When planning a garden, most people think about bushes that attract butterflies or bees. However, some flowering bushes attract flies intentionally, as these insects can be effective pollinators. Understanding which bushes that attract flies can be a valuable strategy for supporting a wider range of pollinators and creating a more resilient ecosystem in your yard.
Flies, especially hoverflies and bee flies, are often overlooked as pollinators. Many plants have evolved to specifically attract them with unique scents and colors. Incorporating these bushes can boost pollination for your entire garden.
This guide will help you identify the best options, understand why flies are beneficial, and learn how to manage them effectively.
Bushes That Attract Flies
This section details specific shrubs known for attracting various fly species. These plants often produce flowers that mimic the scent of decaying matter or offer easily accessible nectar, which flies find irresistible.
Including a variety of these bushes ensures a longer blooming season and provides consistent resources for fly pollinators.
Elderberry (Sambucus)
Elderberry bushes are renowned for their clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers. These flowers emit a strong, musky fragrance that is highly attractive to many fly species, including hoverflies and soldier flies.
The large, flat flower clusters provide an excellent landing platform. After flowering, the bushes produce berries that attract birds, making elderberry a fantastic multi-purpose plant for wildlife gardens.
- Primary Fly Attraction: Hoverflies, soldier flies, and bee flies.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.
- Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
- Additional Benefits: Berries can be used for jams, syrups, and wines (only when cooked).
Sumac (Rhus)
Sumac bushes, particularly the smooth and staghorn varieties, produce dense, conical clusters of greenish-yellow flowers. These flowers are not showy to the human eye but are a powerful magnet for flies.
The scent is often described as earthy or slightly fermented. In the fall, sumac provides brilliant red foliage and fuzzy red seed cones that persist into winter.
- Primary Fly Attraction: A wide range of flies, including many beneficial predatory species.
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer.
- Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun and is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established.
- Additional Benefits: Excellent for erosion control and provides winter visual interest.
Carolina Allspice (Calycanthus Floridus)
Also known as sweetshrub or strawberry bush, Carolina Allspice is famous for its unique, maroon-red flowers. The fragrance is often compared to fermented fruit or strawberries, a scent that flies find compelling.
This bush is a North American native and is particularly good at attracting pollinating flies that are active in the warmer months.
- Primary Fly Attraction: Carrion flies, hoverflies, and other nectar-seeking flies.
- Bloom Time: Late spring through summer, often with sporadic repeat blooms.
- Growing Conditions: Enjoys partial shade to full sun and prefers moist, rich soils.
- Additional Benefits: The bark and leaves are aromatic when crushed.
Viburnum (Certain Species)
Not all viburnums attract flies, but several species with pungent-scented flowers do. Viburnum carlesii (Koreanspice viburnum) and Viburnum opulus (European cranberry bush) are prime examples.
Their rounded flower clusters, called cymes, have a spicy, sweet scent that can also draw in flies alongside bees. The later berry production feeds birds.
- Primary Fly Attraction: Hoverflies and generalist pollinator flies.
- Bloom Time: Mid to late spring.
- Growing Conditions: Adaptable; most prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Additional Benefits: Many have excellent fall color and winter berry displays.
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus Occidentalis)
Buttonbush is a wetland native shrub that produces unique, perfectly spherical white flower heads. These fragrant, pin-cushion-like blooms are a major nectar source for a huge variety of insects, including numerous fly species.
It is an exceptionally important plant for pollinators in ecosystems where it is native. The flowers have a sweet, honey-like scent.
- Primary Fly Attraction: Syrphid flies (hoverflies), bee flies, and others.
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer.
- Growing Conditions: Requires consistently moist to wet soils and full sun. Ideal for pond edges or rain gardens.
- Additional Benefits: A crucial host plant for several moth caterpillars.
Skunkbush (Rhus Trilobata)
As the name implies, skunkbush releases a pungent odor when its leaves are crushed. Its small, yellow early-spring flowers are modest but effective at attracting flies that are active when few other plants are blooming.
This tough, drought-resistant bush is a valuable early-season resource for pollinators in arid regions.
- Primary Fly Attraction: Early-season flies seeking nectar.
- Bloom Time: Early spring.
- Growing Conditions: Full sun, extremely drought-tolerant, and adaptable to poor soils.
- Additional Benefits: Provides brilliant orange-red fall color and edible (but tart) red berries.
Why Attract Flies To Your Garden
Flies have a bad reputation, but many species are harmless and provide significant ecological services. Attracting them intentionally is a sign of a sophisticated, balanced garden.
Flies As Pollinators
Many fly species are excellent pollinators. They visit flowers to feed on nectar and, in the process, transfer pollen from bloom to bloom.
Hoverflies (Syrphidae) and bee flies (Bombyliidae) are especially good at this. They are often hairy, which helps pollen stick to their bodies. Some plants rely almost exclusively on flies for pollination.
Natural Pest Control
Attracting certain flies is a brilliant form of biological pest control. The larvae of many beneficial flies, like hoverflies and tachinid flies, are voracious predators or parasites of common garden pests.
- Hoverfly Larvae: Consume large numbers of aphids, thrips, and other small, soft-bodied insects.
- Tachinid Fly Larvae: Develop inside or on pests like caterpillars, Japanese beetles, and squash bugs, eventually killing them.
By providing nectar sources for the adult flies, you encourage them to stay and reproduce in your garden, creating a self-sustaining pest management system.
Supporting The Food Web
Flies are a fundamental part of the food web. They serve as a crucial food source for many beneficial animals you might want to encourage.
- Birds: Many bird species, especially during nesting season, feed flies to their chicks.
- Predatory Insects: Spiders, dragonflies, and predatory wasps all hunt flies.
- Amphibians: Frogs and toads consume large quantities of flies.
A garden rich with flies supports higher levels of biodiversity overall, creating a healthier and more dynamic environment.
How To Manage Flies In The Garden
While attracting beneficial flies is the goal, you may have concerns about nuisance flies like house flies. Proper management ensures you get the benefits without the drawbacks.
Distinguishing Beneficial Flies From Nuisance Flies
Learning to identify different flies is key. Beneficial flies are often seen actively visiting flowers or hovering in place.
- Hoverflies: Often brightly colored with yellow and black stripes, mimicking bees. They hover motionless in the air.
- Bee Flies: Fuzzy, round-bodied flies with a long proboscis. They are typically seen darting between flowers.
- Tachinid Flies: Resemble hairy house flies; they are often seen on leaves or flowers.
- House Flies & Blow Flies: Shiny, metallic or dull gray. They are more likely to be found around garbage, pet waste, or compost bins that are not properly managed.
Cultural Practices To Discourage Nuisance Flies
Good garden hygiene minimizes the conditions that nuisance flies breed in, without harming your pollinator population.
- Secure Compost: Use a closed compost bin or ensure your pile is hot and turned regularly. Bury new kitchen scraps under brown material.
- Manage Waste: Keep trash cans tightly sealed. Rinse recycling containers before disposal.
- Clean Up Pet Waste: Remove droppings from the yard promptly.
- Avoid Overwatering: Soggy soil can breed fungus gnats. Water plants according to their needs.
- Remove Rotting Fruit: Promptly harvest ripe fruit and clean up any fallen fruit from the ground.
Creating A Balanced Habitat
Encourage the natural predators of nuisance flies. Installing a bird bath or small pond attracts birds and amphibians that will help keep all insect populations, including flies, in check.
Planting your fly-attracting bushes away from patios and doorways can also help. This directs fly activity to the garden beds rather than your living spaces.
Planting And Care Guide
Successfully growing bushes that attract flies requires the same fundamental horticultural practices as any other shrub. Paying attention to their specific needs will ensure they thrive and provide maximum benefit.
Site Selection And Soil Preparation
Most fly-attracting bushes prefer full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Some, like viburnum and Carolina allspice, tolerate partial shade.
Soil preparation is critical. Test your soil to understand its pH and composition.
- Conduct a Soil Test: This will tell you if you need to amend your soil.
- Improve Drainage: If soil is heavy clay, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve texture and drainage.
- Check pH: Most shrubs prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Amend as recommended by your soil test.
- Dig a Proper Hole: When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Watering And Mulching
Consistent watering is crucial during the first two years after planting to establish a deep, extensive root system.
- Water Deeply: Provide a slow, deep watering rather than frequent light sprinklings. This encourages roots to grow downward.
- Use Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (wood chips, shredded bark) around the base of the bush. This retains soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature.
- Keep Mulch Away from Stems: Pull mulch back a few inches from the main stem to prevent rot.
Pruning And Maintenance
Pruning needs vary by species, but general principles apply. Always use clean, sharp tools.
When To Prune
The timing depends on when the bush flowers. A good rule is to prune spring-flowering bushes right after they bloom. Prune summer-flowering bushes in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Pruning Techniques
- Remove Dead or Diseased Wood: This should be done anytime you see it.
- Thin Out Old Stems: For multi-stemmed shrubs, remove about one-third of the oldest stems at the base each year to encourage new, vigorous growth.
- Shape Conservatively: Avoid shearing. Instead, make selective cuts to maintain a natural shape.
Fertilize sparingly. An annual application of compost in the spring is often sufficient for most established shrubs. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Designing A Garden That Attracts Flies
Integrating fly-attracting bushes into your overall garden design creates a functional and beautiful space. The goal is to create a succession of blooms and diverse habitats.
Companion Planting Strategies
Pair your fly-attracting bushes with other plants that support the same ecological goals. This creates a layered, supportive environment.
- Underplant with Nectar-Rich Flowers: Plant annuals and perennials like alyssum, dill, fennel, and yarrow around the base of your shrubs. These provide additional food for adult beneficial flies.
- Include Host Plants for Larvae: Allow some areas to have aphid-prone plants (like nasturtiums) to provide food for hoverfly larvae. Plant parsley and dill for swallowtail butterflies, which also supports the food web.
- Add Grasses and Groundcovers: These provide shelter for pupating flies and other beneficial insects.
Creating A Succession Of Bloom
Plan your plant selections so that something is always in flower from early spring to late fall. This provides a continuous food source for flies and other pollinators.
- Early Spring: Skunkbush, some viburnums.
- Late Spring to Early Summer: Elderberry, Carolina allspice.
- Mid-Summer: Buttonbush, sumac.
- Late Summer to Fall: Some sumac species have late blooms, and you can rely on companion perennials like goldenrod.
Incorporating Water And Shelter
Pollinators need water. A shallow bird bath with stones for landing spots, or a dripping water feature, provides essential hydration.
Leave some areas of your garden a little messy. A small pile of leaves or a few old logs offers crucial overwintering habitat for fly pupae and other insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are All Flies That Visit Bushes Beneficial?
No, not all flies are beneficial pollinators or predators. Common house flies and blow flies are generally considered nuisance insects. However, the presence of flowering bushes that attract flies primarily draws in the beneficial species like hoverflies and bee flies. Good garden hygiene, as outlined above, helps minimize nuisance flies.
Will Planting These Bushes Increase House Flies Around My Home?
It should not significantly increase house fly populations if you manage compost and waste properly. House flies are attracted to decaying organic matter, not typically to the flowers of these shrubs. The flies you see on these bushes are different species that are not interested in your home or food.
Can I Use These Bushes In A Vegetable Garden?
Absolutely. Planting fly-attracting bushes like elderberry or sumac as a border around your vegetable garden is an excellent idea. The beneficial flies they attract will help pollinate your vegetable crops (like cucumbers and squash) and their larvae will help control aphids and other pests on your plants.
What If I Have A Small Garden Space?
Many of these bushes, such as compact varieties of viburnum or Carolina allspice, can be found in smaller cultivars suitable for limited spaces. You can also choose to plant just one as a focal point. Even a single buttonbush in a large container on a patio can attract and support a local fly population.
Do These Bushes Attract Any Other Pollinators?
Yes, almost without exception. While they are excellent for attracting flies, bushes like elderberry, buttonbush, and viburnum are also highly attractive to native bees, honey bees, and butterflies. They are multi-taskers that support a wide array of your garden’s wildlife, making them a very efficient planting choice.