Winter jasmine is an essential nutrition source for bees at the beginning of the year, experts in Germany have emphasised.
The flower, a deciduous shrub native to China, is one of the most popular early bloomers of hobby gardeners in Europe, North America and other regions around the world.
When the temperatures slowly climb after winter, it is one of the major pollen sources for bees, reports Mein schöner Garten, a German magazine.
Mein schöner Garten journalist Kathrin Hofmeister explained: “The blooming of the winter jasmine starts in November and takes a break during periods with sub-zero temperatures before revealing its bright yellow blossoms once again in February and March.”
Weather conditions also influence the activity of honeybees and the hundreds of solitary bee species that exist in Germany, according to Kathrin.
She explained: “Honeybees collect pollen as soon as temperatures reach 11 degrees centigrade. Powerful sunshine in January enables bees to start early into the season.”
The biodiversity journalist advised anyone with a garden in their backyard to plant crocuses and snowdrops too as pollinators can act more efficiently if different nutrition sources are nearby.
Winter jasmine, or Jasminum nudiflorum, came to Europe from China in the 19th century. It is sometimes mistaken for forsythia shrubs.
Honeybees and solitary bees take vital roles in the environment. The existence of many solitary bee types is at risk due to global warming and the application of pesticides.
Dr Una Fitzpatrick is a senior ecologist at the Irish National Biodiversity Data Centre. She stressed: “Solitary bees are amazingly good pollinators, have a unique and intriguing lifestyle and are probably living in your garden without you realising it.”
