The genus Phlox encompasses a diverse array of flowering plants, ranging from low-growing groundcovers to tall, upright garden varieties. Many species are native to North America and produce abundant clusters of blooms admired by gardeners. The decision to plant Phlox often centers on its utility in supporting local ecosystems and providing sustenance for pollinating insects. This inquiry into whether Phlox attracts bees is important for creating ecologically beneficial landscapes.
Phlox as a Pollinator Resource
Phlox is widely recognized as a valuable resource for a variety of garden visitors, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant provides both nectar and pollen. Different species of Phlox bloom across the growing season, offering resources from early spring through late summer. Tall garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) and its cultivars frequently host pollinators, including bumblebees and honeybees. However, the effectiveness of Phlox depends significantly on the specific flower structure, which acts as a mechanical filter determining which insects can access the reward.
Flower Shape and Bee Accessibility
The structure of a Phlox flower determines its accessibility to different bee species. Each floret consists of five spreading lobes extending from a narrow, elongated corolla tube. Nectar is stored deep within the base of this tube, requiring the pollinator to possess a long enough tongue to reach the reward. This physical design limits access for shorter-tongued insects, such as honeybees or many solitary bee species. Tall garden Phlox (P. paniculata) has a long, narrow tube, fitting long-tongued bees, while creeping Phlox (P. subulata) features smaller flowers with a shorter tube, accessible to smaller native bees.
Visual and Chemical Attraction Factors
Bees are guided to Phlox flowers by visual and chemical cues. Bee vision is trichromatic, shifted to include ultraviolet (UV) light, making blue, purple, and violet colors particularly attractive. UV markings, invisible to the human eye, often form patterns on the petals that function as “nectar guides,” directing the bee toward the center. Chemical attraction is provided by the flower’s fragrance and nectar quality. Many Phlox varieties are sweetly fragrant, serving as a long-distance attractant, and the high-sugar nectar content encourages repeat visits, with some cultivars noted for producing superior quality nectar.
Gardening for Optimal Bee Support
To maximize the benefit of Phlox for local bee populations, gardeners should adopt specific planting and maintenance practices. Planting Phlox in large groups, often called “drifts,” creates a highly visible, efficient foraging target that requires less energy for bees to find. This mass planting strategy increases the pollen and nectar yield per foraging trip. Selecting native Phlox species or cultivars is also important, as local bees are better adapted to forage on them, and native selections often provide superior nectar quality. Gardeners should avoid the use of systemic pesticides, such as neonicotinoids, because these chemicals contaminate the pollen and nectar, posing a direct threat to consuming bees.