Top 10 Pollinator-Friendly Plants for Your Garden

There's nothing better than seeing a garden buzzing with life during the summer months. Bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other pollinators play a vital role in our gardens, helping flowers, fruit, and vegetables thrive while supporting local wildlife.

The good news is that creating a pollinator-friendly garden doesn't require a huge amount of space. Whether you have a large garden, a patio, or even a few containers, choosing the right plants can make a real difference.

Here are 10 of our favourite pollinator-friendly plants that are looking fantastic this season and helping to keep our gardens full of life.

1. Lavender

A classic favourite for both gardeners and bees.

Lavender produces masses of fragrant flowers throughout summer and is one of the best plants for attracting pollinators. It's also drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for sunny spots.

2. Salvia

With its vibrant spikes of flowers and long flowering season, Salvia is a magnet for bees and butterflies.

Available in a range of colours, it's an excellent addition to borders and containers.

3. Echinacea

Often known as Coneflower, Echinacea provides bold colour throughout summer while offering plenty of nectar for pollinators.

The seed heads also provide interest well into autumn.

4. Verbena Bonariensis

Tall, elegant stems topped with clusters of purple flowers make Verbena Bonariensis a favourite among gardeners and butterflies alike.

Its airy structure works beautifully in mixed borders.

5. Cosmos

Easy to grow and packed with colour, Cosmos flowers continuously throughout summer if regularly deadheaded.

Bees absolutely love them, and they make wonderful cut flowers too.

6. Foxgloves

Foxgloves are particularly attractive to bumblebees thanks to their tubular flowers.

Their towering flower spikes add height and drama to cottage-style gardens.

7. Agastache

Known for its long-lasting flowers and aromatic foliage, Agastache is a fantastic choice for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

It thrives in warm, sunny locations.

8. Rudbeckia

These cheerful daisy-like flowers provide a rich source of nectar and pollen while adding vibrant late-summer colour to borders.

Their bright yellow blooms are hard to miss.

9. Sedum

As many summer flowers begin to fade, Sedum comes into its own.

Its late-season flowers provide an important food source for pollinators preparing for autumn.

10. Sunflowers

A favourite with children and adults alike, Sunflowers attract bees throughout summer and later provide seeds for birds.

They're easy to grow and make a stunning statement in any garden.

Simple Ways to Help Pollinators

Choosing pollinator-friendly plants is a great start, but there are a few other things you can do to support local wildlife:

Plant a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the seasons.

Avoid using pesticides where possible.

Leave a shallow dish of water out during hot weather.

Create wildlife-friendly areas with logs, long grass, or wildflowers.

Grow plants in groups to make them easier for pollinators to find.

Why We Love Pollinator-Friendly Gardening

Not only do these plants help support bees, butterflies, and other important insects, but they also create beautiful, colourful gardens full of movement and life.

Many of these varieties are available in our centres, alongside a fantastic selection of homegrown seasonal plants from our Iver nursery. Whether you're creating a dedicated wildlife garden or simply adding a few pollinator-friendly pots to your patio, every plant helps.

Pop in and speak to our team for advice on the best plants for your space — and together, let's help keep our gardens buzzing this summer!