Canna lily flowers sometimes have an eye-popping saturated color and sometimes a demure pastel tone. Both types attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden.
Here are some samples from Ark Encounter in Kentucky.
Another Canna Lily at the Ark
Canna Lily at the Ark
Candelbera Bush is a large, spreading shrub from Argentina that produces large spikes of golden-yellow flowers that open from bottom to top. When covered with unopened flower buds, the spikes look like golden candles.
Here is one at Ark Encounter in Kentucky.
Candelabra Bush at the Ark
Coleus plants have a wide range of color variations, from bright chartreuse to hot pink to near black and any number of combinations. Their leaves are one to six inches long and come in many shapes and sizes.
Here are some samples at the Ark.
Coleus at the Ark
Coleus Colors at the Ark
More Coleus at the Ark
Passiflora, or passion flower, is a genus of more than 550 species in the Passifloraceae family. The genus contains vines, lianas, shrubs, and trees and is predominantly distributed throughout Mexico, Central, and South America, with a few species endemic to Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Here are images of a passion flower blooming at the Ark – from bud to flower
Passion Flower Bud at the Ark
Passion Flower Ready to Bloom at the Ark
Passion Flower at the Ark
Plumeria, or frangipani, is a tropical tree or shrub known for its fragrant flowers. The delicate, five-petaled scented flowers are used in Hawaiian leis.
Plumeria at the Ark
The Ark Encounter in Kentucky has gardens around the queue lines leading to the entrance of the life-size Noah’s Ark.
We will post images of the beautiful flowers along the queue lines.
Hibiscus at the Ark
Goldenrod is a prevalent plant. It is found across several continents, including Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. Goldenrod is the flower of several states, and this particular species is Kentucky’s state flower.
Solidago, or Goldenrod, is a genus of herbaceous perennials in the aster family with up to 120 species and numerous cultivars. It displays small, bright yellow flowers in dense clusters on top of tall stems from July through September.
Goldenrods Against the Sky
Goldenrods Against the Clouds
Last month, we visited Lexington, Kentucky, and will be posting images from that area.
Kentucky’s state flower is the goldenrod, readily viewed in all landscapes. Lexington has beautiful landscapes in the countryside.
Kentucky State Flower Goldenrod
Beautiful Landscape of Lexington
We end our series on sunflowers with an image of a butterfly on a sunflower, creating a beautiful representation of nature.
Butterfly on a Sunflower
Both annual and perennial forms of sunflowers are butterfly favorites for their big golden flowers. The symbolic connection between sunflowers, which symbolize happiness, and butterflies, which represent transformation, creates an enchanting picture of harmony and natural beauty. Butterflies are natural pollinators for flowers, including sunflowers.
Butterfly Eating Nectar on a Sunflower
Butterfly Seeking Nectar on a Sunflower
Bees create various shapes while eating nectar on sunflowers. While it is common to see circular shapes, here is an image of one that is elongated.
Elongated Shape of Eaten Nectar
Sunflowers produce a lot of nectar and pollen, which attracts bees.
One Bee in the Middle and One on the Side
A Bee Eating Nectar Waiting for Other Sunflowers to Bloom
A sunflower adds a nice contrast against a blue sky with wisps of clouds
Sunflower Against a Blue Sky
Two sunflowers have already bloomed, while one is lagging.
Two Sunflowers Bloomed while One Waiting
While there are photos with a single sunflower, here are images of groups of sunflowers.
Sunflower Composition
One Sunflower Surrounded by Others
At Dix Park, some parts of the field have colorful flowers mixed with sunflowers, creating a pleasing vision of mature flowers.
Sunflower Among Other Colorful Flowers
Sunflowers Among Colorful Flowers
Some sunflowers might not be eaten by bees because they lack pollen, a critical food source for bees. In the United States, most sunflower seeds sold for ornamental purposes produce pollen-less flowers. Sunflowers grown for cut flowers are also usually sterile.
Here are images of sunflowers that have not been eaten by bees and look wholesome.
Unspoiled Sunflower
An Unadulterated Sunflower
While eating pollen in sunflowers, bees create exciting designs in the middle of flowers.
Bees Eating Nectar
Pair of Sunflowers
Bee Ate Nectar Forming a Circle
Bee Eating Nectar
Sunflowers can help bees fight diseases and infections. Sunflower pollen may also boost bees’ immune systems against other pathogens.
Here are bees consuming pollen in natural numbered sunflowers of 1,2,3.
Two Bees on a Sunflower
Bees Eating Nectar
Trio of Sunflowers
Pollination is the primary interaction between sunflowers and bees, forming the foundation of their symbiotic relationship. Sunflowers rely on bees for reproduction, while bees depend on sunflowers for nectar and pollen as a vital food source.
Here are images of bees starting to eat pollen.
Bee Starting to Eat Nectar
Bees Busy Eating Nectar