Which Shrubs Attract Bees and Butterflies?
Ceri Thomas, Editor of Which? Gardening, has urged gardeners to plant key shrubs this summer to attract bees and butterflies, regardless of garden size. She notes that shrubs enhance garden aesthetics and, when chosen correctly, can attract, protect, and shelter wildlife, turning any garden into a natural haven.
Expert Recommendations for Summer Planting
Thomas, who studied horticulture at university and has spent her career editing gardening content, has rounded up native and non-native shrub varieties to support garden visitors year-round. She explains: "Summer is a great time of year to sit back and let nature bloom, but that doesn't mean you can't be proactive in looking after wildlife. Blossoms will attract small insects, which will serve as a nutritious food source for birds. You can help even more by topping up bird feeders and leaving out fresh water to keep wildlife hydrated."
Hebe: A Low-Maintenance Pollinator Magnet
Hebe, a plant mostly native to New Zealand, is described as a "garden favourite." Thomas says: "Hebes are fantastic for attracting a number of insects, from pollinators like bees to hoverflies. Plus, the evergreen foliage provides great shelter for small birds all year round. Hebes are usually small and fairly low maintenance, only requiring a trim during the late summer to maintain neatness." Of roughly 100 species worldwide, New Zealand has 80.
Elder (Sambucus): Blooms for Birds
Great during June and July, elders are hedgerow shrubs usually found lining ditches and fields. They are hardy growers with bright flowers in early summer. The blossoms are wind-pollinated and can produce berries over the following months, which provide nourishment for hungry birds.
Buddleia (Buddleja globosa): The Butterfly Bush
While wild buddleia can be unruly and somewhat invasive, the Buddleja globosa (or 'orange ball tree') may be easier to control in gardens. Thomas explains: "As is clear by its nickname, 'the butterfly bush', buddleia is perfect for attracting butterflies." During the day it also attracts bees, and moths by night. She advises cutting all stems back to 45-60cm tall in March to encourage vigorous growth and the best display of flowers. The orange variety is slightly slower growing than the purple, so ideally prune it after the flowers have finished while leaving some longer stems through the winter to protect bugs and wildlife.
