How to Pollinate Hedge bindweed

(Calystegia sepium)

Hedge bindweed, also known as Bellbind

Hedge bindweed allures bees through luscious nectar and exquisite petals, securing their role as vital pollinators. The pollen's commute to the stigma is a fascinating marvel of nature's engineering. The plant's pollination synchronization is impeccably timed to align with the bees' daily routine, thereby ensuring reproductive success. Hedge bindweed’s harmonious dance with bees brings a rhythm to the garden and exemplifies the beauty of synergy in the wild.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Hedge Bindweed?

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Primary pollinators

Bees

Potential pollinators

Beetles, Butterflies

How Does Pollination Occur in Hedge Bindweed?

Hedge bindweed features trumpet-shaped, white or pink flowers, each with five fused petals, creating a path for pollinators. Its reproductive parts are enclosed by the petals, supporting cross-pollination.

Pollination in hedge bindweed primarily happens through cross-pollination. The flower's structure encourages visits by specific pollinators, thus promoting gene flow between different plants.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Hedge Bindweed?

Plant Diversity

Include a variety of species of plants in your garden or farm that bloom at different times, this would provide food for the pollinators (bees, beetles, and butterflies) throughout the seasons.

Water Source

Bees, beetles and butterflies need water, therefore, installing a small bird bath, a shallow dish of water with pebbles for them to perch on, or even damp patches of sand or mud can help attract more of these pollinators.

Pesticide Use

Refrain from using pesticides, especially during flowering, as these can harm or even kill pollinators such as bees. Instead, consider organic or integrated pest management strategies and only use pesticides as a last resort.

Plant Yellow and Blue Flowers

Bees are especially attracted to yellow and blue flowers. Plant varieties in these colors along with Hedge bindweed to attract bees. Butterflies also prefer bright colored flowers hence planting colorful flowers will attract both bees and butterflies.

How Can You Determine if Hedge Bindweed has Been Pollinated?

Flower Transformation

Post successful pollination, hedge bindweed's white, trumpet-shaped flowers shrink and crumble. A small green fruit begins to form signifying that pollination has occurred.

Seed Pod Formation

If pollination has successfully occurred in hedge bindweed, a seed pod will form that releases viable seeds for propagation. The pod emerges directly from the point where the flower previously bloomed.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Hedge Bindweed

Difficulty

Normal

Duration

30 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Hedge Bindweed?

Small Brush

A small, soft brush can be used to transfer pollen from one flower to another.

Tweezers

Helpful for pulling back the petals without damaging them to access the reproductive parts of the flower.

Gloves

Recommended to avoid transfer of pollen on hands to unintended areas.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Hedge Bindweed?

The best time to hand-pollinate hedge bindweed is in the morning when the flowers have just opened and are most receptive. The process should ideally be done in late spring or early summer when the plant is in its flowering stage.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Hedge Bindweed

Step1: Preparation

Put on gloves and have your tools ready. One should also identify the plant's male and female flowers, distinct by their size and location on the plant.

Step2: Accessing Pollen

Use the tweezers to gently pry petals apart from the flower you've identified as male. Carefully, using the small brush, gather the pollen. The pollen will be yellow and is usually found on the anther, the topmost part of the stamen.

Step3: Pollination

Next, carefully move over to the flower you've previously identified as female. Gently part petals using the tweezers and transfer the pollen onto the stigma, located in the center of the female flower. Make sure to brush gently to avoid damage.

Step4: Repetition

Repeat this process with all available flowers. If more pollen is needed, return to the male flower and collect as necessary.

Step5: Wait

Finally, wait for a few days to confirm if pollination was successful. The flower will start to develop a fruit at its base if pollination was accomplished.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Hedge Bindweed Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Scanty Flowering

If hedge bindweed isn't producing enough flowers for pollinators to access, consider providing more sunlight and ensuring a well-drained soil. These plants prefer bright locations without waterlogged soil.

Inadequate Pollinators

If pollinators are not visiting hedge bindweed, plant companion plants that attract pollinators or consider hand pollination to increase pollination opportunities.

Unhealthy Plant

If hedge bindweed is not successfully pollinating despite ample flowers and pollinator presence, check for plant health issues like pests or nutrient deficiencies. Remedying these can increase successful pollination.