Anyone who sees a bright yellow flowering shrub in spring usually thinks first of the forsythia. However, very few people know that the cornelian cherry has such great flowers and also fulfills an important function for bees.
Why are cornelian cherries valuable for bees?
The cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is very valuable to bees because its golden yellow flowers are rich in pollen and nectar. The flowering period is at the end of February to March, making it one of the first nectar-providing trees for bees.
Are cornelian cherries valuable for bees?
Cornelian cherries are extremelyvaluable for bees. In contrast to forsythia, which also produces numerous yellow flowers, cornelian cherry is not useless for bees. She is a true treasure. The flowers are rich in pollen and also soaked in lots of nectar. It is the nectar in particular that makes the flowers of the cornelian cherry so important for bees, as hardly any other nectar-providing wild trees bloom at the time of flowering.
When can bees feast on the flowers of the cornelian cherry?
The bees can already expect the blossoms of the cornelian cherryat the end of February. This makes Cornus mas one of the first flowering trees of the year. In harsh locations the flowers only appear from March onwards. But the wait is worth it: the flowers last for up to 5 weeks. They form a veritable feast for the bees, who at this time of year swarm ravenously out of their barren hibernation into the world.
Which varieties of cornelian cherry are floriferous?
The cornelian cherry varieties with the most flowers include'Yellow','Kazanlak'and'Jolico'. In addition, the lesser-known varieties 'Golden Glory' and 'Yantarnyj' also have many flowers to offer bees.
All of the varieties mentioned present their flowers before the cornelian cherry leaves emerge. Honey bees and wild bees are attracted by their numerous golden-yellow flowers that still smell of honey. However, in order for these representatives of the dogwood family to bloom profusely, they need a sunny location.
How should cornelian cherries be cared for to ensure abundant flowering?
When theflowers have said goodbye, it is a good time to lightly cut the cornelian cherry. As a result, it has fewer fruits in late summer. But it branches better and produces many flowers every spring. However, if you cut the cornelian cherry in the fall, the bees would not be able to enjoy the flowers in the spring because the flower buds were removed during the late pruning. Remember: The flowers form on the annual shoots.
How do I create a bee pasture with the cornelian cherry?
You can plant the cornelian cherry as ahedgeor as part of a hedge. It would be perfect if you combined them withother wild plants so that there is variety for the bees and other animals can also feast on the plants. Wild trees such as rock pear, hazelnut, wild rose, sea buckthorn and aronia are well suited to the cornelian cherry.
Tip
Better cornelian cherry than forsythia
You are always making a better choice if you prefer to plant a cornelian cherry instead of a forsythia, which has little use for insects or birds. This also produces beautiful yellow flowers, can be grown as a hedge and even provides plenty of food for birds in late summer.
