Garria elliptica

[greengumbo]

I have finally identified a plant in my garden as Garria elliptica. It has very long catkins that have been out for a few weeks and it seems to be chock full of pollen. If I had any bees left would they use it this time of year ?

[Mellifera Crofter]

Garrya elliptica: 'Plants for Bees' - Kirk and Howes - says yes, the catkins are sometimes visited by early honey bees for pollen.
Kitta

[Dark Bee]

How alkaline is your soil gg.? I would like to grow that plant. I have often admired it in the gardens of others, but the soil where I live is almost certainly too acidic.

[Feckless Drone]

Hi - it is an interesting plant. Quite a few dotted around the west end of Dundee and seems to thrive. I'll look more closely next good day to see if anything is working it. With current forecast that will be late april.

[gavin]

..... if there are any bees left in the area by then of course ...

Sent from my BlackBerry 8520 using Tapatalk

[Bumble]

..... if there are any bees left in the area by then of course ...

We've still got the bees, but our Garrya has drowned. :(

[greengumbo]

Our soil is on the acidic side and it seems to be doing okay so might be worth a try Dark Bee. It got hacked back a bit last year by the previous owners so hoping it recovers okay. The catkins are impressive.