Bees in your Garden
Look for the Plants for Pollinators symbol when searching our find a plant database, or use the Plants for Pollinators filter, to see the selection of plants.
The Plants for Pollinators lists can be downloaded below:
The lists are reviewed by RHS staff. In 2022, the most extensive review of the lists was initiated, it is expected to take 18 months to complete. Relevant research is being evaluated and observations or requests for changes to the lists are being considered. This may result in plants being added or removed from the lists. The previous update was August 2019 (download the list bel0w).
Discover how to use native and non-native plants to benefit pollinators and other invertebrates in gardens through findings from RHS Plants for Bugsresearch.
Using the Plants for Pollinators logo
The RHS Plants for Pollinators registered trademark is available for use by the horticultural trade and groups that want to promote the initiative.
Complete the registration form to download the Plants for Pollinators logos. You will also get access to the guidelines document and terms and conditions on the use of the trademark.
Plants for Pollinators replaces Perfect for Pollinators
One of the biggest problems for pollinators is a lack of flowering plants, especially those packed with pollen and nectar, so in 2011 we launched the Perfect for Pollinators logo to encourage gardeners to grow more of them. We care passionately about our bees, hoverflies, butterflies and other pollinators and believe gardens play an important role in reversing their decline. The brand has never resulted in any profit for the RHS.
We have been reviewing the logo after research found that some labelled plants contained traces of pesticides. While the RHS encourages responsible growing practices, it cannot, as a charity, police how hundreds of thousands of plants are grown each year within the horticultural trade. Rather than get rid of the brand altogether – which would undermine efforts to boost pollinator numbers - we are changing the name to Plants for Pollinators. This new name better reflects the significance of the logo; showing gardeners those flowering plants that are attractive to pollinators without commenting on the way in which they have been grown.
We anticipate that the process of rebranding may take some years as we work with the industry to ensure a smooth transition. In the interim we urge gardeners to continue to look to the logo as a guide to what plants will support pollinators in their gardens as we must continue to help these vital insects.
One of the RHS’s key objectives is to help gardeners to garden responsibly and grow more plants; for instance, we promote non-chemical means of control for gardeners and provide extensive advice on alternatives to pesticides. For those that prefer to have more confidence that the plants they purchase do not contain pesticide residues we have created a list of organic nurseries. We are also eager to continue to work with the horticultural trade and Government to establish how assurance schemes and supply chains can be improved to help buyers and gardeners make informed decisions, such as including information at the point of sale about how plants have been grown.
What else can I do to help pollinators?
- Allow lawn ‘weeds’ to flower by cutting less often
- Provide water for pollinators
- Avoid using pesticides wherever possible and never spray open flowers
- Provide nest sites for wild bees
More advice on how gardeners can help our declining bees and other pollinators
No comments:
Post a Comment