Plants

Acanthus mollis (Bear’s Breeches)
Hardy Perennial

Tall flower spikes held over handsome, lobed foliage, are clothed in white flowers, each with a hood-like purple bract giving a two-tone effect. Its impressive flowers last for weeks and provide a strong vertical component to planting designs. Flowers in late summer (July to August). Prefers full sun to partial shade and well drained soil. Height 100 to 150cm (in 2-5 years), Spread 120cm.

Wildlife benefits
Acanthus mollis is attractive to bees.

Size: 3 litre £6.00

Achillea filipendulina ‘Parker’s variety’ (Fernleaf Yarrow)
Hardy Perennial

Striking large saucer-like corymbs of flowers in a rich ‘old gold’ yellow colour from May to August on long stems borne above plentiful, grey-green fern-like foliage. Prefers full sun and moist, but well-drained soil. Height 120cm, spread 60cm.

Uses
Achillea fillipendulina works in Cottage/Informal gardens, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens, as well as in garden borders and beds.
It makes a good cut flower and should be cut when the flowers are well open, but before the oldest flowers on the stem start to show signs of browning. It can be dried by hanging it upside down in a warm environment with good air circulation.
It can also be used for making natural dyes.

Care
Achillea fillipendulina is an easy plant to care for once it’s established. To prolong blooming, remove faded flower stems regularly. Cut down to the ground in late winter, but not too early, so you can enjoy the attractive seed heads in the winter light.

Wildlife benefits
Achillea fillipendulina attracts many beneficial insects, including ladybirds and parasitic wasps that prey on garden pests, in particular aphid. Apparently ants don’t like the smell and the crushed leaves can be used as a deterrent. A number of birds use yarrow to line their nests, as it is thought to inhibit the growth of parasites.

Size: 3 litres £6.00

Achillea millefolium ‘Summer Berries’
Hardy Perennial

Striking large flat, circular heads of flowers in shades of red, cerise and pink from May to August on slender stems borne above narrow fern-like foliage. Prefers full sun and moist, but well drained soil. Height 60cm, Spread 60cm.

Striking large flat, circular heads of flowers in shades of red, cerise and pink from May to August on slender stems borne above narrow fern-like foliage. Prefers full sun and moist, but well drained soil. Height 60cm, Spread 60cm.

Wildlife benefits
Achillea millefolium is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies​/​moths and other pollinators. It has nectar and pollen rich flowers and provides seeds for birds. The flat densely packed flowerhead offer easy access for solitary bees, and a whole host of beetles and generalist moths feed on the foliage.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Agastache aurantiaca ‘Apricot Sprite’ (Jewel of the Sierra Madre)
Hardy Perennial

A compact, bushy plant that produces tubular, peachy-apricot coloured flower spikes in mid to late summer lasting through to the first frosts. The grey-green foliage emits a sweet fragrance when brushed past or crushed. Prefers full sun and a moist but well drained soil. Height 75-90cm, Spread 30cm.

Wildlife benefits
The aromatic foliage and nectar rich flowers of Agastache aurantiaca are attractive to bees and butterflies.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop)
Hardy Perennial (short-lived)

An upright, aromatic anise-scented plant with deep green oval-shaped leaves and tall spikes of purple blue flowers from July to September. Prefers full sun and will tolerate most soil conditions. Height 90-120cm, Spread 30-40cm.

Uses
Agastache foeniculum tastes as good as it looks and as such it is popular in both the border and the herb garden. It is also good in a wildlife garden or scented garden. The anise flavoured leaves can be used to make teas, cordials, salads or add to your Pimms. The flowers are edible with a lighter anise flavour than the leaves and can be added to salads or used as a garnish.

Care
Deadhead spent flowers to promote additional blooms.

Wildlife benefits
The spires of colourful flowers are well liked by Bumblebees and Honeybees and may be visited by butterflies such as Small Tortoiseshells and Painted ladies.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Agastache rugosa ‘Licorice Blue’ (Korean Hyssop)
Hardy Perennial

Tall spikes of lavendar to rich purple-blue lipped flowers from June to September, above toothed dark green arrow shaped foliage. The foliage emits a sweet liquorice perfume when brushed past or crushed. Prefers full sun and well drained soil. Height 75-90cm, Spread 45cm.

Wildlife benefits
Agastache rugosa is a ‘wonder honey plant’, it produces copious amounts of nectar for bees and butterflies to feast upon. In addition, goldfinches and other small birds love the mature seeds in winter.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Ajuga reptans (Bugle)
Hardy Perennial

Primarily grown for its evergreen foliage, this low-growing bugle will soon knit together to form a lush, dark green carpet. In late spring or early summer the short spikes of deep blue flowers will also put on a very pretty show. Flowers May to June. Prefers full sun or partial shade and moist, but well-drained soil. Height up to 15cm.

Uses
Bugle is excellent for underplanting and ground cover. It’s also good for the front of a shady border.

Care
Bugle is low maintenance. It may need to be divided every couple of yours or so to prevent it from getting congested.

Wildlife benefits
The flowers of Ajuga reptans are frequently visited by bees and bumblebees seeking nectar. Butterflies, ladybirds and hoverflies also visit large patches of bugle, especially if conditions are calm and sunny.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Alcea rosea ‘Good Golly Miss Holly’ (Hollyhock)
Hardy Perennial

A cottage garden favourite with funnel-shaped, bright bi-coloured flowers carried on tall spikes from June to July. Prefers full sun and a well-drained soil. Height up to 180cm, Spread up to 60cm.

Uses
Ideal for Cottage and Informal gardens as well as the back of borders.
The flowers can be crystallised for a tasty cake decoration or used to make a delicately flavoured syrup for use with puddings.

Care
In autumn, cut back the old foliage and flower stems.

Wildlife benefits
Solitary The open flowers are perfect for bees to access.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Anthemis tinctoria ‘Kelwayii’ (Golden Marguerite)
Hardy Perennial

Grows in mounds or finely cut, aromatic leaves above which masses of large-centred lemon yellow daisy flowers are held on long stems from June to August. Prefers full sun and a well-drained soil. Height up to 60cm, Spread up to 60cm.

Uses
Cottage garden, wildlife garden or informal border. They are long-stemmed and make an excellent cut flower.

Care
Cut back hard after flowering to encourage basal growth that will overwinter.

Wildlife benefits
Solitary bees and and tiny wasps delight in the flat-topped flowers.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Aquilegia caerulea ‘Mrs Scott-Elliot’ (Columbine, Granny’s Bonnet)
Hardy Perennial

Nodding spurred blooms in soft yellows and oranges, often two tone, are carried on tall, wiry stems above mid-green, divided leaves from late spring to mid-summer. It is ideal for cottage-garden schemes. Prefers full sun or dappled shade and will tolerate most soils. Height 90cm, Spread 60cm.

Wildlife benefits
The nectar-rich spurs found at the back of the flower head attract mainly insects able to reach far into the flower, particularly long-tongued bumble bees, butterflies and moths. Leave seed heads uncut for foraging birds in autumn.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Aurinia saxatalis ‘Gold Basket’ (Yellow Alyssum)
Hardy Perennial

A traditional rock-garden plant with oval silver grey leaves and an abundance of rich chrome-yellow flowers from April to Kune. Prefers full sun and a well-drained soil. Height 20cm, Spread 30cm.

Wildlife benefits
The It produces an early source of pollen for bees to take back to their hives and feed the larvae. Emerging butterflies drink from their nectaries to build up their strength before breeding begins.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Campanula latifolia (Giant Bellflower)
Hardy Perennial

A clump forming perennial with tall spires of large, long, violet-blue bells carried on upright leafy stems. Flowers June to August. Prefers partial shade, but will tolerate full sun. Height up to 120cm, Spread 60cm.

Uses
These statuesque plants work well in cottage and informal gardens, wildflower meadows, beds and borders.

Care
Cut back after flowering to encourage further blooms and to prevent self-seeding.

Wildlife benefits
The flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and many other types of pollinating insect.

Catananche caerulea (Cupid’s Dart)
Hardy Perennial

Blooms of blue star like flowers, each with a dark eye and papery petals, held on single stems above neat clumps of grey-green foliage. Historically it was used in love potions, hence the common name. It still symbolises love in the language of flowers. Flowers June to September. Prefers full sun and a light well-draining soil. Height 50-75 cm, Spread 25-30cm.

Uses
These long flowering plants work well in a border as well as in containers. They work best when grown in groupings, for example as a drift amongst grasses.

Catananche cerulean is long lasting as a cut flower and has interesting papery bracts at the base of the flowers that dry well.

Care
Catananche cerulea needs well-draining soil to survive the winter, so add gravel to improve drainage before planting if you are on are heavy clay soil or grow in pots with good drainage.
Deadhead the flowers to encourage the plants to bloom throughout the summer until the first frosts.

Wildlife benefits
The flowers of Catananche cerulea are nectar and pollen rich and are attractive to bees.

Centaurea dealbata (Persian Cornflower)
Hardy Perennial

An attractive clump-forming perennial cornflower with large pink-violet flowers with lighter centres held above attractive divided foliage. Flowers June to July. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Height 75-90cm, Spread 50-60cm.

Wildlife benefits
Highly attractive to bees and butterflies.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Centaurea montana (Perennial Cornflower)
Hardy Perennial

Intense violet-blue flowers with deep purple centres and attractive, very deeply cut petals above blue-greyish lance-shaped leaves. Flowers May to July. Prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Height 60-75 cm, Spread 50-60cm.

Wildlife benefits
The gorgeous blue flowers of Centaurea montana are irresistable to bees and bumblebees seeking nectar in summer. The seeds mature in autumn and are often eaten by greenfinches, goldfinches, crossbills, linnets and blue tits.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Cephalaria gigantea (Giant Scabious)
Hardy Perennial

Pretty pale butter-yellow scabious-like flowers are held on tall, widely branched stems that rise from a large clump of mid-green leaves. As the name gigantea suggests, this plant needs a good deal of room, but because it is airy, it is not overbearing and is a good choice for a see-through effect in a big border. Flowers June to September. Prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Height 180 – 210cm, Spread 60cm.

Wildlife benefits
The flowers of Cephalaria gigantea are an attractive nectar source for both bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. The long flowering period means that this plant offers food to insects for many weeks.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’ (Honeywort)
Hardy Annual

An eye-catching hardy annual that produces small clusters of rich purple tubular, nodding flowers, which are cream inside and adored by bees. The Oval blue-green leaves, mottled with white, spiral up the stems, transforming into tighter packed bright blue bracts from which the flowers emerge. Flowers from late spring through to late Spring. Prefers full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. Height 40-60cm , Spread 60cm.

Wildlife benefits
The nectar-rich flowers of Cerinthe major are so attractive to honeybees, you can hear them clearly humming on the plant as you walk past. One of the best bee plants for a large or small garden.

Size: 1 litre £2.00

Chrysanthemum x superbum ‘Crazy Daisy’ (Shasta Daisy)
Hardy Perennial

Multiple cheery large white flowers (5-8cm) with a yellow eye are carried on strong long stems that are well-suited for cutting. The petals of some of the flowers are quill-like, giving them a fluffy appearance. Flowers begin to appear in late spring and continue on for several months if deadheaded. Prefers full sun or partial shade. Height 60-70cm, Spread 30-45cm.

Wildlife benefits
The Shasta Daisy flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon)
Hardy Perennial

Multiple Valued for its striking silvery, thistle-like foliage. From June to September, tall flower stems are topped by fat thistle buds that open into large purple flowers. Prefers full sun and moist, but well-drained, soil. Height 120-180cm, Spread 60-90cm.

Wildlife benefits
The large purple flowers attract masses of bees. The seed heads provide food for small seed-eating birds such as finches.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Dianthus barbatus ‘Rockin Red’
Hardy Perennial

An upright, bushy, plant with narrow lance-shaped, dark green leaves and dense clusters or fragrant, fringed, dark red flowers from late spring to late summer. Prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil. Height 60cm, Spread 30cm.

Wildlife benefits
Nectar-hunting butterflies and bumblebees are attracted to the scented flowers.

Dianthus deltoides ‘Arctic Fire’ (Maiden Pink)
Hardy Perennial

A low growing plant with deep green, mat-forming, evergreen foliage bearing clear white serrated flowers, complemented by an attractive crimson eye. This delightful long-flowering ‘Pink’ works well as ground cover in borders or tucked amongst boulders in a rockery. Flowers from late spring to early autumn. Full sun is best for flowering sun. Most soils are fine as long as it is well-drained. Height 10cm, Spread 50cm.

Wildlife benefits
The maiden pink is attractive to butterflies and these insects are the main pollinators, although the occasional bee and hoverfly may also visit.

Doronicum caucasicum ‘Little Leo’ (Leopard’s Bane)
Hardy Perennial

A lovely compact spring-flowing plant with a mass of bright yellow daisy flowers held above a mound of heart-shaped leaves. Flowers from March to May. Prefers full sun or partial shade. Most soils are fine as long as it is well-drained. Height 30cm, Spread 30cm.

Wildlife benefits
Leopard’s Bane is a valuable plant for pollinators in early spring.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Echinacea purpurea (Purple Cone Flower)
Hardy Perennial

Deep rose-pink flower heads, with conical brown-pink centres are borne singly from mid to late summer above lance-shaped dark green leaves. Prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Tolerates most soils. Height 60-90 cm, Spread 45-60cm.

Wildlife benefits
The flowers have a distinctive, sweet, fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies to their daisy-like blooms. Butterflies and hoverflies are occasional visitors seeking nectar. The flowers are followed by attractive, long-lasting seed heads which provide winter food for finches and other birds. gorgeous blue flowers of Centaurea montana are irresistable to bees and bumblebees seeking nectar in summer. The seeds mature in autumn and are often eaten by greenfinches, goldfinches, crossbills, linnets and blue tits.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Echinops ritro (Globe Thistle)
Hardy Perennial

Globular heads of round, violet-blue flower heads from July to August, each held on on silvery, branched leafy stems. The handsome spherical buds open into flower from the top down. Prefers full sun or partial shade and a light well-drained soil. Height 90-120cm, Spread 50cm.

Wildlife benefits
Echinops ritro is extremely attractive to bees and bumblebees. They will methodically circumnavigate each globe until all avaoButterflies are also frequent visitors to the round blue flowerheads. The autumn seed is eaten by the likes of goldfinches.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Erigeron karvinskianus ‘Profusion’ (Mexican fleabane)
Hardy Perennial

A profusion of daisy-like flowers are produced from May to November that open white but change to deep pink as they mature. Prefers full sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Height 15-20cm, Spread up to 90cm

Wildlife benefits
Erigeron karvinskianus has nectar and pollen rich flowers and is attractive to bees, beneficial insects, butterflies​/​moths and other pollinators.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Eryngium planum (Blue Sea Holly)
Hardy Perennial

Thimble-sized light blue, thistle type flowers are carried on well-branched blue stems above a rosette of deep green, heart-shaped leaves from July to August. Each flower head is subtended by by a narrow, spiky collar of spiny, blue_green bracts. Prefers full sun and well drained soil. Height up to 90cm, Spread up to 45cm. 

Wildlife benefits
Each individual floret within the spiky flowers of Eryngium planum is rich in nectar, making this plant particularly popular with bees species, but it is also popular with butterflies and other pollinators.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Gaillardia x grandiflora  ‘Mesa Bright Bicolour’ (Blanket Flower)
Hardy Perennial

Forms a low mound of light-green leaves, bearing upright stems of large daisy-like flowers with two-tone red and yellow petals surrounding a large, central cone from mid-May to September. Prefers full sun and a light, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant. Height up to 60cm, Spread up to 45cm.

Wildlife benefits
Nectar and pollen-rich flowers make these brightly coloured blooms attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Gaura lindheimeri  ‘Sparkle White’ (Lindheimer’s Bee Blossom)
Hardy Perennial

A graceful, hazy plant with airy spikes of white, star-shaped flowers with long anthers, held on slender stems from June to October. Its wild, slightly unkempt look suits informal, wildlife and cottage garden style planting. Prefers full sun. Height up to 45cm, Spread up to 45cm.

Wildlife benefits
Nectar and pollen-rich flowers make these brightly coloured blooms attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Geranium albanum  (Garden Geranium)
Hardy Perennial

A lovely hardy geranium with masses of magenta-veined pink flowers with purple-blue stamens that open pale at first and darken with age, held on spreading stems over heart-shaped, dissected leaves from May to August. Prefers full sun to part shade, and a moist well-drained soil, but will tolerate most soil. Height 50cm, Spread 30cm.

Uses
With its long, flexible stems, this plant needs some space to sprawl a little. It looks fabulous tumbling over a rockery or onto gravel pathways.

Care
In mid-summer, after flowering, rejuvenate plants that are beginning to look jaded by shearing back to the ground. This will promote new leaf growth and encourage a second flush of flowers. Lift and divide large colonies in spring.

Wildlife benefits
The dense leaf cover provides protection for a number of species that will hide and forage in the foliage. The nectar and pollen-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies/moths and other beneficial insects. The long flowering period makes it a good edition to the wildlife garden, providing food for insects for many weeks.

Geranium pratense  ‘Purple Haze’ (Meadow Cranesbill)
Hardy Perennial

The foliage of ‘Purple Haze’ can vary from bronzes, through purples and dark beetroots making it much sort after, as these shades are rarely seen in this genus. They are deepest in shade during spring, gradually changing to an attractive deep green with strong purple edging. From June through to September, contrasting blooms in shades of violet-mauve are held above the leaves. Prefers full sun, but can tolerate light shade, and a moist well-drained soil, but will tolerate most soil. Height 45-60cm, Spread 30-35cm.

Wildlife benefits
The dense leaf cover provides protection for a number of species that will hide and forage in the foliage. The nectar and pollen-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies/moths and other beneficial insects. The long flowering period makes it a good edition to the wildlife garden, providing food for insects for many weeks.

Geum chiloense ‘Mrs J Bradshaw’
Hardy Perennial

Semi-double scarlet flowers, enhanced by central yellow stamens, are carried in clusters at the top of branching stems over dark green pinnate leaves from June to September. Prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil soil. Height 60cm, Spread 60cm.

Wildlife benefits
Loved by bees, butterflies and other pollinators

Size: 2 litres £3.50

Geum rivale (Water Avens)
Hardy Perennial

Nodding bell-shaped flowers with pale purple-pink rounded petals and dark purple sepals from April to September, held on slender stems above large basal leaves. Prefers full sun or partial shade and moist/boggy soil. Height 25-30cm, Spread 30-60cm.

Wildlife benefits
Geum rivale is happy next to a pond where its dense foliage can provide moist shade for frogs and newts. Its pollen and nectar rich flowers attract bees, hoverflies and other pollinators.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Heuchera sanguinea ‘Ruby Bells’
Hardy Perennial

A clump-forming semi-evergreen perennial with rounded green leaves and panicles of bright red flowers held on upright slender stems from April to August. Prefers full sun or partial shade and a moist but well-drained soil. Height 45cm, Spread 45cm.

Wildlife benefits
Due to intensive breeding, Heucheras are not generally thought to offer many wildlife benefits, but it is suggested that they may be good for nectar-hunting bees. I plan to watch my plants closely this summer.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Currently available? No

Helenium puberulum ‘Autumn lollipop’ (Sneezeweed)
Hardy Perennial

The flower heads of this variety of Helenium are bronze balls, a little like lollipops, with a ruffle of small yellow petals at the base. They are held on flat stems lined with lanceolate leaves, from June to September. Prefers full sun and a moist but well-drained soil. Height 90cm, spread 60cm

Uses
Helenium puberulum works in Cottage/Informal gardens, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens as well as garden beds and borders.
They also make an interesting and slightly eccentric cut flower.

Care
Deadhead to prolong the flowering window.

Wildlife benefits
Helenium puberulum attracts a wide variety of insects, including bees and butterflies. Their seed provides attractive food for birds.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Inula magnifica (Giant Fleabane)
Hardy Perennial

A robust, upright UK native with branching stems clad with large, arching ovate leaves. From late summer to early autumn it bears huge sprays of bright yellow, shaggy daisy-like flowers up to 15cm wide. Prefers full sun and a rich moist soil. Height up to 180cm, Spread 90cm.

Uses
This is a large striking plant, adding architectural interest to the garden. It is well suited for beds and borders, bog gardens, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, prairies and meadows.h

Care
The Cut back flowering stems once blooming has completed in the autumn.

Wildlife benefits
The nectar and pollen rich flowers of Inula are attractive to bees, beneficial insects and other pollinators.

Knautia arvensis (Field Scabious)
Hardy Perennial

An attractive native wildflower that looks equally at home in a herbaceous border or naturalised in a sunny wildflower garden. Bluish-lilac pincushion flowers with pink anthers are held on slim wiry stems above a basal rosette of leaves from June to September. The flowers are good for cutting and deadheading encourages the plant to continue flowering. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Height 30-90cm, Spread 30cm.

Wildlife benefits
The nectar-rich flowers of Knautia arvensis are attractive to a wide variety of insects including bees, butterflies and hoverflies. It is amongst one of the top garden flowers for butterflies. Visitors include Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown, Brimstone, skippers and whites. If left uncut, the seed heads will provide seeds for the birds in autumn.

Knautia macedonica ‘Melton Pastels’ (Macedonian Scabious)
Hardy Perennial

Pretty pincushion flowers in shades of pink, cherry red, mauve and purple are held on slender airy stems that sway in the breeze. It is well-suited to cottage garden-style planting. The flowers are good for cutting. Flowers from May to July. To extend the flowering time, prune older stems back to the ground. Prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Height 60-70cm, Spread 45-60cm.

Wildlife benefits
In common with all scabious, Knautia macedonica is an important plant for wildlife, providing nectar for hoverflies, bees and butterflies, particularly the red admiral and painted lady. They are drawn to the nectaries by nectar guides that are invisible to the naked eye, but not to insects. If left uncut, the seed heads will provide seeds for the birds in autumn.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Kniphofia uvaria (Red Hot Poker)
Hardy Perennial

A handsome plant with fat spikes of eye-catching, orange flowers that open from fiery red buds that gradually fade to a bright shade of yellow. The flowers are carried on stiff stems that rise from a clump of long, grassy leaves. Flowers from July to September. To extend the flowering time, prune older stems back to the ground. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Height 120cm, Spread 90cm.

Wildlife benefits
The flowers of Kniphophia uvaria are nectar rich and attractive to bees.

Size: 2 litres £4.00, 3 litres £6.00

Lobelia fulgens ‘Queen Victoria’ (Bronze Leaf Cardinal)
Hardy Perennial

This is a perfect plant for a late summer garden. It has lovely, clump-forming, burgundy-bronze foliage with beautiful scarlet red flower spikes from August to September. Prefers full sun or part shade and moist soil. Height 90cm, Spread 30cm.

Uses
Lobelia fulgens is ideal for Cottage gardens and Exotic gardens. As a moisture loving plant, it can also be grown at the edge of a pond or stream, and will tolerate depths of up to 15cm.
It is also suitable for containers and makes an excellent centrepiece.

Care
In drier soils it should be planted in part shade. Deadheading the spent blooms will improve the overall appearance of the plant and may promote re-blooming.The nectar and pollen-rich flowers of Lychnis coronaria will keep the bees occupied for the whole summer.

Wildlife benefits
Attractive to bees and butterflies.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Lychnis coronaria (Rose Campion)
Hardy Perennial

This is a superb plant for a sunny border. It forms clumps of silver-felty leaves and bears striking bright magenta flowers from June to August on branched white-grey stems. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Height 80cm, Spread 45cm.

Wildlife benefits
The nectar and pollen-rich flowers of Lychnis coronaria will keep the bees occupied for the whole summer.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Lychnis flos-cuculi ‘Terry’s Pink’ (Dwarf Ragged Robin)
Hardy Perennial

This is a great pond marginal plant for attracting polinating insects such as bees. It is more compact version of the native wildflower Lychnis flos-cuculi (Ragged Robin) and produces masses of pink, star-shaped flowers from late spring through to August. Originating from damp areas, it thrives in constantly moist soils, boggy areas or planted aroung the edge of ponds, with the crown just below the water surface on a marginal shelf. Prefers full sun or partial shade. Height up to 20cm, Spread up to 20cm.

Wildlife benefits
The nectar-rich flowers of Lychnis flos-cuculi attract many species of insect including, hoverflies, bees, long-tongued bumblebees and butterflies.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Lysimachia atropurpurea ‘Beaujolais’
Hardy Perennial

Striking, dark burgundy flower spikes, that look like tiny pineapples when they first emerge, are held on long slender stems above attractive, crinkled rosettes of silver-green foliage from May to September. Prefers full sun to partial shade and an evenly moist soil . Height 60cm, Spread 45cm.

Wildlife benefits
Lysimachia atropurpurea has nectar and pollen rich flowers that are attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Malva moschata ‘Snow White’ (White Musk Mallow)
Hardy Perennial

A dwarf, compact plant with lightly aromatic, rounded to heart-shaped basal leaves, finely divided stem leaves, and simple saucer-shaped, pure white flowers with pale pink stamens from early summer to early autumn. Prefers full sun or light shade and a moist, but well-drained soil. Height up to 40cm, Spread up to 45cm.

Wildlife benefits
The nectar-rich base of the flowers of Malva moschata are attractive to honey bees and some bumble bees.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Monarda ‘Squaw’ (Bergamot)
Hardy Perennial

This award-winning plant is a clump-forming perennial and boasts masses of whorls of bright scarlet flowers, borne in dense, globular terminal heads from mid-summer to early autumn. The vibrant flowers are set off beautifully by the plant’s aromatic fresh green leaves. Prefers full sun or light shade and a moist, but well-drained soil. Height up to 75-90cm, Spread up to 75cm.

Uses
Monarda works in cottage/informal gardens, prairie planting as well as beds and borders. Native Americans used Monarda as an antiseptic (it contains thymol, found in commercial mouthwash). Its leaves are used for a variety of ailments in herbal medicine.

Care
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Protect from excessive winter wet and don’t let it dry out in summer. This variety of Monarda is significantly more resistant to powdery mildew that older varieties, but try to ensure good air circulation to minimise the chances of it.

Wildlife benefits
Monarda flowers attract streams of butterflies, bees and other beneficial pollinators.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Nepeta faassenii (Faassen’s Catmint)
Hardy Perennial

A dwarf catmint with slender spikes of lavender-blue tubular flowers from early summer to early autumn and pungent aromatic grey-green leaves. Prefers full sun or partial shade and a moist, well-drained soil. Height up to 60cm, Spread up to 45cm.

Uses
It is popular partnered with roses and is good for softening hard edges. Plant at the front of the border or along path edges to enjoy the full scent of the aromatic leaves. Perfect for Cottage gardens and wildlife gardens.
Fresh or dried, the leaves make a refreshing tea which is high in vitamin C.

Care
Cut back lightly after flowering to promote a second flush of flowers. Cut back hard in autumn for vigorous new growth in spring. Divide large clumps in spring or autumn.

Wildlife benefits
The flowers are ;oved by bees and butterflies.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Nicotiana sylvestris (Woodland Tobacco Plant)
Tender Perennial/Half Hardy Annual

Clusters of eye-catching, intensely scented, white trumpet-shaped flowers are held on long stems above rosettes of large fragrant leaves. It is frost tender and so will only survive the winter in a warm sheltered site, consequently it is usually treated as a half hardy annual. Prefers full sun or part shade and a rich moist soil. Height up to 90-120cm, Spread up to 55cm.

Uses
Cottage garden, scented garden, exotic gardens. The flower stems are good for cutting.

Care
Deadhead to prolong flowering and encourage new flower buds. Leave a few plants to die down and self seed, others can be pulled up and composted.

Wildlife benefits
Only something with a very long tongue can reach the nectar, which means hawk-moths, and in particular the migrant Convolvulus Hawk-moth with its 10cm wingspan.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Oenothera versicolor ‘Lemon Sunset’ (Evening Primrose)
Hardy Perennial

A lovely evening primrose cultivar with leafy stems and soft yellow flowers that will bring a delicate evening fragrance to your garden. The flowers acquire the reddish tints of a sunset as they mature. Flowers from June to September. Prefers full sun and will tolerate most well-drained soils. Height 90-100cm, Spread 20cm.

Wildlife benefits
Evening primrose attracts bees, butterflies and moths searching for nectar.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Pelargonium fragrans (Scented Pelargonium)
Tender Perennial

A low-growing evergreen shrub bearing small, dainty white flowers with pink calixes held in umbels above grey green aromatic foliage that produces a delightful scent of nutmeg and pine when brushed against. Flowers from April through to October. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Height 20cm, Spread 30cm.

Uses
Pelargonium makes a lovely pot plant. Position it where you will brush past it to release its gorgeous fragrance.

Care
Pelargonium fragrans is frost tender so you will need to bring it into the house, conservatory or greenhouse in the winter.

Wildlife benefits
I can’t find any particular reference to the benefits of scented pelargoniums for wildlife, but I have observed bees and other insects visiting the flowers of Pelargonium fragrans.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Phlomis Russeliana (Jerusalem Sage)
Hardy Perennial

Whorls of hooded soft yellow flowers appear at intervals on tall, erect stems with dramatic, heart-shaped basal evergreen leaves from May, right through to September. Prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil . Tolerates drought. Height 60cm, Spread 60cm.

Wildlife benefits
Phlomis russeliana attracts bees and other nectar-loving insects. Columns of ornate seed heads persist throughout the winter and provide food for the birds.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox)
Hardy Perennial

Large, dense flower clusters, in shades of pink, perch on tall, strong stems that rise just above the dark green foliage from July to October. It is great for providing late summer colour in the garden. Prefers full sun and moist, but well-drained soil. Height 90cm, Spread 38-45cm.

Wildlife benefits
Phlox paniculata attracts butterflies , in particular fritillaries and skippers, with its sweetly scented scented flowers and nectar.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Polemonium caeruleum var. album (White Jacob’s Ladder)
Hardy Perennial

Forms a lush mound of deep green, ferny foliage bearing upright stems of star-shaped white flowers, with contrasting long, yellow stamens, from late spring to to early summer. Prefers partial shade and moist, but well-drained soil. Height 30-75cm, Spread 30cm.

Uses
Cottage garden, flower border, rock garden, shade and woodland garden. Both the flowers and fern foliage are good for cutting.

Care
Cut the plants back to basal foliage after flowering to tidy the planting and to encourage a possible late summer re-bloom. Cut back to the base in autumn.

Wildlife benefits
The flowers are attractive to honey bees.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Potentilla nepalensis ‘Helen Jane’ (Nepal cinquefoil)
Hardy Perennial

A clump-forming semi-dwarf cultivar with strawberry-like leaves composed of five broad leaflets. Branched re-tinged stems bear loose clusters of crimson-eyed, bright pink flowers with petals that are attractively crinkled. Repeat flowering from late June to September if regularly cut back. Prefers full sun to light shade and is happy in any reasonable garden soil. Height 30-45cm, Spread 30cm.

Wildlife benefits
Potentilla nepalensis is attractive to bees.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Potentilla thurberi ‘Monarch’s Velvet’ (Cinquefoil)
Hardy Perennial

A clump-forming cultivar that bears deep, intensely red flowers set against rich green. serrate edged, strawberry-like foliage. Repeat flowering from June to August if regularly cut back. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Height 60-90cm, Spread 60cm.

Wildlife benefits
Potentilla thurberi is attractive to bees.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Rudbeckia occidentalis‘Green Wizard’ (Green Coneflower)
Hardy Perennial

Fascinating flowers which are unusual in that they have no petals. ‘Green Wizard’ is unique among coneflowers, with green sepals that surround a large black cone. They are splendid for cutting for fresh flower arrangements or they can be dried. Flowers from mid-summer to early autumn. Prefers full sun or partial shade. A good tip is to make sure that it goes into soil that does not bake dry, or the whole plant will collapse. A semi-shady position will help if the soil does tend to dry out in the summer, as will a thick mulch applied after a night of heavy rain. Height 60-90cm

Wildlife benefits
Rudbeckia occidentalis is attractive to bees and butterflies.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria Blue’ (Mealy Cup Sage)
Tender Perennial (Hardy to -4C)

A bushy base-branching plant producing numerous, long-lasting spikes of vivid deep blue flowers. This tender perennial is hardy to -4C so may survive the winter in sheltered locations, but it is often treated as a bedding plant. Prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained, but moist soil. Height 45cm, Spread 25cm.

Uses
Salvia farinacea makes a wonderful cut or dried flower. It is often used as a bedding plant and works well in a pot surrounded by shorter plants in complementary colours.

Care
Remove the flower spikes after the blooms have faded to encourage continued flowering.

Wildlife benefits
The Salvia plant family is a magnet for all pollinators including bees and butterflies looking for their plentiful nectar and pollen.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Salvia nemerosa (Woodland Sage)
Hardy Perennial

An abundance of beautiful, small, open-mouthed blooms in shades of pink purple or blue purple adorn upright stems above sage scented clumps of foliage from early summer and into the autumn. Prefers full sun, but will tolerate light shade, and a well-drained, but moist soil. Height 35cm, Spread 25cm.

Uses
Salvia nemerosa makes a wonderful cut or dried flower. It works well at the front of a well-drained border as well as in containers, cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens and courtyard gardens.

Care
Remove the flower spikes after the blooms have faded in midsummer to encourage a second flush of flowers. In late winter/early spring, last years spent plant material can be cut down to the ground ready for the new growth to emerge from the crown.

Wildlife benefits
The flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies and the long flowering period provides a supply of pollen and nectar from early summer through to early autumn ..

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Sedum spectabile (Ice Plant)
Hardy Perennial

Radiant pink umbrella-shaped flower heads from summer that turn to rosy-red in autumn, contrasting well with the succulent green foliage. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil . Height 50cm, Spread 50cm.

Wildlife benefits
As a late summer/autumn flowing plant it offers overwintering butterflies, particularly small tortoiseshells, peacocks and red admirals, large amounts of nectar to survive hibernation. The flowers are also a popular choice with bees and other insects.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Scabious columbaria (Small Scabious)
Hardy Perennial

Scabiosa columbaria is an attractive native wildflower bearing lilac-blue ‘pin cushion’ flowers on long, branched, wiry stems above a rosette of deep green leaves, from early summer and into autumn. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil . Height 60-75cm, Spread 60-75cm.

Uses
Ideal for sunny cottage, gravel and wildlife gardens as well as informal mixed borders. With their long stems, they are good for cutting and display beautifully in a vase.

Care
Snip finished flower stems back to the lowest buds to encourage continued flowering.

Wildlife benefits
The pollen and nectar-rich flowers are invaluable to many insects, particularly bees and butterflies.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Silene nutans (Nottingham Catchfly)
Hardy Perennial

Silene nutans is a wildflower with lovely dainty, drooping, white flowers. The flowers can be inconspicuous in the day as the petals are rolled inwards, but at night they unfurl and exude a sweet-smelling fragrance to attract pollinators. The common name Nottingham Catchfly was given because it used to grow on the walls of Nottingham castle. It wasn’t seen there for around 200 years until a volunteer program reintroduced it in 2021.
Flowers from May to July. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil . Height 25-60cm.

Uses
Silene nutans works well in a wildlife garden or meadow. It also works in a pot where it can be placed on the patio where you can appreciate its beautiful scented flowers on an evening.

Care
Minimal care is needed.

Wildlife benefits
The night-scented flowers are attractive to night-flying insects, particularly moths. This makes it a good plant if you are looking to attract bats to your garden, as hungry bats will be attracted by the flying insects.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Silene vulgaris (Bladder Campion)
Hardy Perennial

Silene vulgaris is a common wildflower found growing around the UK in meadows, grasslands and fields, and along hedgerows and roadside verges. The pretty white flowers have five, deeply clefted petals joined at their base to form a tube, surrounded by a bladder-like calyx, hence the common name of Bladder Campion. Flowers from May to August. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil . Height 50-100cm, Spread 10-50cm over 2-5 years.

Wildlife benefits
The nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies and moths. are attracted by their nectar. The flowers are open all day, but it in the evening when it is at its most alluring, emitting a clove-like scent that attract long-tongue moths such as hummingbird hawk-moth.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Tagetes patula ‘Queen Sophia’ (French Marigold)
Half Hardy Annual

This is an award-winning variety that was introduced back in the 1900s. It produces semi-double, anemone shaped blooms throughout the summer with deep orange-to-russet petals that are intricately edged with russet and gold. Prefers full sun. Height 30-35cm Spread 15-22cm.

It is well known for its use in companion planting with vegetable crops, particularly tomatoes, to repel harmful insects.

The edible flowers taste of lemon or orange and can be used in salads and hot desserts.

Wildlife benefits
The mass of tiny florets in the centre of each flower is enjoyed by pollinating insects, especially hoverflies and solitary bees.

Tradescantia x andersoniana ‘Blanca’ (Anderson’s Spiderwort)
Hardy Perennial

Clusters of three-petalled white flowers, accented by fuzzy yellow stamens, and sometimes a blue central eye are held over dense clumps of narrow arching leaves from May to October. The individual blooms last only one day, but are produced sequentially over a period of several weeks. Prefers full sun or semi-shade and a moist, but well-drained soil. Height 50-100cm, Spread 10-50cm.

Uses
Useful as a low-maintenance, long-flowering, shade-tolerant perennial for beds and borders.

Care
Deadheading the spent flowers will extend the bloom period.If the foliage starts to decline, cut down to the ground to encourage new leafy growth and potentially, further flowering.

Wildlife benefits
I’m not aware of any particular wildlife benefits of this plant, but I will observe it to see if pollinators are attracted to it.

Size: 2 Litres £4.00

Teucrium hircanicum ‘Purple Tails’ (Iranian Wood Sage)
Hardy Perennial

This is a long-flowering, elegant perennial. Long, tapering flower spikes, a little like kitten tails, hold many tight green buds that open into flowers in shades of purple. The bushy aromatic sage-like green foliage forms attractive clumps. Flowers July October. Prefers full sun or semi-shade. Height 60cm, Spread 45cm.

Uses
They add height to a border and work well in a natural garden, woodland edge or wildlife garden. Flower spikes can be cut for flower arranging or for drying. It is best to cut them when the flowers are beginning to open, before the oldest flowers on the stem start to brown.

Care
Deadhead the spent flower spikes regularly and cut the plants back after blooming.

Wildlife benefits
The mass of tiny flowers on each spike attract passing bees and butterflies.

Size: 2 Litres £4.00

Verbascum nigrum var. album (Dark Mullein)
Hardy Perennial

The variety ‘Album’ is the white-flowered form of this plant. Form June to September, masses of white flowers, each with attractive violet filaments and accented by golden orange stamens, are carried on tall erect spikes above rosettes of mid-green leaves. Deadheading is recommended to ensure repeat flowering throughout the summer. Prefers full sun for best flowering and well-drained soil. Height 90-100cm, Spread 40cm.

Wildlife benefits
The three upper stamens in each flower, which are short and wooly, contain a sap that lures many insects to the plant. The two lower stamens, which are longer and smooth, produce the pollen that fertilises the flower. Bees adore this plant, collecting pollen for their larvae. Butterflies will occasionally take nectar from the flowers.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Verbascum phoenicium (Purple Mullein)
Hardy Perennial

Slim stately spires of dainty sauce-shaped flowers in a range of lovely colours held above rosettes of deep green leaves from May to August. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Height 60cm, Spread 30cm.

Uses
These delightful plants add height and movement in the garden and work well in a mixed border, cottage garden or gravel garden.

Care
To encourage repeat flowering, cut off the centre stalk after initial flowering, just to where you see the side shoots emerging.

Wildlife benefits
Attractive to bees and butterflies

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Veronica gentianoides ‘Blue Shades’ (Gentian Speedwell)
Hardy Perennial

Veronica gentianoides forms a dense mat of thick, dark green foliage, from which tall spires of pale blue/white flowers appear in early summer. Prefers full sun or part shade and moist, but well-drained soil. Height 50cm, Spread 50cm.

Uses
Ideal for small gardens, Cottage and informal gardens, ground cover and for front to mid borders. It is also useful for the rock garden, thanks to its mat-forming tendencies.
It also works in a container and makes a great cut flower.

Care
Cut back faded flowers to encourage good growth the following year. Water regularly during dry spells.

Wildlife benefits
Produces nectar in abundance for bees and other pollinating insects.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Veronica longifolia ‘Blue Shades’ (Longleaf Speedwell)
Hardy Perennial

Tall, slender blue columns of blue flowers that taper into curvy tips are held on erect stems above a bushy, upright clump of bright green leaves. Flowers July to September. Prefers full sun (but will tolerate light shade) and moist, but well-drained soil. Height 90cm, Spread 30cm.

Wildlife benefits
Produces nectar in abundance for honeybees, bumblebees, solitary bees and butterflies.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Veronica spicata ‘Rosa Zwerg’
Hardy Perennial

Mat forming perennial with mid-green, lance-shaped foliage and upright stems bearing long slender racemes of deep pink flowers in summer. Prefers full sun and moist, but well drained soil. Height 40cm, Spread 40cm.

Wildlife benefits
As well as being attractive to ladybirds, Veronica spicata is a really winner with bees seeking pollen and nectar. Uncut stems left over winter provide refuge amongst the tight-knit foliage for hibernating beneficial insects. Cut back the stems in early spring.

Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena)
Hardy Perennial

Sprays of purple flowers from June to October on tall, slim delicate stalks that dance in the wind. It provides graceful height in a herbaceous border, complimenting the landscape without overwhelming it. Prefers full sun but can cope with dappled shade. Height 90-150cm, Spread 45cm

Wildlife benefits
Verbena bonariensis attracts more butterflies than the butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) because it flowers for longer. It also flowers when many other nectar plants have finished, and it therefore gives butterflies an essential energy boost, especially if they are to survive the winter months. Some of the butterflies it attracts include Comma, Meadow Brown, Painted Lady, Peacock, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell. It also attracts the hummingbird hawk moth, a day-time flying species that loves the flowers, as do many night-flying species that visit the flowers at dusk.

Size: 2 litres £4.00

Verbena hastata ‘White Spires’ (Tall Verbena)
Hardy Perennial (Hardy to -10C)

Spires of pure white, multi-branching, candelabra-like flowers held on study green stems over lanceolate leaves, from June to October. The flowers slowly expand as they ascend the stems like burning sparklers . Prefers full sun and light, well-drained soil. Height 90-120cm, Spread 30cm

Uses
Cottage garden, wildlife garden, borders, containers. It is also a good cutting flower.

Care
Cut flowers regularly to encourage growth and to prolong flowering. Deadhead if you don’t want it to self-seed. Cut back in Spring once the new growth starts to appear. at the base.

Wildlife benefits
Verbenas are beneficial for attracting wildlife, particularly butterflies.

Size: 2 Litres £4.00