Top 10 plants from our 2026 Retailers’ Catalogue to attract & feed butterflies
Creating a butterfly-friendly garden isn’t just about adding colour, it’s about providing vital nectar sources throughout the seasons.
Our 2026 Retailers’ Catalogue features a wide range of plants loved by pollinator and we’ve selected 10 standout varieties that will help attract and support butterflies in any garden setting.
These are perfect for creating impactful displays in garden centre plant areas to link with the nation’s Big Butterfly Count, taking place from July 17-August 9.
This UK-wide survey plays a vital role in assessing the health of our environment, simply by counting the number and type of butterflies and day-flying moths you see. It’s a small action that makes a big difference for biodiversity and sustainability; causes we wholeheartedly support.
1. Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’
A timeless garden favourite, this compact lavender produces deep blue flower spikes that are irresistibly attractive to butterflies and bees. Ideal for borders or low hedging, it’s a must-have for any wildlife-friendly garden.
2. Echinacea ‘White Meditation’
A compact, multi-stemmed coneflower with elegant white blooms. This variety is particularly attractive to butterflies thanks to its accessible, pollen-rich flowers.
3. Salvia ‘Belle De Loire’
Producing vibrant yellow and orange blooms that evolve through the season, this long-flowering salvia attracts a wide range of pollinators. Perfect for sunny borders and containers.
4. Senecio ‘Orange Flame’
Bright orange pompom flowers combined with silvery foliage make this a real standout. It’s specifically noted as a ‘magnet for butterflies’, making it a valuable addition to sunny patios or borders.
5. Allium ‘Lavender Bubbles’
With masses of dusky purple flowers seemingly floating above lush foliage, this long-flowering allium is loved by butterflies and other pollinators. Great in borders or containers.
6. Lavandula stoechas ‘Butterfly Giant’ Series
These striking ‘butterfly lavenders’ feature bold, fragrant blooms throughout summer. Their long flowering period provides a reliable nectar source, making them a magnet for butterflies.
7. Iberis ‘Pink Ice’
This compact evergreen produces soft pink blooms with raspberry centres and is specifically noted as being loved by butterflies and bees. Perfect for edging or front-of-border planting.
8. Syringa ‘Bloomerang Pink Perfume’
A repeat-flowering lilac with fragrant pink blooms from spring through to autumn. Its scent and abundant flowers make it highly attractive to butterflies.
9. Anisodontea ‘Elegans Princess’
This long-flowering perennial provides a haven for butterflies and bees alike, with soft pink blooms adding charm to pots or sheltered borders.
10. Salvia ‘Golden Rosiene’
A later-season performer with unique golden foliage and nectar-rich flowers. Ideal for extending the feeding season and supporting butterflies into late summer and autumn.
How to create a butterfly-friendly planting scheme
Garden centre plant area teams can offer advice on how to maximise impact when butterfly-friendly planting scheme, using our top tips below:
• Plant in groups to create visible feeding zones
• Choose a sequence of flowering times for continuous nectar
• Include sunny, sheltered areas where butterflies can feed and rest
By incorporating a mix of these varieties into your planting schemes, you’ll not only create a visually stunning display but also support vital pollinator populations throughout the growing season.
Need plants?
To ensure you have the right stock to meet consumer demand, get in touch with our Garden Centre Sales Team to:
• Secure stock
• Build cohesive butterfly-friendly displays
• Access reliable plants bred for UK gardens and retail performance.
By working with us, you can confidently offer your customers the plants they would like – while maximising sales opportunities throughout the season.