Humans, animals and insects view colours differently. Some animals and insects are more attracted to certain colours than others. You can use colour to entice wildlife into your garden.

Read on to discover which colours of flowers attract more wildlife, and turn your garden into a haven for hedgehogs, birds, butterflies, bees, and more.

Bees

The bumblebee population in the UK has been declining rapidly for almost 10 years. You can help to support bees by providing them with plants which they love and depend on.

Bees cannot see red, but they can see blue and green, and even ultraviolet light. They are drawn to more striking colours and fragrances, and flowers which have elaborate petals and ample nectar that they can easily get to.

Ivy, chives, anemone, mint, foxgloves, crocus, muscari and bluebells are great for attracting bees.

Butterflies

One of the most popular insects in the UK, butterflies are winged beauties which come in a variety of hues. They are attracted to purple, pink, red, orange, yellow and white, but dislike blue and green.

Butterflies like nectar-rich flowers with short flower tubes or flat tops. Buddleia, also known as the butterfly bush, is well-known for attracting butterflies. Other favourites of butterflies include red valerian, camassia, eranthus, sedum, frillaria, marigolds and sunflowers.

Butterflies prefer to feed in the sun, so be sure to plant in spots that get a lot of sunshine for a better chance of attracting them.

Caterpillars

You cannot have butterflies without caterpillars, plus they can help to create a healthier ecosystem in your garden. So, it is a good idea to have plants which attract and support them too. Buckthorn, nettles and ivy are excellent for caterpillars.

Birds

Different species of birds are more attracted to different colours. Earth tones tend to attract doves and thrushes; orioles and finches like orange; tits are drawn to yellow; blue attracts jays and swifts; and robins are drawn to red.

Avoid having too much white in your garden as it can deter birds. Many birds have a white section of plumage to warn off predators, so they may see the colour white as a signal of aggression or danger.

Positioning bird tables or boxes near prickly bushes, and away from places where cats can easily get to, will help to deter unwanted predators and encourage birds to feed and nest in your garden. Provide birds with shelter for nesting with evergreen trees and conifers.

Hedgehogs

It is always exciting to see hedgehogs in your garden. Although hedgehogs have poor eyesight, they are drawn to greenery. Evergreen shrubbery and bushes are well-loved by hedgehogs, providing a safe space for them to rest and eat.

For help with selecting the best plants for attracting wildlife into your garden, please contact our knowledgeable team at Boston Bulbs by calling 01775 769333, or email us at sales@bostonbulbswholesale.co.uk.

The Boston Bulb Company has over 40 years of experience in supplying only the finest quality horticultural products from farmers and growers throughout the UK and Europe.