January can be a difficult month for pollinators as there are fewer flowering plants available, but there are still some great options for providing nectar and pollen. Here are a few plants and shrubs that can be good choices for pollinators in January in the UK:
- Winter-flowering heather (Erica x darleyensis): This evergreen shrub produces pink or white flowers from December to April, providing an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators during the winter months.
- Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.): These small, delicate bulbs produce white flowers from January to February, providing an early source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. They’re also a great addition to woodland gardens and can be grown in pots or borders.
- Hellebores (Helleborus spp.): These evergreen perennials produce large, cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple from January to March, providing nectar for bees and other pollinators. They’re also shade tolerant and can be grown in containers or in the ground.
- Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis): This low-growing perennial produces yellow, cup-shaped flowers from January to March, providing a valuable early source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.
- Mahonia (Mahonia spp.): This evergreen shrub produces yellow flowers from January to March, providing an important source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. It’s also low maintenance and can tolerate poor soil and drought.
Planting these and other winter-flowering plants and shrubs can help provide a valuable source of nectar for pollinators during the colder months of the year when food can be scarce.