How to attract butterflies and bees to your garden

One of the great joys of gardening is watching nature’s ecosystem in action – bees buzzing around the colourful flowers and delightful butterflies landing on your plants. Having lots of native plants in your garden is one way to encourage and attract more wildlife and pollinators. Native plants are one of the best sources for bees and butterflies because they provide specific food sources that local pollinators have evolved to rely on. Want to know how to attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators? Look for these four native plants:

• Hop goodenia (Goodenia ovata)
• Bottlebrushes (Callistemon spp)
• Rice flower (Pimelea ferruginea)
• Correa/Native fuchsia (Correa spp)

Hop goodenia (Goodenia ovata)

A hardy, fast-growing small shrub that’s dotted with bright yellow flowers in spring and summer. Reaching a height and width of up to 2m, it’s an ideal filler for garden beds with its glossy green leaves creating a lush backdrop. That is also a prostrate form that makes an attractive groundcover. Plant it in a partly sunny or shaded spot and give it a good prune after flowering.

Bottlebrushes (Callistemon spp)

These reliable shrubs light up the garden in spring and summer with pendulous, flower-filled branches. Flower colours range from classic red to pink, mauve, white and lime green. Compact ‘Little John’ is ideal for borders or pots, while larger cultivars like ‘Captain Cook’ make excellent screening plants. Tolerant of drought, light frost and coastal conditions, bottlebrushes thrive in full sun.

Rice flower (Pimelea ferruginea)

With its neat, rounded form, shiny leaves and generous flushes of pink or white blooms from spring to summer, this hardy evergreen is suited to coastal gardens and thrives in temperate climates. Plant in full sun or part shade. While tolerant of dry spells, it benefits from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

Correa/Native fuchsia (Correa spp)

Tough, tidy and long-flowering, correas are a reliable choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. The tubular blooms in white, soft pink, green, bright red or orange – and sometimes bi-coloured – appear from autumn to winter. Compact cultivars like ‘Dusky Bells’ are ideal for borders or understorey planting, while spreading forms are great groundcovers. Drought-tolerant once established.

Keep in mind…

Be mindful when choosing plants, as some species can be toxic to children and pets. Also, make sure the plants are suitable for your local area, since certain varieties may be considered weeds in some states and territories.

Ready to encourage more birds and insects?

Check out how to attract wildlife to your garden.

Photo credit: Alamy Stock Photo, Adobe Stock.