Glossy privet
An evergreen ornamental widely planted in towns; its scented cream panicles in June–July give bees plenty of nectar in early summer.
- Nectar
- Good
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 5-12 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Glossy privet is a small evergreen tree of Chinese origin; in Turkey it has been planted widely in parks, road medians and gardens, especially in cities of the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Its broad, cream-coloured, heavily scented flower panicles attract honey bees strongly; it is rich in nectar, and its pollen contribution is moderate.
Flowering
It flowers in June–July and stays in bloom for about three to four weeks. In cities it falls in the gap after lime and black locust, which makes it an important early summer source for urban beekeeping.
Honey and pollen
A separate privet honey is not commonly produced; its nectar blends into urban blossom honey. Reliable measurements of its honey and pollen properties are limited.
Note for the beekeeper
It spreads quickly through bird-dispersed seed; in regions such as Argentina, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand it is regarded as an invasive species spreading into natural areas. It is advisable not to plant it near natural areas and, in cities, to limit fruit set by pruning. The berries are considered harmful to humans.