Phacelia

If you want to hear your borders buzzing, grow Phacelia. Phacelia tanacetifolia produces unique, uncurling lavender-blue flower spikes — fiddlenecks — packed with long stamens and high-quality nectar that bees find irresistible. Listed on the RHS Plants for Pollinators and widely considered one of the top five nectar-producing plants for bees in the UK.

Flowers within 6–8 weeks of sowing. Also one of the finest green manures available — its dense root system breaks up clay soil and its foliage suppresses weeds. Approximately 500 seeds per packet.

• Phacelia tanacetifolia — Hardy Annual (H3)
• Height: 60–90cm | Flowers: June–September
• Direct sow March–September; rake in well, cover 1cm — needs darkness
• Full sun to partial shade; any soil — extremely adaptable
• Flowers in 6–8 weeks from sowing
• RHS Plants for Pollinators listed — outstanding bee plant

Scatter it into any bare patch and stand back. Within two months it will be the busiest place in the garden.