In a move set to redefine British gardens, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is undertaking a radical overhaul of its plant classifications. The prestigious institution is shifting its focus towards sustainability and wildlife support, a decision that will see many traditional non-native favourites fall out of official favour.
The changes mean popular mainstays like French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and various Hebe species are being moved off the RHS's official list of 'plants for pollinators'. This list is a critical resource for the UK's millions of gardeners seeking to make eco-conscious choices.
Why the Great Garden Shake-Up?
The decision stems from new, more rigorous scientific testing. The RHS is now using a 'fairer' traffic light system to assess a plant's value to insects, judging them against native wildflowers rather than in isolation.
"The way we've assessed plants before was not comparative," explained Dr. Andrew Salisbury, the RHS's principal entomologist. "We are now comparing them to a benchmark of native plants... to get a fairer idea of their value."
This new methodology has revealed that while many non-native plants still attract pollinators, they are significantly less effective than native UK species like viper's bugloss and common mallow.
What Does This Mean for Your Garden?
Gardeners will notice the change primarily through the RHS's online plant selector and the famous Plant Finder book. While you can still grow French lavender and Hebe, they will no longer carry the coveted 'plants for pollinators' logo—a trusted symbol for many.
The society is instead championing a new generation of garden winners. Plants like California lilac (Ceanothus), sedums, and catmint (Nepeta) have performed exceptionally well under the new criteria and are being promoted as excellent wildlife-friendly alternatives.
A Step Towards a Greener Future
This isn't just about changing labels; it's part of a broader cultural shift at the RHS. The society is passionately advocating for 'greening up' gardens over simply 'gardening for green'. This means prioritising ecological benefits, such as supporting beetles, bees, and birds, over purely aesthetic considerations.
The ultimate goal? To encourage UK gardeners to create beautiful, thriving outdoor spaces that actively contribute to the health of the nation's declining ecosystem and bolster its biodiversity.
