The plant, also popularly known as the mother-of-pearl bush, only seems to consist of countless small flowers in spring. But Kolkwitze isn't just for the gardener's eyes. Nature has dedicated them to other creatures. First and foremost, it is the bees that are attracted by the scent of flowers.
Why is the Kolkwitzia an important plant for bees?
The Kolkwitzia is a flower-rich shrub that attracts bees for pollination with its sweet scent. It thrives particularly well in sunny, wind and rain-protected locations with poor soil. Through proper care, such as little fertilization and careful pruning, it remains attractive to bees and other insects.
Support nature
Bees are useful animals whose population must not decline. But in order for these insects to continue pollinating our plants, they need a suitable habitat for themselves. This should provide them with plenty of food that is not contaminated with pesticides.
In times of “modern” agriculture with its monocultures, however, bees are increasingly running out of food. Everyone is called upon to make a contribution, no matter how small. Even an allotment gardener can do this wonderfully with a Kolkwitzia. Anyone who can plant an entire Kolkwitzia hedge will make countless bees happy.
Fragrant flowers
The bees probably don't care about the appearance of the flowers. They are attracted by the sweet scent, which shows them the way to the delicious nectar. And the table for the insects is truly richly set. The shrub, which originally comes from China, produces countless flowers year after year. Depending on the Kolkwitzie variety, these are white, pink or pink.
You are also welcome to stick your nose into the flowers to enjoy the scent. The Kolkwitzia is not poisonous, so direct contact does not have any unpleasant consequences. Unless you get stung by a bee! But if you keep an eye out for them, nothing can happen.
Optimal location for abundance of flowers
The location where the mother-of-pearl bush is particularly rich in flowers offers the following:
- plenty of sun
- Protection from wind
- Protection from rain
- lean soil
Tip
If you only have a partially shaded spot, you will still get the Kolkwitzia to bloom if it is at least warm.
Care is crucial
If the Kolkwitzia doesn't bloom in a year, it will no longer be a food source for bees. By the way, not only for bees, but also for bumblebees and other insects. It shouldn't come to this if you familiarize yourself with your care:
- never over-fertilize
- avoid large cuts
Tip
When the flowering potential of a specimen is fully exhausted, you can conjure up new flowers in the garden by propagating the Kolkwitzia through cuttings, cuttings or planters.
