Top plants to attract bees, butterflies and beneficial insects
Pollinators are essential; they pollinate fruit, vegetables and wild plants. London gardens can be small refuges that sustain bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other helpful insects. When discussing top flowers and trees for pollinators, the following are reliable, low-maintenance plant choices that perform well in urban gardens and have been proven to attract pollinators.
Perennial flowers (great for sustained nectar supply)
Perennials return year after year and often require minimal maintenance once established. Plant a mix of these for continuous nectar:
- Lavender — fragrant, drought-tolerant and a magnet for bees and butterflies.
- Echinacea (Coneflower) — long-blooming and excellent for late-season pollinators.
- Agapanthus (African Lily) — architectural blooms that provide nectar.
- Alliums — sculptural globes loved by many bees.
- Verbena Bonariensis — airy stems that butterflies use as landing pads.
- Salvias — many species offer deep nectar for long-tongued bees and butterflies.
- Sedum (Stonecrop) — late-season nectar source for bees and hoverflies.
- Borage — easy to grow, self-seeds, and adored by bees.
- Monarda (Bee Balm) — highly attractive to pollinators and aromatic.
Annuals and biennials that add quick value
When you need instant colour, include a few annuals and biennials like cosmos, marigolds and nigella. They fill gaps, extend bloom times and are often inexpensive.
Trees and shrubs that offer food and shelter
Larger plants provide pollen, nectar and shelter across seasons. Incorporate some of these for structural diversity:
- Buddleia (Butterfly Bush) — legendary for drawing butterflies in late summer.
- Crabapple (Malus) — spring blossom feeds bees; fruit feeds birds later.
- Hawthorn (Crataegus) — dense spring flowers that support many pollinators.
- Field Maple (Acer campestre) — good early nectar source.
- Prunus (cherry/plum) — spring blossom buzzes with bees.
- Arbutus unedo (Strawberry tree) — late-season flowers when nectar gets scarce.
- Sorbus (Rowan / Mountain ash) — blossom and fruit support a range of wildlife.
How to plant for maximum benefit
Design matters. Follow these simple rules:
- Plant in groups — blocks of the same species are easier for pollinators to find.
- Provide height variety — low ground-cover to tall perennials and small trees.
- Choose native species where possible — they often support more insects.
- Allow some wild corners — a less-manicured area supports nesting insects.
When it comes to top flowers and trees for pollinators, creating a garden that welcomes bees and butterflies is a wonderful way to bring a bit of nature’s magic into your everyday life. With the right mix of flowers, trees, and shrubs, you’ll not only enjoy a colourful and lively garden but also play your part in helping these important pollinators thrive in London. If you’d like a hand with planting or keeping your garden healthy and buzzing, our friendly team at Town and Country Gardens is always here to help. Check out our garden maintenance services and let’s make your garden a pollinator paradise together.
