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How to Pollinate Creeping phlox
(Phlox subulata)
Creeping phlox, also known as Moss pink, Britton's phlox
The distinctive beauty of creeping phlox draws in bees, its primary pollinators, with its vibrant colors and sweet nectar. These industrious insects play a vital role in creeping phlox's pollination, transferring pollen from the male stamen to the female stigma while gathering nectar. This intriguing sequence generally occurs during the plant's blossoming period in spring, ensuring creeping phlox's propagation.
pollination

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Creeping Phlox?

Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Summer
Primary pollinators
Bees
Potential pollinators
Butterflies, Moths

How Does Pollination Occur in Creeping Phlox?

Creeping phlox produces prolific clusters of fragrant, five-petaled flowers in a variety of colors such as pink, red, or white. They are trumpet-shaped with a narrow tube that supports the stamen and pistil, key components for pollination.

Creeping phlox is primarily pollinated by insects. It uses the entomophilous method of pollination where insects carry and transfer pollen from the male organ (stamen) to the female organ (pistil).
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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Creeping Phlox?

Plant Diversity
Plant a variety of colorful and fragrant plants to attract bees and other pollinators. Certain plants, such as lavender, sunflowers, or sage are known to be especially appealing to bees.
Water Source
Provide a water source for the pollinators. This could be as simple as a shallow birdbath or a puddle of water with some pebbles in it for the insects to land on. This will attract bees, butterflies, and moths.
Pesticide Management
Avoid using pesticides, especially during the flowering season, as they can harm or kill these pollinators. If pest problems arise, consider using organic solutions or strategies like integrated pest management that target pests only and have less destructive impacts on beneficial organisms.
Shelter Provision
Provide shelter spaces around your garden or farm to attract these pollinators. Old tree trunks and loose bark provide good habitats for bees, while butterflies and moths are attracted to bushes and tall trees, especially if cocoon-hosting plants like milkweed or nettle are included.

How Can You Determine if Creeping Phlox has Been Pollinated?

Flower Color Change
In creeping phlox, successful pollination often leads to the pink, red, or white blooms fading to a lighter shade, indicating fertilization has occurred.
Blossom Falling Off
If the flowers of creeping phlox have fallen off but have left behind a small green bud, it indicates that the bloom has been successfully pollinated.
Abundant Bloom
Increased bloom production in creeping phlox can also be a result of successful pollination since the plant can now commit more resources to producing flowers.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Creeping Phlox

Difficulty
Easy
Duration
20 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Creeping Phlox?

Small brush or cotton swab
A small brush or cotton swab is used to collect pollen from the anthers of a flower.
Gloves
Gloves are recommended for hand protection against possible skin irritations caused by the plant.
Marker and labels
For distinguishing between already pollinated flowers and unpollinated ones.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Creeping Phlox?

The best time to hand-pollinate creeping phlox is early in the morning when the flowers are fully opened. This is also when their pollen is most fertile. In terms of the plant's life cycle, hand-pollination should be done when the plant is actively flowering, usually in the mid-spring season.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Creeping Phlox

Step1: Preparation
Wear the gloves and have your small brush or cotton swab ready. Identify the flowers you want to pollinate and mark them with the labels for easy identification later.
Step2: Collecting Pollen
Gently swirl the tip of the small brush or cotton swab on the anthers of a flower to collect pollen. The anthers are the part of the flower where pollen is produced, usually looking like a small, powdery rod.
Step3: Transferring Pollen
Next, gently transfer the collected pollen to the stigma of the same or another flower. The stigma is the receptive part of the female reproductive system in a flower, often sticky and knob-like.
Step4: Repeat Process
Repeat the process for any other flowers you wish to hand-pollinate on the plant.
Step5: Post-Pollination Labeling
Once pollination has been done, ensure that these flowers are properly labeled to avoid confusion.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Creeping Phlox Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Lack of Pollinators
If creeping phlox is not getting pollinated, it may be due to a lack of pollinators. Consider planting more pollinator-attracting flora or installing a bee house.
Poor Flowering
Improper soil pH or incorrect lighting could lead to poor flowering in creeping phlox, hindering pollination. Regular soil checks and adjusting the plant location can help.
Weather conditions
Severe weather conditions can affect the pollination in creeping phlox. Protect the plants from extremes, or consider indoor propagation during pollinating months.
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