Top News

It's a fantastic time for gardeners to plant flowers ahead of summer, but it can be tricky to know which ones will look stunning and attract insects. There are many options available, including lavender, which is one of the UK's most beloved garden plants. However, if you're searching for something a little different, there is one plant which truly stands the test of time.

Verbenas are classic bedding and border plants, prized for their colourful, abundant flowers that bloom for months. The flowers are also a "magnet" for pollinating insects, including bees, butterflies and hoverflies, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

The plant thrives in gardens, wildlife-friendly gardens, borders, and containers. Because they flower for an extended period, usually from early summer through autumn, they provide insects with a constant food source when other plants may fade.

It's relatively straightforward to maintain, but a few key conditions will help it flourish, including plenty of sunshine.

Verbena loves the sun, and generally requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day. More sun means more flowers, and in turn, more pollinators.

The plant also prefers well-draining soil and, once established, is quite drought-tolerant. Water regularly when young, but avoid overwatering when mature.

Gardeners should deadhead when needed, though most varieties will continue flowering with minimal intervention.

According to the RHS, verbenas planted in borders require no additional feeding, but plants grown in containers and hanging baskets benefit greatly from regular fertiliser to keep them blooming.

They added: "Potting compost generally contains enough fertiliser for the first month. After that, it is best to apply a potassium-rich liquid feed, such as tomato fertiliser, to encourage flowering."

For those looking to create a truly bee and butterfly-friendly garden, pairing verbena with other nectar-rich plants is highly recommended.

These include buddleja (also known as the butterfly bush), cosmos, salvia, echinacea, and lavender.