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Home , Ajuga reptans, Anthidium manicatum, Cardamine pratensis, Centaurea nigra, Digitalis, Dingy skipper

THE ACTION PLAN FOR SUGGESTED LIST FOR POLLINATORS Part 1 – A concise list of suggested garden that are attractive to pollinating This is a list of suggested garden plants. We have only selected which are garden-worthy, easily obtainable, well-known, and widely acknowledged as being attractive to pollinating insects. In some case we have given extra comments about garden-worthiness. This is intended as a clear and concise short list to help gardeners; it is not intended to be comprehensive and we have avoided suggesting plants which are difficult to grow or obtain, or whose benefit to pollinators is still a matter for debate. We have omitted several plants that are considered to have invasive potential, and have qualified some others on the list with comments advising readers how to avoid invasive forms.

KEY Conversation’s Awarded the Royal Horticultural Top Butterfly Plants. Society’s ‘Award of Garden Merit’.

PLANT ANGELICA ’S FOOT TREFOIL (Angelica ). Attractive to a range ( corniculatus). Larval food plant of insects, especially and for , Dingy and solitary . several . Also an important source for bumblebees. Can be grown in AUBRETIA gravel or planted in a lawn that is mowed (Aubrieta deltoides hybrids). An with blades set high during the flowering important early nectar for insects coming period. out of hibernation. BOWLES’ WALLFLOWER BELLFLOWER (Erysimum Bowles Mauve). (Campanula species and ). Mauve perennial wallflower, long for bumblebees and some season nectar for , moths solitary bees. and many species.

BETONY BLACK KNAPWEED OR HARDHEADS ( officinalis). Attractive to ( nigra). This wild can bumblebees. be grown in flower borders, or in a gravel garden. It is very variable in the wild and ideally should be grown from of local provenance. Attracts a wide range of insects. PLANT BUGLE COMMON IVY ( reptans). Species and cultivars. (Hedera helix). An important late nectar Early forage for bees. Can be grown in a source, a larval food plant for the Holly ‘spring meadow’ area in a lawn. Blue butterfly and for several moths, plus a hibernation site for many insects. BUTTERFLY BUSH Needs space to climb in order to reach (). Note that forms of B. davidii flowering size. freely and can be invasive. They are not recommended to plant near COSMOS sensitive wildlife areas. The following two (Cosmos bipinnatus). Single-flowered hybrids do not produce seed: hybrids only. Forage for a range of Buddleja ‘Lochinch’. Resembles B. insects. davidii, flowering in mid-summer. Attractive to butterflies. CRANESBIL (Geranium species). Single-flowered Buddleja x weyeriana* ‘Golden Glow’. species and cultivars. Nectar source for This is a cross between B.davidii and B. bumblebees. globosa, late flowering. Attractive to a of insects. CURRANTS Buddleja globosa has yellow or orange Blackcurrant, Gooseberry, and Flowering ball-shaped flowers in May that are Currant (Ribes sanguineum). Nectar for attractive to bumblebees. bumblebees.

CALAMINT DAHLIA (Calamintha species). Forage for (Dahlia species and cultivars). bumblebees and some solitary bees. Single-flowered forms only. Forage for a range of insects. CARDOON AND GLOBE ARTICHOKE (Cynara cardunculus). Forage for a DAME’S VIOLET OR SWEET ROCKET range of insects. A tall ‘architectural’ (Hesperis matronalis). Nectar source for perennial. butterflies, also larval food of Orange Tip butterfly. CATMINT (Nepeta* species and cultivars). DEAD NETTLE Attractive to a range of insects. (Lamium species). All species and cultivars are forage for bumblebees and CHIVES some solitary bees. (Allium schoenoprasum). Attractive to a range of insects. DWARF BUGLOSS (Echium plantagineum ‘Blue Bedder’). COMFREY ( species). All are attractive A smaller counterpart of Viper’s Bugloss, to various species of bees, and are the (E. vulgare) easier to accommodate in larval food plant of the Scarlet Tiger gardens, with many vivid blue flowers . S. ‘Hidcote Blue’ is early forage all summer long that attract a range of for bumblebees and the solitary bee insects. Anthophora plumipes. DYER’S CHAMOMILE (Anthemis tinctoria). Attractive to solitary COMMON FLEABANE bees, and hoverflies. (Pulicaria dysenterica). For boggy areas. Similar to marigolds (Calendula) EVENING PRIMROSE but more attractive to a wide range of (Oenothera biennis and O. glazoviana). insects. Nectar for moths. PLANT FENNEL HEMP AGRIMONY (Foeniculum vulgare). Attractive to (Eupatorium cannabinum ). Late summer a wide range of insects, especially nectar for butterflies and moths, and hoverflies and solitary bees. The bronze- forage for bees and other insects. leaved form ‘Purpureum’ is particularly Prefers damp soil and needs plenty of ornamental as a garden plant. space. Avoid the double-flowered form as it does not produce nectar. FOXGLOVES () HOLLY COMMON FOXGLOVE (Ilex aquifolium, species and cultivars). (). Forage for Male trees produce nectar. Also a larval long-tongued bumblebees. Smaller food plant of butterfly. flowered species are forage for short-tongued bumblebees and some HONESTY solitary bees. (Lunaria annua). Source of nectar for butterflies, also larval food plant for GLOBE THISTLE Orange Tip and Green-veined White. (Echinops species and cultivars). Attractive to a range of insects. ICE PLANT (Sedum spectabile). Late summer nectar GOLDEN HOP source for butterflies and bees. (Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’). A climbing foliage plant which is a larval food for JOE PYE Buttoned Snout moth and Comma (Eupatorium purpureum and cultivars). butterfly. A large counterpart of Hemp Agrimony from N. America, proving late nectar for GOLDENROD butterflies, and forage for bees and other (Solidago species and hybrids). insects. Attractive to a range of insects in late summer. KIDNEY VETCH Some hybrids are very invasive and (Anthyllis vulneraria). Larval food plant produce copious seed; instead grow for Small Blue, also nectar for Common the native S. virgaurea, or obtain Blue, etc. and forage for bumblebees. non-invasive cultivars from nurseries or Grow in gravel garden or a rockery. garden centres. LADY’S SMOCK OR CUCKOO FLOWER ( pratensis). Food plant for Orange Tip and Green-veined White ( species and cultivars). Close larvae. Needs boggy conditions. Can relatives of heathers that are important be grown in a ‘spring meadow’ area in a forage for bees and a nectar source lawn together with early flowering bulbs. for butterflies. Some species are lime-tolerant. LAMB’S EAR (). Attractive to HEATHER bumblebees and the Wool Carder Bee. ( vulgaris cultivars). Avoid the non-flowering forms commonly Acid-soil loving heathers are important sold as ground cover in garden centres. for late season forage. Choose single- flowered forms with visible LAVENDER and accessible nectar; many cultivars (Lavendula angustifolia and L. X currently sold in garden centres have intermedia cultivars). Attractive to wide flowers that are not accessible to range of insects. Recent research insects. suggests that the taller ‘Old English’ types provide the best forage for HEBE OR SHRUBBY VERONICA insects. Hebe ‘Midsummer Beauty’. Nectar for butterflies, moths and bees in LUNGWORT mid-summer.Hebe ‘Great Orme’. Nectar (Pulmonaria species). Early spring for butterflies, moths and bees in late nectar source for bumblebees and the summer. solitary bee Anthophora plumipes. PLANT

MEXICAN HEMP AGRIMONY PURPLE CONEFLOWER (Eupatorium ligustrinum, syn. Ageratina (Echinacea species and cultivars). A late ligustrina). Scented patio , nectar summer nectar source for most insects. for butterflies in late summer and early autumn. Protect from hard frost in winter. PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE (Lythrum salicaria). For boggy ground. MICHAELMAS DAISIES Attractive to a range of insects. Many kinds provide forage for insects in late summer, however some are invasive PURPLE TOADFLAX and do not make good garden plants. (Linaria purpurea). Forage for The following are non-invasive: bumblebees and some solitary bees. STARWORT PURPLE TOP (Aster amellus cultivars). Attractive to a (Verbena bonariensis). range of insects. Nectar source for butterflies.

NEW MICHAELMAS DAISY RASPBERRY (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (Rubus idaeus). Flowers are attractive to cultivars). Attractive to a range of a range of insects. insects. MICHAELMAS DAISY HYBRID ‘MONCH’ RED CLOVER (Aster X ‘Frikartii ‘Monch’). Particularly (Trifolium pratense). High-protein pollen recommended for butterflies, attractive important for Bumblebees, as well as to a range of insects. nectar for butterflies and larval food for many moths. Can be planted in a MINTS lawn that is mowed with blades set high (Mentha species). Attractive to a range during the flowering period. of insects. ROSEMARY MOUNTAIN CORNFLOWER (Rosmarinus officinalis). Early spring (Centaurea montana). Forage for forage for bumblebees and some bumblebees and some solitary bees. solitary bees.

MULLEINS ROSES (ROSA) ( species). A pollen source Single-flowered roses, both species for bumblebees and some solitary bees. and cultivars, are a pollen source for Larval food plant of Mullein Moth. bumblebees and some solitary bees.

OREGON GRAPE ROUND-HEADED LEEK (Mahonia aquifolium). Shrub that (Allium sphaerocephalon). Attractive to a provides an early forage source for range of insects. bees. SAGES (Salvia officinalis, S. x superba, S. x (Ligustrum ovalifolium and L. vulgare). sylvestris, S. nemorosa, and cultivars. Nectar from the scented flowers is very Forage for bumblebees. attractive to butterflies and moths, so SCABIOUSES long as this shrub is allowed to flower (Scabiosa, Knautia, Succisia). Species before cutting. Golden leaved forms and cultivars. Forage for a range of of privet provide the same benefit to insects, especially butterflies and bees. pollinators if allowed to flower. SEA HOLLY, MOUNTAIN HOLLY POPPIES ( species and cultivars). All are Single flowered forms of Papaver attractive to a range of insects. rhoeas, P.somniferum, and Meconopsis cambrica are a pollen source for bumblebees and some solitary bees. PLANT SHRUBBY HARE’S EAR TANSY (Bupleurum fruticosum). An evergreen (Tanacetum vulgare species and shrub with yellow flowers attractive to a cultivars). Forage for solitary bees. range of insects, especially solitary bees and hoverflies. THYMES (Thymus species and cultivars). SNAKESHEAD FRITILLARY Attractive to a range of insects. (Fritillaria melagris). An early spring bulb that is used as forage by bumblebees. WILD MARJORAM Prefers boggy conditions. Can be grown (Origanum vulgare). All forms are in a ‘spring meadow’ area in a lawn. attractive to a range of insects.

SWEET TOBACCO WILLOWS Nicotiana affinis cultivars. Annual with (Salix spp). or trees. Provide scented flowers attractive to the migrant early nectar for insects, and are used Convolvulus Hawkmoth. as an early pollen source by queen bumblebees coming out of hibernation. SWEET WILLIAM Many species and cultivars grow very (Dianthus barbatus). Nectar source for large, but can be coppiced. Smaller butterflies. species and cultivars also provide forage for insects.

Part 2 – Plants native to, or naturalised in, Wales that are valuable for butterflies, moths, wild bees and other pollinators, for planting in field margins and verges.

The second part is a list of wildflowers native to Britain that have benefits for pollinating insects. This list is particularly relevant for planting in managed field margin, hedgerow and verge meadow settings. Some of these plants are too unruly to be grown in gardens, however others make good garden plants and a few are therefore listed in both the lists. We would recommend that landowners use seed or plants of local provenance and that they seek advice from their local Wildlife Trust or similar local groups or local wildflower nurseries if they are intending to plant wildflowers on their land.

PLANT ALDER BIRD’S FOOT TREFOIL, GREATER (Alnus glutinosa). An early season (, syn. L. uliginosus). source of pollen. Will grow in damp Favourite nectar plant for Blues and ground. Skippers, plus larval food for some species. Good bee forage. Likes boggy ALDER BUCKTHORN conditions. (Frangula alnus). One of only two larval food plants of Brimstone butterfly. BLACK KNAPWEED OR HARDHEADS (Centaurea nigra). Very variable in the ASPEN wild and ideally should be grown from (Populus tremula). seeds of local provenance. Attractive to a wide range of insects. BARREN ( sterilis). Food plant for BLACK POPLAR . (Populus nigra). A rare native tree, larval food for several moths. BIRD’S FOOT TREFOIL (). Larval food plant BLACKTHORN OR SLOE for Common Blue, and (Prunus spinosa). Larval food for several several moths. Also an important pollen , forage for early solitary source for bumblebees. bees. PLANT BRAMBLE OR BLACKBERRY DYER’S WELD (Rubus fruticosus). Nectar for several (Reseda luteola). Attractive to butterflies that don’t come to garden bumblebees and the White-faced Bee flowers, plus larval food for many moths, (Hylaeus signatus). and forage for bumblebees and some solitary bees. Dead stems a nest site for ELDER some solitary bees. (Sambucus nigra). Flowers attract hoverflies, beetles and other insects and BUR-REED berries good for . Dead stems a (Sparganium erectum). Larval food for nest site for some solitary bees. several moths. Needs damp or wet ground. ELM (Ulmus species). Larval food for COCK’S FOOT GRASS White-letter Hairstreak butterfly. (Dactylis glomerata). Larval food of several species of butterflies and moths. FIELD SCABIOUS (Knautia arvensis). Forage for bees and COLTSFOOT butterflies. (Tussilago farfara). One of the very earliest spring nectar flowers. GARLIC MUSTARD (Alliaria petiolata). Biennial, larval food of COMFREY Orange Tip butterfly. (Symphytum species). Very attractive to all bees. Larval food plant of Scarlet GOAT WILLOW Tiger moth. (Salix caprea). Larval food plant for many species of moth, plus early COMMON FLEABANE spring nectar for bumblebees, moths, (Pulicaria dysenterica). Similar to butterflies, bees, coming out of marigolds (Calendula) but more hibernation. attractive to a wide range of insects. GREAT MULLEIN COW PARSLEY (). Pollen for bees. (Anthriscus sylvestris). Nectar for Larval food of Mullein moth. lacewings, beetles and hoverflies. GREATER CELANDINE CREEPING THISTLE (Chelidonium majus). Nectar and pollen (Cirsium arvense). Larval food of Painted for bees. Lady. Nectar for all insects. Note that this species is subject to the act GREEN ALKANET 1959 and landowners may be required (Pentaglottis sempervirens). Very to control its spread. attractive to a range of bees.

DAME’S VIOLET OR SWEET ROCKET HAWTHORN (Hesperis matronalis). Larval food plant (Crataegus monogyna). Larval food for Orange Tip butterfly. plant for many species of moth, plus important early summer nectar for some DOG VIOLET insects. (Viola riviniana). Larval food plant for several rare Fritillary butterflies. HEMP AGRIMONY (Eupatorium cannabinum). Late summer DOVE’S FOOT CRANESBILL nectar for butterflies and moths, and (Geranium molle). Larval food plant for forage for bees and other insects. some moths and butterflies, and nectar Prefers damp soil. for bees and butterflies. Flowers again soon after being mown short. HEMP NETTLE (Galiopsis tetrahit). Forage for bees. DYER’S CHAMOMILE (Anthemis tinctoria). Nectar and dye plant (yellow). Attractive to solitary bees, and hoverflies. PLANT HERB ROBERT PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE (Geranium robertianum). Grows in (Lythrum salicaria). Forage for shade. Nectar source for butterflies and bumblebees. Likes boggy conditions. some bees. RAMSONS OR WILD GARLIC HONEYSUCKLE (Allium ursinum). (Lonicera periclymenum). Larval food plant for White Admiral plus many moths. RED CAMPION Nectar attractive to hawkmoths and ( dioica). Early forage for long-tongued bumblebees. bumblebees

KIDNEY VETCH RED CLOVER (Anthyllis vulneraria). Larval food plant (Trifolium pratense). High-protein pollen for Small Blue, also nectar for Common important for Bumblebees, as well as Blue, etc. and forage for bumblebees. nectar for butterflies and larval food for many moths. LADY’S SMOCK OR CUCKOO FLOWER RED FESCUE (Cardamine pratensis). Food plant for (Festuca rubra). A grass; larval food for Orange Tip and Green-veined White several species of lepidoptera. larvae. Needs boggy conditions. RIBWORT PLANTAIN ( lanceolata). Larval food for LUCERNE OR ALFALFA many moths. ( sativa). Larval food for the Clouded yellow, plus nectar, also a ROCK ROSE source of pollen for bumblebees. (Helianthemum nummularium). Larval food plant for Brown Argus, and Silver- MARSH VIOLET studded Blue. A pollen source for (Viola palustris). Larval food for Small solitary bees. Pearl-bordered Fritillary. ROSEBAY WILLOWHERB MEADOW CRANESBILL (Chamerion angustifolium, syn. (Geranium pratense). Blue flowers, Epilobium angustifolium). Larval food competes well in tall grass meadow, plant of Elephant Hawkmoth and nectar nectar for bumblebees. for many other moths, also forage for MEADOWSWEET bumblebees. (Filipendula ulmaria). Nectar source for SHEEP’S FESCUE various insects. (Festuca ovina). A grass; larval food for MEADOW VETCHLING several species of Lepidoptera. (Lathyrus pratensis). Pollen and nectar SHEEP’S SORREL source for bumblebees and solitary (Rumex acetosella). Food plant for Small bees. Copper butterfly larvae. NATIVE PRIVET SHINING CRANESBILL (). Nectar source, and (Geranium lucidum). Nectar for bees larval food for many moths. and butterflies. Flowers again soon after NOTTINGHAM CATCHFLY being mown short. (Silene nutans). Nectar for moths. SMALL SCABIOUS (Scabiosa columbaria). Attractive to PURGING BUCKTHORN bumblebees and some solitary bees. (Rhamnus catharticus). One of only two food plants of Brimstone butterfly larvae, SPEAR THISTLE also the and others. (). Larval food of Painted Lady. Nectar for bees and butterflies. Note that this species is subject to the Weeds act 1959 and landowners may be required to control its spread. PLANT TEASEL WILD CARROT, QUEEN ANNE’S LACE (Dipsacus fullonum). Nectar and pollen (Daucus carota). Nectar for bees, for many insects, then favourite seed lacewings, hoverflies, various beetles. heads for Goldfinches. WILD STRAWBERRY TIMOTHY (). Food plant for Grizzled (Phleum pratense). A grass; larval food Skipper. for a number of Lepidoptera. WILD IVY TUFTED VETCH (Hedera helix). Important late nectar (Vicia cracca). Nectar for bees. source for honeybees, larval food plant for Holly Blue and for several moths, plus VIPER’S BUGLOSS important hibernation site for Brimstone (Echium vulgare). Upright spires of brilliant butterfly and others. blue that are beloved of bees. WOUNDWORT WATER MINT (Stachys sylvatica). Forage for wool- (Mentha aquatica). Nectar for butterflies carder bee ( manicatum) and and bees. bumblebees.

WHITE CLOVER YARROW (Trifolium repens). Nectar and pollen for (Achillea millefolium). Attractive to bumblebees. hoverflies.

WILD MARJORAM YORKSHIRE FOG (Origanum vulgare). Nectar for butterflies (Holcus lanatus) A grass; larval food of and bees. several species of butterfly. NOTES This list has been produced by Jan Miller on behalf of the North Wales Wildlife Trust and Marc Carlton on behalf of the Wildlife Gardening Forum, at the request of the Welsh Government’s Task Force.

The authors recognise that producing planting lists for pollinators is not a straightforward exercise. There are still many areas where further research is required in order to improve our understanding of the needs of pollinating insects and the best planting schemes to cater for them. One of the Wildlife Gardening Forum’s aims is to promote more evidence-based research to increase our knowledge and understanding of this subject.

This list is based on the compilers’ personal experience over many years as gardeners and naturalists, and incorporates Jan’s work investigating plants for butterflies on behalf of Butterfly Conservation and uses their data sent in by members over twenty years. The list includes a selection of forage plants useful for adult butterflies, moths, hoverflies, bumblebees and solitary bees, which together make up the vast majority of pollinators in Wales. Plants recommended as larval food plants for butterflies and some moths have also been included.

Specialised lists of flowers that are recommended as forage for honeybees have been published for many years within the community and so we have not specifically covered honeybees in our list, although many of the flowers on our list will be used by honeybees.

These lists were produced jointly by: Jan Miller, Saith Ffynnon Wildlife Plants. Author of ‘Gardening for Butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects’ ISBN 978-0-9555288-0-4. Website. www.7wells.co.uk Contact: e-mail [email protected] National Collection Holder of Eupatorium. and: Marc Carlton, the Wildlife Gardening Forum: Website: www.wlgf.org Contact: [email protected] The Wildlife Gardening Forum is a UK-wide consortium of wildlife and horticultural organisations and individuals. Copyright © Wildlife Gardening Forum 2015

The Wildlife Gardening Forum is a volunteer-based organisation which aims to make gardeners and policy-makers aware of the importance of gardens for wildlife, human health and a sustainable environment, and which works to help organisations share experience and best practice. People can join as individuals, and we invite organisations which endorse our manifesto to join with us as Partners. Website: wlgf.org Contact: [email protected] The Wildlife Gardening Forum is a registered Charity no. 1156608

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