Pollinator-friendly bulbs

Some of the best pollinator-friendly bulbs include crocuses, grape hyacinths (Muscari), scillas and many ornamental alliums. These flowers provide accessible nectar and pollen at different points through the season. Rather than relying on one type, choose several pollinator-friendly bulbs that flower in succession to provide a longer-lasting source of food.

Crocuses are among the most valuable early-flowering bulbs for pollinators, with many varieties flowering in late winter or early spring when relatively little else may be available. Muscari and some scillas follow during spring, helping extend the supply of nectar and pollen as more pollinating insects become active. The RHS specifically highlights bulbs as an important source of some of the earliest seasonal forage.

Yes. Many ornamental alliums are excellent plants for bees and other pollinating insects, with their rounded flowerheads consisting of numerous small, nectar- and pollen-bearing flowers. Their later flowering period is also useful because it extends the bulb season beyond many traditional spring flowers. Numerous allium varieties are included in the RHS Plants for Pollinators selection.

Yes. Crocuses are particularly useful to early pollinators because many flower in late winter and early spring. On mild days, their open flowers can provide nectar and pollen when relatively few other garden plants are blooming. Numerous crocus species and cultivars are recognised by the RHS as Plants for Pollinators.

Some tulips and daffodils can provide food for visiting insects, but their value varies considerably between species and varieties. When supporting pollinators is the priority, choose flowers with accessible centres and combine them with proven pollinator favourites such as crocuses, Muscari, scillas and alliums. A varied planting is more useful than relying on one genus alone.

Generally, yes. Simple, open flowers with easily accessible centres are usually more useful to pollinating insects than densely double flowers. Extra petals can make nectar and pollen harder to reach, and some highly modified flowers provide less of either. The RHS therefore recommends choosing simple, open flowers with a single layer of petals where maximising accessible nectar and pollen is the aim.

Yes. Pollinator-friendly bulbs are excellent for pots, window boxes and other containers, so even a small patio or balcony can provide flowers for visiting insects. Crocuses, grape hyacinths and compact alliums are particularly useful choices. You can also layer different bulbs in one container to create successive periods of flowering from the same space.

Choose bulbs with different flowering times rather than planting varieties that all bloom at once. Early crocuses can begin the season, followed by spring-flowering Muscari and scillas, with ornamental alliums continuing the supply of flowers into late spring and summer. Combining bulbs with later-flowering perennials and annuals can extend nectar and pollen availability even further.

Plant a wide range of pollinator-friendly bulbs in generous groups, aim for flowers across as much of the year as possible and favour simple, accessible blooms. Bulbs can be grown in borders, containers and naturalised through grass, so they can be incorporated into gardens of almost any size. Avoiding pesticides, allowing other useful flowers to bloom and providing water and nesting opportunities can make the wider garden even more welcoming to pollinators.