9 nectar-rich plants for pollinators
Primula veris AGM
The common cowslip will multiply and please pollinating insects. Plant in sun or semi-shade and moist but well-drained humus-rich soil. Try them in wild lawn areas mown in summer or autumn. H&S: 10in (25cm).
Phacelia tanacetifolia
Known as a green manure, this annual is easy, attractive and useful. Alternative names are fiddleneck and scorpion weed, and its buds open to lavenderblue flowers. Sow direct in spring or early autumn. HxS: 30x12in (75x30cm).
Kniphofia caulescens
Red-hot pokers all produce nectar-rich flowers. This evergreen resembles an aloe and given light, undisturbed soil will seed itself around. In late summer and early autumn the upright stems are alive with bees. H: 3x2ft (1mx60cm).
Aubrieta ‘Cascade Mixed’
A sunny raised bank suits this springflowering rock garden favourite that asks for little more than a crevice of soil. Shear back after flowering and add a hardy osteospermum to follow on for summer. HxS: 4inx2ft (10x60cm).
Achillea ‘Terracotta’
Allow your lawn to grow long and you might find fern-leaved yarrow (Achillea millefolium) producing flat heads of white flowers. A sunny position and moist but well-drained soil are best for ‘Terracotta’. HxS: 4ftx18in (1.2mx45cm).
Buddleja davidii ‘Black Knight’ AGM
There are some useful dwarf buddlejas, but always plant the biggest you can for the most and longest flower panicles of nectar. This one bears fragrant flowers of deep purple. Site in sun on well-drained soil. H&S: 10ft (3m).
Malus x zumi ‘Golden Hornet’
On a warm, sunny, spring day our ‘Golden Hornet’ crab apple buzzes with the sound of happy bees, both domestic and wild. It certainly packs a punch in the nectar stakes and birds love the yellow fruits. HxS: 30x25ft (10x8m).
Stachys macrantha ‘Superba’ AGM
This large-flowered perennial packs quite a punch from early summer to autumn where large numbers are grown together. Grow in well-drained, fairly fertile soil in sun or partial shade and divide in spring. HxS: 2x1ft (60x30cm).
Monarda ‘Gardenview Scarlet’ AGM
It can be a challenge to grow, but those tufts of nectar-rich flowers make it worthwhile. It is vigorous, has mildew resistance and thrives given good drainage and a mulch of well-rotted organic matter. HxS: 3ftx18in (1mx45cm).