When Do Flowers Blossom?

Flowers attract pollinators of all sizes and species.

Flowers make any garden look attractive by adding vibrant colors and textures. A flowers main purpose however is for reproduction. Their attractiveness is to tempt pollinators into their depths.

Pollinators

Flowers reproduce by spreading pollen from one flower to the next. In most cases the use of a pollinator is needed. Flowers of all varieties are produced to entice a multitude of pollinators to come and feed on the nectar and in turn spread the pollen to the next flower.

Timing

The timing of a flower's bloom is directly related to the lifestyle of its pollinators. Both on a daily basis and on a seasonal basis. Most flowers bloom in spring and summer, which coincides with an abundance of new life in the insect and animal kingdoms.

Day Bloomers

Many flowers blossom during the day to attract a wide range of diurnal birds and insects. Flowers will open at dawn and close at dusk in response to temperature and light changes. This is done to preserve the pollen and nectar reserves during the night.

Night Bloomers

There are plants that bloom only at night and are pollinated exclusively by nocturnal creatures such as bats and some moths. They feed on the nectar of night blooming plants such as evening primrose (Oenothera), moonflowers (Ipomoea alba) and yuccas (Yucca filamentosa).

References

• Coevolution And Pollination; J. Stein Carter; March 2005
• Colorado State: The Night Shift; J. Sedbrook; May 2010
• Lifes Little Mysteries: How Do Plants Know When To Bloom; R. Melina; April 2010