Which plants are best for pollinators? The answer is surprisingly simple: choose flowers that provide food from early in the year right through to autumn, and wherever possible go for single, old-fashioned flowers rather than highly bred bedding plants.
Claire’s favourite pollinator plants are a mix of native and garden varieties, tall and short, different colours and flower shapes – helping a wide range of bees, butterflies, hoverflies and moths.
Early in the year, when pollinators are just emerging and food can be hard to find, some of the most valuable plants are winter-flowering Mahonia, spotted-leaved Pulmonaria and even the humble Dandelion.
Claire says she always puts any struggling bumblebee she finds onto a dandelion flower. Flowering fruit trees are also incredibly important in spring, providing masses of blossom for hungry insects.
As the season moves into early summer, there are some real stars of the wildlife garden. Claire describes Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ as an absolute must-have: cheap, reliable and covered in bees. Other favourites include the native Viper’s bugloss, soft blue Catmint and tall, spine-free thistles such as Cirsium rivulare.
For butterflies, few plants can compete with Buddleia and the airy purple flowers of Verbena bonariensis. Bumblebees love native Foxglove, especially the long-tongued garden bumblebee, while hoverflies are drawn to the stately umbels of Angelica.
Don’t forget the evening shift, either. Night-scented White Campion and climbing Honeysuckle are wonderful for moths.
Many of the best plants are ones you may already have. Lavender is a classic, while flowering herbs such as thyme, oregano, mint and chives are brilliant for pollinators as well as useful in the kitchen.
Late in the season, when food becomes scarcer again, Claire recommends plants that keep going into autumn. These include Persicaria ‘Blackfield’, long-flowering Salvia, perennial wallflower Erysimum and the shrub Abelia × grandiflora.
Taken together, these plants can help create a garden that supports pollinators for much of the year – whether you have a large garden, a tiny front patch or just a few pots. A handful of the right flowers can make a remarkable difference.
If you garden for wildlife in your outside space we would love to know more. We are creating a map of nature gardens in Cheltenham – if you would like to add yours just complete this nature garden checklist. Thank you!
Early season plants for pollinators
Mid season plants for pollinators
Late season plants for pollinators
