Bees and many of our garden’s pollinators are in decline, which is why it’s important to make sure you have pollinator friendly plants in your garden. Not only will these plants help these insects' to survive (as they feed on the plant's nectar), it's a crucial part of pollination that helps your flowers to bloom and look beautiful.
Keen to help the bees, butterflies and the many more insects in your garden? We’ve rounded up the best pollinator friendly plants that will give them the sweet nectar that they crave.
Butterfly bush
This pretty purple bush releases a gorgeous, sweet aroma and, as you can probably guess from its name, butterflies love it! It blooms best in the spring and summer months.
Bluebells
If you have woodland area, then bluebells are a great pollinator plant. Loved by bees, butterflies and hoverflies, bluebells indicate that spring has finally arrived and are thought to be a symbol of humility, gratitude and everlasting love.
Borage
This star-shaped flower is a hit with pollinating insects due to its sweet nectar. Its leaves, flowers and stalk are also edible - it apparently tastes just like a cucumber!
Honeysuckle
Not only does it provide a gorgeous fragrance, honeysuckle provides sweet nectar for insects, a nest site for small birds and food for small mammals. If you have a wall in your garden then it’s a good option due to its climbing nature.
Lady’s Bedstraw
You’ve most probably spotted this honey-scented plant in passing fields and meadows. Bees and butterflies love its nectar, while caterpillars like to chomp on it.
Sunflowers
This cheery looking flower will lift the mood of your garden and the bees too.
Heather
Usually spotted on moorlands, heather is an absolute hit with bees and nectar-loving insects. It’s perennial too, so you can continue to enjoy its pretty pink, purpley year after year.
Lavender
Another perennial plant that is easy to grow and maintain in your garden. A study by the University of Sussex also found that lavender was among one of the flowers that bees were most attracted too.
Coneflower
This wildflower looks a bit like a pink daisy and is popular with bees, butterflies and even hummingbirds.