Want to grow plants that are perfect for pollinators? Based on some cutting-edge research, scientists at the National Botanic Garden of Wales reveal their top recommendations for the best – and most buzzing – spring garden plants toplant this autumn.
The National Botanic Garden of Wales recently launched its ‘Saving Pollinators Assurance Scheme’, whichaims to protect pollinators from decline by marking up plants that are truly pollinator-friendly with a ‘Saving Pollinators’ logo.
Plants are often billed as ‘bee-friendly’, but some contain potentially toxic pesticides. The new logo will be the first of its kind backed by years of scientific research involving DNA-barcoding, and will guarantee benefits to all sorts of garden wildlife such as hedgehogs, sparrows and frogs.
Drawing on the findings of this extensive research project led by Dr Natasha de Vere, the science team at Wales Botanic have come up with a list of some of the top pollinator plants for spring-time gardens.
Abigail Lowe, a researcher at the Garden, advises: “To give emerging pollinators a head-start in spring, grow flowers in your garden that provide a bounty of sugary nectar and protein-rich pollen. Opt for single-flowered blooms which allow easy access for pollinators.”
Importantly, these plants need to be insecticide-free, so ask your nursery or garden centre whether the plants have been grown without synthetic insecticides, and even better, also in peat-free compost**.** If you live in Wales, look out for the Saving Pollinators logo, which guarantees they will be.
10 plants for pollinators:
All of the following can be planted in autumn or early winter, and all will turn your garden into a pollinator haven next spring.
1. Wallflowers (Erysimum)
Wallflowers, such asErysimum‘Bowles’s Mauve’, have an amazingly long flowering season that spans the colder months. A wide array of pollinating insects will forage on them, including solitary bees.
2. Hellebores (Helleborus)
Among the first flowers to appear early in the year, hellebores are a welcome sight for pollinators. Pools of nectar are held within nectaries at the base of the flowers, while the stamens offer an abundance of pollen.
3. Comfrey (Symphytum)
Comfrey is in the borage family and is a real all-rounder for pollinators. Short- and long-tongued bumblebees, as well as honeybees and hoverflies, will visit these tubular flowers.
You can propagate comfrey now from seed or root cuttings, or buy it as a dormant potted plant. Just make sure to choose a site where the plant can be kept in-check, as it can be invasive.
4. Grape hyacinth (Muscari)
These spring-flowering bulbs are a favourite for honeybees! They are perfect in a pollinator-friendly pot. When sourcing Muscari bulbs, buy organic to ensure they are free from pesticide residues and safe for pollinators.
5. Anemone
A perfect choice for dappled shade or a pot. These cup-shaped flowers are enjoyed by honeybees, bumblebees and hoverflies. Choose from the white-flowered nativeAnemone nemorosa, the colourful Anemone blandain shades of blue, white or pink andAnemone×lipsiensisin pale yellow.
6. Crocus
Colourful swathes of crocuses in spring are a welcome sight. In particular, the purple varieties such asCrocus tommasinianusare often sought out by bees and hoverflies searching for food after winter. Plant in a sunny, well-drained spot to get the best results.
7. Snowdrops (Galanthus)
Snowdrops are one of the first signs that winter is ending, with blooms seen as early as January. They are a vital nectar and pollen source for emerging pollinators such as honeybees and queen bumblebees.
Snowdrop bulbs should be planted in the ground immediately to prevent them drying out, and they will establish easily. Ensure that you add some drainage in the form of grit to the planting areas to stop the bulbs from rotting.
8. Apples, cherries and plums (MalusandPrunus)
Most varieties of apple, plum and cherry need cross-pollination to produce fruit. Luckily, the spring blossom of these trees is loved by a range of pollinators including honeybees and solitary bees. The wide open flowers are also accessible to hoverflies, which, unlike bees, lack a long proboscis.
Plant container-grown plants now, but leave bare-root plants until they are dormant and their leaves have dropped.
9. Willows (Salixspp.)
The catkins produced by willows are packed full of pollen and nectar. Cuttings or rods root easily and can be bought online in winter. If you have a small garden, try coppicing, where a proportion of stems are removed each year, but be sure to leaving some old enough to flower.
There are also low-growing alpine species, such as the native dwarf willow (Salix herbacea).
10. Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
The early flowers ofPulmonariaprovide nectar and pollen to bees when little else is available. The colourful, tubular flowers are enjoyed by many species but are particularly favoured by the hairy-footed flower bee,Anthophora plumipes.
Good for dappled or full shade,these plants will naturally spread, providing a lovely addition to a border.
For more information about the Saving Pollinators Assurance Scheme, visit botanicgarden.wales.
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