Gardenias and bees

Question

My potted gardenia bush attracts many bees that land on the leaves, then fly away. Do they extract anything from the leaves? What is the purpose of their visit?

Answer 1

Bees will do this when they are engaging in swarming behavior, but this would only last for a few days. Bees will also collect honeydew from leaves, which is a sugary substance exuded by certain insects after they feed on plants:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-honeydew.htm