We rarely think about them, but pollinators are essential creatures in our environment, and we should do everything we can to protect them. One of the best things you can do is recreate an optimal environment for them in your garden. And you may wonder: how do you do that? The answer is straightforward: all you have to do is plant suitable species in your yard.
Indeed, while you may not know this, bees don’t like all plants equally. But do they like phlox? And what else should you know about the relationship between this plant and bees? Keep reading: you will find all the information you need in this essential guide!
Is Phlox Good For Bees?
Phlox is an eye-catching plant, which you can find in creeping and tall varieties. You would expect it to be a magnet to bees: its flowers are eye-catching and fragrant.
And you are not wrong to think that! Bees love phlox. Adding one (or more) of these plants to your garden will make it more lively during the blooming season (which starts in summer).
Besides their attraction, phlox plants are also excellent pollen and nectar sources. Indeed, the beauty of a flower does little to attract pollinators (even if it plays a role).
If a plant cannot offer food in adequate quantities, most bees will look somewhere else. Luckily, phlox produces easy-to-access and abundant nectar.
Plant your phlox in masses to get even more satisfying results. Your garden aesthetics will also considerably improve!
What Other Pollinators do Phlox Attract?
Besides a spectrum of bee species, phlox attracts butterflies and other beneficial pollinators to your garden, such as hoverflies. So, phlox is the ideal plant to add to your garden if your objective is to attract pollinators.
However, don’t forget to increase the variety in your garden by planting different species: doing so will increase your chances of successfully attracting plenty of pollinators and other beneficial insects to your yard.
Choose plants that do well in your USDA hardiness zone and that flower at different times of the year: it ensures you enjoy blooms for longer and will make your garden more attractive.
How Can You Make Your Garden More Bee-Friendly?
Besides adding the right plants, such as azaleas, lavender and phlox you can encourage bees to visit your garden by making it safer. For instance, avoid spraying your plants with pesticides and herbicides: they might harm bees too.
Instead, if you have an issue with pests or weeds, you should use organic products. Even if they might take more time, they won’t damage beneficial plants (and insects) living in your garden.
To create a better environment for bees, consider making a wild corner: it will offer nest sites for bees, especially the solitary species. If you want to put some more effort, include broken plant pots with holes in them: they will make excellent shelters!
Some people like to build “bee hotels.” There are many ways you can create one. The ideal hotel includes suitable plants rich in pollen, water sources, and some places where bees can rest.
Indeed, while not many people think about this, bees need water, which is essential to make food for their young and refresh their hives. Add some water in a bucket or tray (ensure they are not too deep) and add stones or floating corks to provide the bees a safe place to drink from.
Related article: Does Creeping Phlox Attract Bees?