Attracting wildlife and insects into the garden can be hard, but with this pretty plant, they’ll never leave
09:59, 20 Apr 2026Updated 10:01, 20 Apr 2026
Forget lavender – this one plant is a ‘magnet’ for bees and butterflies in the summer(Image: GETTY)
It’s a great time for gardeners to plant flowers ready for summer, but it can be hard to know which ones will look great and attract insects. There are many on the market, including lavender, which is one of the UK’s most popular garden plants. However, if you’re looking for something a little different, there is one plant which stands the test of time.
Verbenas are classic bedding and border plants, popular for their colourful, abundant flowers that bloom for months. The flowers are also a “magnet” for pollinating insects, including bees, butterflies and hoverflies, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
The plant works well in gardens, wildlife-friendly gardens, borders, and containers. Because they flower for a long period of time, usually from early summer well into autumn, it provides insects with a constant food source when other plants may fade.
It’s relatively easy to keep alive, but a few key conditions will help it thrive, including plenty of sun.
Verbena loves the sun, and generally requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day.
More sun means more flowers, and in turn, more pollinators.
The plant also prefers well-draining soil and, once established, is quite drought-tolerant.
Water regularly when young, but avoid overwatering when mature.
Verbena is available in all different colours(Image: (Image: Getty))
Gardeners should deadhead when needed, though most varieties will continue flowering with minimal intervention.
According to the RHS, verbenas in borders don’t need feeding, but plants in containers and hanging baskets benefit from regular fertiliser to keep them flowering.
They added: “Potting compost generally contains enough fertiliser for the first month.
After that, it is best to apply a potassium-rich liquid feed, such as tomato fertiliser, to encourage flowering.”
If looking to create a truly bee and butterfly-friendly garden, pair verbena with other nectar-rich plants.
This includes buddleja (also known as the butterfly bush), cosmos, salvia, echinacea, and lavender.
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