The forgotten heroes of our gardens are pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and even moths. Many of the fruits and vegetables we eat would not be possible without them. However, pollinators are under danger due to climate change, insecticides, and habitat loss.
The good news? In your own garden, you have the power to change things.
In addition to helping wildlife, planting pollinator-friendly flowers and herbs will boost the production of your garden. This guide will help you create a vibrant garden by highlighting the finest plants to draw and nourish pollinators from early spring to late autumn.
🐝 Why Grow Pollinator-Friendly Plants?
Pollinators play a crucial role in fertilising plants. As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar or pollen, they transfer grains that allow fruits, vegetables, and seeds to develop.
A garden rich in nectar and pollen provides:
🌸 A vital food source for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies
🌿 Better pollination and higher yields for crops
🌎 A sanctuary for biodiversity in urban and rural spaces
And the best part? Pollinator plants are often some of the most beautiful, fragrant, and low-maintenance plants you can grow.
Top Flowers & Herbs to Attract Pollinators:
Here’s our curated list of the best flowers and herbs that pollinators love — many of which are easy to grow from seed.
Borago officinalis, or borage
Bumblebees and honeybees adore
Time of Flowering: June through September
Bees are drawn to borage. Its blue, star-shaped flowers bloom for months and are abundant in nectar. Additionally, the leaves and blooms have a cucumber-like flavour and can be eaten. For continual blooming, sow immediately from April to July.
Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender
Favoured by: Hoverflies, butterflies, and bees
Time of Flowering: July through September
A fragrant perennial, lavender grows best in full light. All pollinators find it appealing due to its potent aroma and copious amounts of honey. Plant plugs or start from seed inside in the early spring. To keep shape after flowering, prune.
Origanum vulgare, or marjoram
Loved by: Butterflies, bees, and lone bees
Time of Flowering: July through September
Marjoram is a pollinator hotspot because of its tiny clusters of pink-purple blooms. It's also a culinary herb that goes well with meat, tomatoes, and courgettes. Plant indoors in the spring and move once the final frost has passed.
Echinacea
Loved by: lone bees and butterflies
Time of Flowering: July through September
These striking, daisy-like perennials have robust nectar storage and huge, pink and purple blooms. Their wide petals are a favourite spot for butterflies to land.
🌱 Create a Pollinator Garden Right Now
We've made it simple to cultivate a garden that benefits the environment at Yorkshire Seeds. Explore our entire Pollinator-Friendly Collection, which includes herbs and flowers that have been carefully chosen for the UK environment.