The 7 Best Wildflowers for Bees and Butterflies in the UK

Want to give bees and butterflies a helping hand and enjoy a stunning garden in the process?

Wildflowers are one of the easiest and most beautiful ways to support pollinators, especially in British gardens where many native species are in decline.

Here are seven of the best wildflowers to sow if you want to create a buzzing, fluttering haven for wildlife.

1. Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

With its striking blue petals, the cornflower is a magnet for bees, especially bumblebees.
It thrives in poor soil and often flowers in its first year when sown in spring.

  • Type: Annual
  • Bloom time: June to August
  • Attracts: Bumblebees, honeybees, hoverflies

2. Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)

A classic meadow flower with cheerful white petals and golden centres.
Oxeye daisies are particularly attractive to butterflies, which love to bask on their broad blooms.

  • Type: Perennial
  • Bloom time: May to September
  • Attracts: Meadow browns, marbled whites, bees
Bumble bees love oxeye daisies

3. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Not only does red clover enrich the soil, but its nectar-rich blooms are irresistible to long-tongued bees.
A great plant for both lawns and meadow areas.

  • Type: Perennial
  • Bloom time: May to October
  • Attracts: Carder bees, honeybees

4. Bird’s-Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)

Sometimes called ‘eggs and bacon’ because of its yellow-and-orange flowers, this compact bloomer is a favourite for pollinators and caterpillars.

  • Type: Perennial
  • Bloom time: May to September
  • Attracts: Common blue and dingy skipper butterflies

5. Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis)

This lilac-purple flower sits on long stems and acts like a landing pad for bees and butterflies alike.
It’s a showstopper in any wildlife-friendly garden.

  • Type: Perennial
  • Bloom time: June to September
  • Attracts: Painted ladies, red admirals, bumblebees

6. Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare)

Not just for cooking — wild marjoram is a low-growing, fragrant plant that attracts a wide range of bees and butterflies.
It also makes a great addition to sunny borders or containers.

  • Type: Perennial
  • Bloom time: June to September
  • Attracts: Gatekeepers, skippers, solitary bees

7. Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra)

This rugged, thistle-like flower is rich in nectar and thrives in most soils.
It’s one of the best all-rounders for attracting insects, making it a must for any wildlife patch.

  • Type: Perennial
  • Bloom time: June to September
  • Attracts: Bumblebees, butterflies, hoverflies

Want to Attract More Pollinators to Your Garden?

Creating a wildflower patch is one of the best ways to support bees and butterflies while enjoying a colourful, ever-changing display.

Browse our pollinator-friendly seed mixes to get started. Each one is curated with UK species and wildlife in mind.

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