Boxwood in bloom

Our plain Jane boxwood shrubs are in full bloom.
Boxwood in bloom

The flowers are quite unusual.
Boxwood blooms

The blossoms contain both pollen and nectar, attracting numerous insects, but mostly bees.
Bee on boxwood

Honeybee on boxwood

honeybee on boxwood

Honeybee on boxwood

This great purple hairstreak enjoyed the nectar.
Great purple hairstreak

I spotted several honeybees with full pollen baskets on their hind legs.
Honeybee on boxwood

Honeybee on boxwood

Honeybee on boxwood

Flies were attracted as well to the shrubs.
Black fly on boxwood

Housefly on boxwood

This ladybug doesn't appear to be after pollen or nectar. My guess--aphids. Keep up the good work, ladybug!
Ladybug on boxwood


Words and photos © 2009-2011 Caroline Homer for "The Shovel-Ready Garden". Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Comments

  1. Flies too?? What a popular boxwood! :)

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  2. Tina, flies are oddly attracted to flowering dill and Pacific chrysanthemum, too. It's kind of weird!

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  3. Aren't boxwood blooms wonderful? I notice the fragrance first. They smell of grape koolaid, I think.

    I'll have to watch for hairstreaks. Great post.

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  4. 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!

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  5. I didn't even know that boxwoods bloomed around here. How cool! I'll have to keep my eye out for that.

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  6. Lee, 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.

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  7. Caroline, 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.

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