Boxwood in bloom
Our plain Jane boxwood shrubs are in full bloom.
The flowers are quite unusual.
The blossoms contain both pollen and nectar, attracting numerous insects, but mostly bees.
This great purple hairstreak enjoyed the nectar.
I spotted several honeybees with full pollen baskets on their hind legs.
Flies were attracted as well to the shrubs.
This ladybug doesn't appear to be after pollen or nectar. My guess--aphids. Keep up the good work, ladybug!
Words and photos © 2009-2011 Caroline Homer for "The Shovel-Ready Garden". Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
The flowers are quite unusual.
The blossoms contain both pollen and nectar, attracting numerous insects, but mostly bees.
This great purple hairstreak enjoyed the nectar.
I spotted several honeybees with full pollen baskets on their hind legs.
Flies were attracted as well to the shrubs.
This ladybug doesn't appear to be after pollen or nectar. My guess--aphids. Keep up the good work, ladybug!
Words and photos © 2009-2011 Caroline Homer for "The Shovel-Ready Garden". Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
Flies too?? What a popular boxwood! :)
ReplyDeleteTina, flies are oddly attracted to flowering dill and Pacific chrysanthemum, too. It's kind of weird!
ReplyDeleteAren't boxwood blooms wonderful? I notice the fragrance first. They smell of grape koolaid, I think.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to watch for hairstreaks. Great post.
Nell Jean, I didn't even think to smell them! DH insists I'll get stung one day taking photographs like these; can't imagine what he'd say if he saw me sniffing around with the bees buzzing 'round!
ReplyDeleteI didn't even know that boxwoods bloomed around here. How cool! I'll have to keep my eye out for that.
ReplyDeleteLee, I didn't either, and I've lived in this house since 2005! I don't think they bloom for long. The bees made me take a closer look this year.
ReplyDeleteCaroline, may I use your photo of a honey bee on a boxwood flower for educational purposes. I need to get the word out that boxwoods can be attractive to pollinators, please respond to me at richard.cowles@ct.gov. I am a research scientist working to minimize pesticide exposure to systemic insecticides.
ReplyDelete