Many people plant colorful seed mixes in gardens and parks to support pollinators. However, not all flower types are equally helpful to insects like bees and hoverflies. A new study published in Plants, People, Planet reveals which plant species are most effective at attracting these vital pollinators.
To find the best options, researchers reviewed 447 scientific papers about plant-insect interactions. They also carried out field tests using seed mixes already available in the market. Their goal was to discover which flowers pollinators visited most often.
Using this information, the team developed two new seed blends designed to attract more insects. These mixes were also tested for how well the flowers grew and how visually appealing they were to people.
The results showed that combining non-native plants with native ones created the most successful flower beds. These mixed plots not only supported more pollinators, but they also bloomed for longer periods and were more attractive to the public.
Based on their findings, the researchers recommend the following plants as top choices for pollinator-friendly gardens in the UK:
Native species: Achillea millefolium
Archaeophytes (species introduced before 1500 CE): Anthemis arvensis, Centaurea cyanus, Echium plantagineum, Glebionis segetum, Papaver rhoeas, Sinapis arvensis, Tripleurospermum inodorum
Non-native species: Cosmos bipinnatus, Linaria maroccana, Phacelia tanacetifolia
These selections were chosen not only for their ability to attract pollinators but also for how well they grow and how appealing they look in garden settings.
The study offers a new, evidence-based guide to designing flower beds that support insect populations while still looking beautiful. With pollinators under threat worldwide, these findings could help gardeners and city planners make better choices to protect them.
