"RHS Plants for Pollinators"
...Wait! I thought it was the "RHS Perfect for Pollinators" scheme? Yes, yes it was. Here's what happened.In 2011 the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society, here in the UK) launched "RHS Perfect for Pollinators" plant labelling scheme. It was a great way of helping the gardening public choose plants to support pollinating insects.
Nurseries and Garden Centres could register with the RHS, and print a logo on appropriate plant labels and advertising material to help guide shoppers towards flowering plants that would be attractive to bumble bees, honey bees, solitary bees, hover flies, beetles, moths and butterflies.
Super! However...
Studies began to show that some of the plants bearing the logo "RHS Perfect for Pollinators" had actually been exposed to pesticides during their growing. So although the plant had the right attributes to attract beneficial pollinators, it could potentially be lethal to them.The RHS realised that they couldn't possibly 'police' all the commercial plant producers in the world to ensure that the logo was applied only to organically grown plants, so instead they chose to slightly tweak their branding.
Enter the new "RHS Plants for Pollinators" logo
The rebranding took place on 10th May 2018, and should soon begin to filter it's way on to the marketplace.
So remember, when you see this logo, it is commenting on the attractiveness of the plant species to pollinating insects; be that the colour, markings, flower shape, scent etc, rather than suggesting that these plants are safe for pollinators because have been grown without coming into contact with pesticides or other chemicals.
It's an important distiction.
The RHS are trying to increase our awareness of beneficial insects, applying pressure to reduce the use of harmful chemicals in horticulture at large, and are also working with the industry to produce a list of Organic plant nurseries and producers, which is available on their website.
Choosing Plants for Pollinators
Keep your eyes peeled for these logos next time you go plant shopping, understand what they mean and that they make no promises, but above all, do your own research.Try to provide a range of plants that flower over as wide a timespan as you can, to ensure pollinators have access to food throughout the year. The RHS have a list of pollinator friendly plants but here are a few suggestions to get you started:
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| Buddleja flower through summer well into autumn, this is a dwarf variety and is just as attractive to pollinators as a big cultivar |
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| Hollyhocks flower in summer on very tall stems, single flowered cultivars are best for pollinators rather than flouncy doubles |
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| Phlox paniculata flower during summer into early autumn |
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| Allium flower mainly during May - bees love them! |
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| Crocus - one of the earliest flowering plants of the year and a vital food source for pollinators |
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| Lavender - wonderful for insects (and the lesser-known pollinating hens!) |
Love
Rebecca xx
NB: The Royal Horticultural Society, and its logo, are trade marks of The Royal Horticultural Society (Registered Charity No 222879/SC038262) and used under licence”.
