Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a popular, low-growing flowering plant often used as a fragrant groundcover or border annual in many gardens. Though small in stature, this Mediterranean native is known for producing dense mats of tiny flowers throughout the warmer months. Its prolific flowering habit makes it a constant source of interest for gardeners, but its value lies in the consistent support it offers to beneficial insects. The relationship between Alyssum and local pollinators is an example of how small flowers can yield significant ecological benefits.
Why Alyssum is a Bee Magnet
Bees and many other beneficial insects are strongly attracted to Alyssum. The primary reason for this popularity is the morphology of the flower itself, which is small, shallow, and structured in dense clusters. This architecture ensures that both pollen and nectar are highly accessible without requiring the pollinator to possess specialized mouthparts or long tongues. This makes it an ideal food source, particularly for short-tongued bees, such as sweat bees (Halictidae), and generalist foragers like hoverflies.
The plant’s mass-flowering characteristic enhances its appeal by providing a concentrated and reliable food source over a wide area. When grown in dense patches, Alyssum effectively signals to passing foragers that a high-reward resource is available, minimizing the energetic cost of searching. While the individual nectar reward per flower may be low compared to larger blooms, the sheer quantity of flowers compensates for this, creating a high net yield for the insect. This consistent supply is important during seasonal lulls when larger flowering plants may be temporarily out of bloom.
The nectar produced by Lobularia maritima is high in simple sugars, making it an immediately usable and attractive energy source for bees. Alyssum provides a steady supply of both carbohydrates (nectar) and proteins (pollen) throughout the day. This combination of easily accessed, readily available, and nutritionally balanced resources makes it a dependable pollinator magnet.
Planting Alyssum for Continuous Support
Gardeners seeking to maximize support for local bees should focus on creating large, cohesive drifts of Alyssum rather than scattering small plants individually. Mass planting increases the visual signal to pollinators, creating a resource density that is more attractive and energetically efficient for foraging. A large, concentrated patch of flowers ensures that a bee can make many visits quickly before needing to expend energy flying to a new location. This density is important for sustaining a local pollinator population throughout the entire season.
The choice of cultivar can influence the plant’s attractiveness, with some studies suggesting that white and purple varieties may offer slightly higher sugar concentrations in their nectar compared to intensely colored or double-flowered types. While all Alyssum provides a benefit, selecting a standard single-flowered variety ensures the easiest access for all insect visitors. For instance, the classic white ‘Carpet of Snow’ or the deep purple ‘Royal Carpet’ are reliable choices for maximizing pollinator reward.
To ensure a continuous food supply, proper maintenance is necessary to prevent the plant from completing its life cycle prematurely. Sweet Alyssum is prone to slowing down or setting seed during mid-summer heat, which reduces flowering. Performing a light shearing or “deadheading” of the spent flower heads helps redirect the plant’s energy away from seed production and back into new bloom formation. This simple action extends the flowering period, providing a continuous resource for bees foraging late into the fall.