With 50% of bee species and 60% of UK wildlife in decline, it is essential we do what we can as gardeners to support pollinators and other beneficial insects. One way this can be done is through choosing nectar rich plants for our gardens.
What Kinds of Creatures Act as Pollinators?
In the UK, there are at least 1,5000 different species of pollinating insects, each playing an important role in supporting plant reproduction and overall ecosystem health.
The most well-known groups include honeybees, bumblebees and solitary bees. These are often the most effective and visible pollinators in our gardens and the wider countryside. Many other insects also make valuable contributions, including butterflies and moths to beetles, all of which help to transfer pollen between flowers and support biodiversity.
Does the Flower Shape Make a Difference?
Different flower shapes are suited to different types of pollinators, as insects and other wildlife have evolved to access nectar and pollen in specific ways. By choosing a wider range of flower shapes, you can create a varied and attractive “buffet” that appeals to a greater diversity of pollinators.
It is best to avoid double or multi-petalled flowers, as they often contain less accessible nectar and pollen, due to the extra layer of petals making it much harder for pollinators to reach the food that they need.
What Other Ways Can We Help Pollinators?
As gardeners, they are multiple ways we can support pollinators and beneficial insects. You can make habitats such as bug hotels, log piles and leave water sources available in your gardens to support biodiversity. Leaving an untidy area of your garden, allowing wildflowers and nettles to grow freely, is an easy way to support pollinators. Avoid using pesticides wherever possible, and you should never spray open flowers with chemicals, as this can harm bees and butterflies, alongside other beneficial insects.
Our Top Plants for Pollinators
Trees: Aesculus, Arbutus unedo, Cercis siliquastrum, Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex varieties, Malus varieties, Prunus varieties, Pyrus, Salix caprea, Sambucus, Sorbaria, Sorbus, Tilia, Viburnum lantana.
Shrubs: Berberis darwinnii, Buddleja, Calluna, Caryopteris, Ceanothus, Chaenomeles, Cotoneasters, Eleagnus, Erica, Escallonia, Fuchsia, Hebe, Hypericum, Lavatera, Ligustrum, Mahonia, Ribes, Roses (but not tightly double flowered varieties), Pyracantha, Syringa, Viburnum opulus (but not the variety ‘Roseum’ which is sterile).
Climbers: Campsis radicans, Clematis cirrhosa, Hedera, Hydrangea petiolaris, Jasminum, Lonicera periclymenum, Climbing roses, Trachelospermum jasminoides, Wisteria.
Bulbs: Allium, Chionodoxa, Crocus, Eranthis hyemalis Winter Aconite), Fritillaria meleagris, Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrops), Hyacinthoides non-scripta English Bluebells), Iris reticulata, Liatris spicata, Muscari armeniacum.
Herbs: Chives, Fennel, Lavender, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme.
Annuals/ Biennials: Antirrhinum, Borago officinalis, Calendula, Cerinthe, Cosmos, Digitalis, Lunaria, Tropaeolum (nasturtium), Nicotiana, Tagetes (marigolds), Myosotis, Helianthus (sunflowers), papaver, Phacelia, Lathyrus odoratus (sweet peas).
Perennials and Alpines: Achillea, Agastache, Alcea, Anemone x hybridia, Arabis, Armeria, Aubretia, Campanula, Centaurea, Coreopsis, Dahlia, Echinacea, Erigeron, Eryngium, Erysimum, Euphorbia, Geranium (perennial varieties), Helleborus, Iberis, Knautia, Leucanthemum, Lychnis, Monarda, Nepeta, Penstemon, Perovskia, Persicaria, Phlomis, Phlox, Primula veris & vulgaris, Pulmonaria, Salvia, Scabious.
Helping Pollinators Thrive
By choosing a variety of these pollinator-friendly plants, you’ll be helping to support bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects while creating a colourful, thriving garden that’s full of life throughout the seasons.
Continue your Gardening Journey
Need a little extra advice? Visit your local Tates of Sussex Garden Centre today, where our friendly knowledgeable, team will be happy to help you choose the right plants and offer expert guidance.
