Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a beloved garden plant recognized for its delicate, abundant blooms. It is widely cultivated as a popular choice for ground cover, borders, and containers. Bees are highly attracted to alyssum, making it a valuable addition to any garden focused on supporting these important pollinators.
Why Bees are Drawn to Alyssum
Alyssum flowers possess several characteristics that make them particularly appealing to bees. The tiny blossoms are a rich source of both nectar and pollen, providing essential sustenance for bee colonies. Bees gather nectar for energy and to produce honey, while pollen supplies proteins, fats, and other nutrients necessary for their growth and the development of their young.
The structure of alyssum’s small, numerous flowers allows for easy access to these resources for various bee sizes, including smaller native bees and honeybees. Its characteristic sweet fragrance acts as a powerful attractant, guiding bees to the flowers from a distance. Alyssum boasts a prolonged blooming period, often flowering from spring until the first hard frost, ensuring a consistent food source for pollinators.
Best Alyssum Varieties for Bees
When selecting alyssum for attracting bees, Lobularia maritima, commonly known as Sweet Alyssum, is the most beneficial choice. This species is known for its prolific tiny blooms that are highly attractive to a range of pollinators. While various cultivars exist, such as ‘Snow Princess’ or ‘Purple Shades’, the single-flowered varieties of the species are generally preferred.
Highly hybridized or double-flowered types can make nectar and pollen less accessible to bees due to their altered flower structure. Sweet Alyssum is grown as an annual in most climates, though it is a short-lived perennial in warmer USDA zones 9-11. Varieties like ‘Carpet of Snow’ (white) and ‘Royal Carpet’ (purple) consistently attract beneficial insects.
Growing Alyssum to Attract Pollinators
Cultivating alyssum effectively maximizes its appeal to bees. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. Well-draining soil is important for healthy growth, as overly wet conditions can lead to issues like root rot.
Seeds can be sown directly outdoors after the last frost, or starts can be planted from nurseries. Alyssum seeds are tiny and should be lightly scattered on top of loosened soil, then gently misted to avoid washing them away. When transplanting, allow for spacing of 6 to 12 inches between plants, as they will spread to form a dense carpet.
Consistent moisture is preferred, especially during dry periods, though established plants show some drought tolerance. Shearing back spent blooms by about one-third in mid-summer encourages continuous flowering and new growth.
Alyssum’s Role in a Bee-Friendly Garden
Incorporating alyssum into a garden provides broader benefits beyond direct bee attraction. Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it an excellent ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture. Alyssum fills in gaps within garden beds, creating a continuous carpet of blooms.
The plant also attracts other beneficial insects, including hoverflies, lady beetles, and predatory wasps, which can aid in natural pest control by preying on common garden pests like aphids. This contributes to a more balanced garden ecosystem. Its extended blooming season ensures that pollinators have a reliable food source from spring through fall, supporting their populations.