Privet is not only popular as a single shrub or hedge plant because of its dense foliage. The flowers are also very attractive and give off a very sweet scent. They are swarmed by bumblebees, butterflies and other insects. Interesting facts about the privet flower.
When does privet bloom and what benefits does the flower have?
The privet blossom appears from June to July in the form of white panicles up to 6 cm long and exudes a sweet scent that is particularly pronounced in the evening. The native plant is an important food source for pollinating insects such as bumblebees, bees and butterflies.
Privet has white flowers
- White flowers
- Panel shape
- up to 6 cm long
- strongly scented
- Flowering period June to July
The privet produces white flowers. They form spikes that look like small versions of lilac flowers. The inflorescences grow up to six cm long.
Privet is monoecious, which means that male and female flowers grow on one bush. Externally they hardly differ from each other.
The scent of the privet blossom is particularly strong in the evening. If you are sensitive to scents, you should not plant privet directly in front of a bedroom window.
The heyday of the privet
The privet flowering period begins in June and extends into July.
If you want to enjoy the privet's blooms, postpone pruning until later. But remember that you can only cut individual shoots during the breeding season.
Privet flower important for insects
The privet is a native plant and therefore an important source of food for the local insects. They pollinate the flowers so that the berry-like fruits later grow on the bush.
The privet flower is particularly popular with bumblebees, but also bees, butterflies and other insects. This also distinguishes privet from cherry laurel, whose flowers are not accepted by local insects.
Tip
If the flower is pollinated, pea-sized, black fruits emerge in autumn. They are slightly toxic and can cause nausea and intestinal problems if consumed.