PLANTING FOR INSECTS AND BEES

Plants for Pollinators

Wild bees and other pollinators are in decline. But there are things you can do in your garden to help make your garden pollinator friendly.  Download the RHS Plants for Pollinators list on this page and follow our simple advice below. 

Tips for Attracting Pollinators

Create Diverse Habitats

Aim for a good variety of pollen rich flowers that have different flower shapes and a range of flowering periods from early spring to late summer and even throughout the winter if you can.

Bumblebee species have different length tongues that are adapted to feed from different shaped flowers. For example the longest tongued species, Bombus hortorum, prefers deep flowers such as honeysuckle and foxglove.In general, avoid plants with double or multi-petalled flowers. Their flowers are filled with petals and pollinators find them difficult to access. The flowers also often lack nectar and pollen.

Plant Wildflowers and Native Species

Native plants have evolved alongside our native insects and some rarer species tend to favour native wildflowers. There are other benefits to wildflowers too. They can be easy to grow and maintain, and are often relatively resistant to pests.Some trees and shrubs are also great for bees as they provide masses of flowers in one place. Choose winter and early spring flowering trees such as crab apple, wild cherry, willow and hazel.

Stay Away from Pesticides

Common insecticides containing neonicotinoids (thiacloprid and acetamiprid) kill bees! They are still approved for home and garden use and are available today at most garden centres and DIY shops. Read the label and please avoid using them.

Retain Lawn Weeds

Lawn weeds such as dandelions are excellent bee plants, providing vital pollen early in the season. White clover attracts masses of honeybees, while the longer tongued bumblebees prefer red clover. If you can’t bear to let your lawn grow, consider leaving a patch that’s less frequently mown to give them a chance to flower.