Gardens of any size can support wildlife year-round, especially if they include plants that attract bees and butterflies. According to Which? gardening editor Ceri Thomas, shrubs not only improve a garden’s appearance but also provide food, shelter, and protection for wildlife, turning outdoor spaces into natural havens.
Summer Shrubs for Wildlife
Thomas 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
Native to New Zealand, hebe is a sun-loving evergreen shrub that attracts pollinators like bees and hoverflies. Thomas notes: "This attractive garden favourite enjoys plenty of sunshine and warmth. 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."
Elder (Sambucus)
Elders are tough hedgerow shrubs often found along ditches and field edges. They produce bright early-summer flowers that are wind-pollinated and later form berries, which provide food for birds.
Buddleia (Buddleja globosa)
Wild buddleia can spread quickly and become invasive, but Buddleja globosa (the ‘orange ball tree’) is easier to control in gardens. Known as the ‘butterfly bush’, it is popular for attracting butterflies. Thomas added: "During the day it also attracts bees, and moths by night. Cut all the 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."
Year-Round Benefits
By planting these shrubs, gardeners can create a habitat that supports wildlife throughout the year. The combination of nectar-rich flowers, berries, and evergreen foliage ensures that bees, butterflies, birds, and other creatures have access to food and shelter in every season.
