Phlox is a widely cultivated garden plant, valued for its vibrant blooms and fragrance. They enhance garden aesthetics and support local ecosystems. They attract beneficial insects and wildlife, making them popular for ecological landscaping. Phlox serves as a food source for many pollinators.
Specific Pollinators of Phlox
Phlox plants are visited by a diverse array of pollinators. Bees, such as bumblebees, honeybees, and native species, frequently visit phlox. They collect nectar for energy and pollen for their young. The open structure of many phlox flowers allows easy access.
Butterflies are significant pollinators of phlox, often seen fluttering among flower clusters. Species like swallowtails, monarchs, and painted ladies are attracted to bright colors and abundant nectar. Their long proboscises reach nectar deep within phlox floral tubes. Clustered flowers provide a flat landing platform, supporting their feeding.
Moths, particularly sphinx moths, are nocturnal pollinators drawn to certain phlox varieties. Often mistaken for hummingbirds due to their hovering flight and long proboscises, they are attracted to white or pale phlox with strong evening fragrances. They pollinate flowers that release scent after dusk.
Hummingbirds are also attracted to phlox, especially tubular varieties. Their long beaks and tongues access nectar out of reach for other pollinators. They transfer pollen inadvertently as they move from flower to flower. Phlox provides an energy source for these birds.
Phlox Features That Attract Pollinators
Phlox flower characteristics attract different pollinators. Flower color is a primary visual cue; bright hues like pink, purple, and red appeal to butterflies and hummingbirds. White phlox, standing out in low light, attract nocturnal moths. The visible color spectrum influences their foraging choices.
Scent also attracts pollinators, especially moths and some bees. Many phlox species emit a sweet, strong fragrance, noticeable in the evening. This scent signals pollinators from a distance, guiding them to flowers. Fragrance intensity and composition vary among phlox cultivars.
Phlox blossom shape and structure accommodate specific pollinator feeding mechanisms. Many phlox flowers have a tubular corolla, a fused petal structure, with nectar at the base. This tubular shape suits pollinators with long tongues or proboscises, like butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. Some varieties also offer a flat landing surface for larger insects.
Nectar and pollen provide the rewards that draw pollinators. Nectar is a sugary liquid providing energy; pollen offers proteins, fats, and other nutrients. Phlox flowers produce these resources, making them a worthwhile stop for foraging insects and birds. Availability of these resources ensures repeated pollinator visits.
Tips for Attracting More Pollinators with Phlox
To maximize phlox’s appeal to pollinators, select specific varieties. Native phlox species, like tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) or creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), are better adapted to local ecosystems and pollinators. Single-petal varieties improve nectar and pollen accessibility over double-flowered types. Double flowers have fewer reproductive parts, making them less useful to pollinators.
Planting phlox in groups or drifts creates a prominent visual and olfactory signal for pollinators. A large mass of flowers is easily spotted from a distance. This concentrated planting encourages pollinators to spend more time foraging, increasing successful pollination. Groupings are effective for attracting butterflies and bees.
Continuous bloom throughout the growing season ensures a steady food supply for pollinators. Achieve this by planting phlox varieties that bloom at different times, from early spring to late summer. Combining early-blooming creeping phlox with mid-summer garden phlox and late-season fall phlox extends the period your garden offers resources. A consistent nectar and pollen source sustains pollinator populations.
Responsible gardening practices support pollinator health. Avoid systemic pesticides and insecticides, as these chemicals harm beneficial insects and birds. Instead, focus on integrated pest management strategies prioritizing biological controls and cultural practices. Provide a water source, such as a shallow bird bath or damp soil, to benefit visiting pollinators.