Garden Q&A: What early-blooming perennials attract pollinators in spring?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions 

Spring-flowering bulbs are good for pollinators. You should be able to get these in garden centres now as pot-grown plants, though it's more cost-effective to wait until autumn and plant them as bulbs, writes Peter Dowdall.

Question

Which early-flowering perennials should I plant now to attract pollinators in spring?

Answer

By planting early spring-flowering perennials, you will help the pollinators which are out early in the season and which are essential for plant reproduction, biodiversity, and food production. 

Spring-flowering bulbs such as crocus, muscari and rranthis are all good for pollinators. You should be able to get these in garden centres now as pot-grown plants, though it will be far more cost effective to wait until autumn and plant them as bulbs.

Primula vulgaris.

The beautiful, simple primrose, Primula vulgaris, is rich in nectar and will attract long-tongued bees and some butterflies as they wake from hibernation. 

The very bright hybrid primroses that you see available in shops and garden centres are no good for pollinators, unfortunately. They may as well be artificial to them — instead look for naturally occurring species.

Aubrieta, pulmonaria and hellebores are some more early spring perennials that will provide food for pollinating insects in the spring.

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