously flowers all season, thereby self-seeding for next year's crop. Similarly, Bidens trichosperma (formerly coronata) is a Native wildflower found in northern regions. Because these Bidens varieties are not widely grown and distributed in Garden Centers, they are not discussed further as part of this summary.

Over the past years, I planted various varieties of Bidens ferulifolia here and there but finally found my passion with White Delight Bidens and Pretty in Pink Bidens, 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

Bidens plants exhibit remarkable diversity in size and form, catering to a wide range of garden applications. Bidens ferulifolia, which grows 6–12 inches tall, is perfect for small spaces, edging, and containers, where their mounding habit provides lush, continuous blooms. These plants have a spreading or mounding growth habit, which not only makes them effective ground covers but also allows them to cascade beautifully from hanging baskets and elevated planters. 

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. Gardeners in these areas should plant them in the Spring after the danger of frost has passed, and the plants flourish throughout the warmer months, producing a profusion of blooms until the first frost of fall. 

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. With minimal care, such as occasional pruning to encourage fresh growth and deadheading to extend the blooming period, perennial Bidens can thrive for several seasons. However, even in these warmer zones, it’s important to protect them from extreme cold snaps, which can occasionally damage or kill the plants.

Best Varieties of Bidens TESTED

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:

Best Variety #1: Bidens ferulifolia Campfire Series

The Campfire series by Proven Winners is the most searched series of Bidens. Although long ago there were other varieties in the Campfire Series, the only two that remain are Marshmallow (white) and Flame (orange). Both achieve test trial ratings in the 4.79 to 5.0 range so the genetics are there. Consequently they rate #1.

Best Variety #2: Bidens ferulifolia Goldilocks Rocks

Goldilocks Rocks® Bidens, a Proven Winner, is the single most sought after variety of Bidens due to its alluring yellow daisy-like blooms. The flowers are large, often up to 3 inches across, making them the largest flowered Bidens. This Proven Winner brand, which also trials at a solid 5.0 score, is therefore #2.

Best Variety #3: Bidens ferulifolia Blazing Series

The Blazing Series by Danziger provides a semi-mounded trailing variety with proven genetics. Trials show ratings at 4.8 with Flame and Ring of Fire, and Star at 5.0. There are no data in the 4.8-5.0 range for the other members of this series yet. Given demand by Gardeners and with proven genetics, the Blazing Series receives the #3 ranking.

Best Varieties #4: Bidens ferulifolia White Delight (Improved) and Pretty in Pink (Improved)

Bidens are not popular flowers. Gardeners don’t come to Garden Centers shopping for Bidens but they buy Bidens because they decide the color of the bloom works for their needs. This may be about to change … Bidens have the potential to become a “go to” flower.

There are a plethora of orange, yellow and bicolor orange/yellow varieties. Enter the improved versions of White Delight and Pretty in Pink … and improved they are because these plants used to be aphid magnets. Ain’t nobody wanting that. However, these improved versions have trial results at the tip top … 5.0 … and they deserve to be ranked in the Best Varieties, albeit at #4 because gardeners don’t know the amazing glory of these mounding annual plants. Yet.

Honorable Mention: Beedance Series

So, the Beedance Series by Suntory was introduced 8 or so years ago to much acclaim, because the bees loved them and “danced” while pollinating them.  The Yellow, Painted Red and Red Stripe have trial rankings in the 4.8-5.0 range which means that they have great genetics. But, they are not actively sought after by gardeners. In sum, they have the genetics but not the demand, ergo an Honorable Mention.

Honorable Mention #6: Bee Series

The Bee Series by Ball Horticulture is sought after by gardeners but they currently have no trial data in the 4.8 - 5.0 range. They are, however, popular with growers and commonly found varieties in Garden Centers. So, they rank an Honorable mention.

How to Grow & 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 & 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

Some gardeners believe that Bidens are invasive. While Bidens species such as the Bidens pilosa and laevis varieties do readily self-seed, these types are not commonly found in garden settings. Another misconception is that Bidens only produce yellow flowers, but cultivated varieties also bloom in orange, red, pink, white, and bi-colors. Another misconception is the growth habit of Bidens, which many consider to only be a trailing plant. Many of the new bidens are larger mounding plants, reaching 8-12” tall and spreading to 24” or more if allowed to fully take over an area. Worries over bug issues is another lasting misconception. Certain varieties of Bidens may have once been bug magnets. However, the advancement in genetics has made Bidens far more pest free. Amen to that. Finally, misinformation on the internet suggests that Bidens are hardy in Zones 5-8, but these “hardy” varieties are not the flowering Biden ferulifolia types, which are the commonly found annuals being purchased at Garden Centers. The Bidens ferulifolia are annuals except in Zones 9-11.

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 ideal for containers and hanging baskets, where their trailing habit adds charm and texture. Bidens spill beautifully over the edges of pots, softening hard lines and adding movement to patio displays or window boxes. Their vibrant yellow blooms pair well with other container favorites like petunias, calibrachoa, and scaevola, creating eye-catching combinations. 

Bidens, particularly the mounding/trailing specimens such as in the White Delight and Pretty in PInk varieties, may also find its way into the hearts of gardeners either as a stand alone hanging basket, or a large filler/spiller addition to large containers.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bidens Deer Resistant?

Yes, Bidens are generally considered deer-resistant plants. Their aromatic foliage and bitter taste make them less appealing to deer and other browsing animals, which often prefer more tender or palatable vegetation. While no plant is entirely deer-proof—especially if food sources are scarce—Bidens are typically avoided, making them a great choice for gardens in areas with frequent deer activity.

Are Bidens Poisonous to Cats and Dogs?

Bidens are not considered toxic to cats and dogs. They are not listed as harmful by organizations like the ASPCA. This makes Bidens a pet-friendly choice for gardens and landscapes where animals may roam. However, while Bidens are not toxic, ingesting large amounts of any plant material can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you notice your pet showing these symptoms after interacting with any plant, it’s wise to consult your veterinarian for further guidance.

Do Bidens Attract Pollinators?

Yes, Bidens attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Their bright, daisy-like flowers produce an abundance of nectar and pollen, making them an excellent food source for pollinators throughout the growing season. Bidens are particularly valued for their long bloom time, which extends from spring to fall, providing consistent nourishment when other plants may not be flowering. Adding Bidens to your garden not only enhances its beauty with vibrant blooms but also supports local ecosystems by encouraging pollinator activity.

How Long Do Bidens Last?

Bidens typically last from early spring till first frost, offering months of continuous blooms under the right conditions. As annuals in most climates, they complete their life cycle within a single growing season, but in frost-free regions or USDA hardiness zones 9-11, they can act as perennials and provide year-round beauty. Regular deadheading of spent flowers, while not necessary to encourage blooming, does improve the aesthetics of the blooming display. While individual blooms last about a week, the plant's prolific flowering ensures a steady show of vibrant color throughout the growing season.