7 summer bloomers for a nectar paradise full of butterflies and bees
Want a garden full of colour and life? Then choose summer bloomers that are not only beautiful to look at, but also attract bees, bumblebees and butterflies. With the right shrubs, you can create a garden that buzzes with activity. These 7 Proven Winners® varieties are not only richly flowering, but also real nectar and pollen magnets.
1. Buddleja Chip series
These mini butterfly bushes are richly flowering and irresistible to butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects. And they even fit on your balcony. They come in a variety of colours, including blue (Blue Chip), lilac (Lilac Chip), pink (Pink Micro Chip®), reddish pink (Ruby Chip) and white (White Chip®).
2. Buddleja Miss series
The large flower panicles on sturdy stems of this butterfly bush bring a summery atmosphere to your garden. The Miss varieties bloom for a long time and attract masses of butterflies and bees. They grow to a height of about 150 cm and are available in white (Miss Pearl), ruby red (Miss Ruby) and purple (Miss Violet).
3. Caryopteris
This late bloomer is perfect for late summer nectar. The deep blue flowers and dark green leaves of Beyond Midnight® remain beautiful into autumn. For more contrast, choose Sunny Blue®, with striking yellow-green leaves and blue flowers.
4. Diervilla Kodiak® series
Another favourite that should not be missing from your garden. Diervilla is strong, drought-tolerant and valuable for insects. The yellow flowers attract bees, while the colourful foliage remains decorative until autumn. Choose from Kodiak® Mixx, Red, Black or Orange.
5. Vitex Blue Diddley
With its blue-purple flowers and Mediterranean look, this compact shrub is a striking addition to any garden – and a favourite with bees. It is also highly resistant to heat and drought.
6. Spiraea Double Play® Doozie
This special Spiraea keeps producing new flowers, so it blooms non-stop from late spring to autumn. Bees love the countless deep red-pink flowers. The foliage gradually changes colour from dark red to dark green.
7. Cephalanthus Sugar Shack
The spherical, white flowers of this snowball bush are full of nectar and irresistible to butterflies and bees. Striking red fruits appear in autumn. Bonus: it smells wonderful!
With these 7 summer bloomers, you can turn your garden into a lively paradise where bees and butterflies feel at home. And you? You get to enjoy all that beauty too.
