Ornamental plants without pesticides
For several years, the campaign has been working on the "Perennials – Without Pesticides" project. The goal is to boost national production of ornamental perennials. Our focus is on producing plant species that support our native wildlife, are non-invasive, are grown without pesticides and, of course, are a real eye-catcher in any garden!
What are ornamental perennials?
Ornamental perennials are long-lived plants used to beautify gardens, balconies, or indoor spaces. The term "ornamental perennial" can apply to both native and non-native species. For the "Perennials – Without Pesticides" project, we primarily focus on plants that do not naturally occur in Luxembourg, mainly European species.
Why ornamental perennials from Luxembourg?
Perennials are a popular plant group often used in private gardens or municipal flower beds. Demand is high and continues to grow. Unfortunately, there are currently very few producers of ornamental perennials in Luxembourg. As a result, plants are often imported from abroad, leading to long transport routes and uncertainty about pesticide-free cultivation.
Participating gardeners:
In this first phase of the project, a limited selection of perennials will be produced by two nurseries and used for demonstration beds in spring 2026. From 2027, our perennials will also be available for sale at participating nurseries. Municipalities can place orders starting September 2026.
Plant species:
Wall bellflower
Campanula portenschlagiana
VI-IX
10-15 cm
sunny
loamy,
damp
Attracts bees, bumblebees and butterflies. Requires well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; tolerates dry conditions well.
Stonecrops
Sedum reflexum
VI-VIII
15-25 cm
sunny
sandy,
dry
Attracts bees, hoverflies and butterflies. Requires full sun, dry, well-drained soil and very little fertiliser; extremely low-maintenance.
Rock speedwell
Veronica officinalis
VI-IX
15-20 cm
sunny
loamy,
sandy
Attracts wild bees, bumblebees and hoverflies. Prefers sunny to semi-shaded locations and dry to moist soil; also grows in poor soil.
Clary sage
Salvia sclarea
VI-VIII
80-120 cm
sunny
sandy,
dry
Popular with bumblebees, bees and moths. Prefers sunny, warm locations and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil; a biennial, often self-seeding.
Rose campion
Lychnis coronaria
VII-VIII
80 cm
sunny
sandy,
dry
Attracts butterflies, bees and bumblebees. Requires full sun and well-drained, fairly poor soil; tolerates drought but not waterlogging.
Cream scabious
Scabiosa ochroleuca
VI-X
60-80 cm
sunny
sandy,
dry
Attracts hoverflies, bees and wild bees. Prefers sunny spots and well-drained, nutrient-poor soil; a perennial that is easy to care for.
Fireweed
Epilobium angustifolium
VII-VIII
20-60 cm
sunny
sandy,
dry
Popular with bees, bumblebees and butterflies. Grows in sunny to semi-shaded areas, even on poor soil; spreads via root suckers.
Lemon thyme
Thymus citriodorus
VI-VIII
10-15 cm
sunny
sandy,
dry
Attracts bees, wild bees and butterflies. Requires full sun and dry, well-drained soil; tolerates drought and responds well to pruning.
Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
VI-VIII
30-60 cm
sunny
sandy,
dry
Particularly attractive to bees, bumblebees and butterflies. Prefers full sun and well-drained, calcareous soil; tolerates dry conditions but not waterlogging.