What Makes a Good Pollinator Plant and Why It Matters for Your Garden.
Not all flowers help pollinators. To really support bees, butterflies and hoverflies, plants need to offer open, accessible blooms that are genuinely rich in nectar and pollen from early spring right through to autumn.
Flower shape, colour and structure all influence which insects can feed and different pollinators need different things. Bees often prefer blues and purples with flat landing platforms; hoverflies go for simple, open flowers; and butterflies look for wide, stable petals they can perch on.
It’s not just about choosing the right flowers, it’s about planting enough of them and making sure something is always in bloom.
Knowing the difference between pollen and nectar can help you pick plants that really earn their keep. The more you understand, the more effective your garden can be, whether you're planting in borders, beds or even pond margins.
Read our full guide to pollinator-friendly planting