Best flowers for butterflies, moths, and bees:
There are multiple flowers that are particularly attractive to butterflies, moths, and bees for pollination reasons. Many are nectar-rich, colourful, and specific to different species.
- Lavender (Lavandula). This fragrant plant is highly attractive to bees, and certain butterflies such as Holly Blue and Small Copper. It is extremely nectar and pollen-rich, being a great food source as well as a source for pollination.
- Butterfly Bush (Buddleia). Peacock, Red Admiral, and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies love this plant, as well as some moths. It’s an important addition to gardens as many wildflowers have become so depleted in the UK due to habitat loss.
- Phlox. These flowers come in many colours and are very fragrant. Bees, moths, and butterflies all enjoy this plant, especially the Hummingbird Hawk-Moth.
- Coneflowers (Echinacea). These flowers have cone-shaped centers and attract especially bees, but also some butterflies such as the Small Copper and Painted Lady.
- Ice plant (Sedum Spectabile). Also known as Stonecrop, attract bees and butterflies. It is a late-season bloomer which is great to provide nectar when other plants have passed their season.
- Foxglove (Digitalis). These are a favourite of bees and provide nectar for moths such as Elephant hawk-moths and Hummingbird hawk-moths who have long tongues.
- Evening primrose (Oenothera). These have large yellow flowers which open in the evening. This is ideal for nocturnal moths such as the Elephant Hawk-moth and Poplar Hawk-moth.
Having a variety of plants that bloom at differing times is ideal so pollinators have access to pollen and nectar for long parts of the year. Doing research on what plants and pollinators are common in your area is recommended so the plants and pollinators are well-suited to each other.