Butterflies Flowers
for Butterflies: Butterflies visit gardens to drink
nectar for energy. There are a number of plants and shrubs
that are ideal, its is important to provide flowers throughout
the season. The two crucial times are during the spring when
flowers are available for butterflies emerging from hibernation.
In addition late summer and early autumn flowering plants
are necessary to build up reserves in the run up to winter. Suggested
spring plants: Aubretia, Forget-me-not
Bluebell, Honesty
Clover, Pansy/Violet
Daisy, Primrose
Dandelion, Wallflower
Late summer/autumn plants:
Buddleia, Marjoram
French marigolds, Michaelmas daisy
Ice plant, Mint
Ivy, Red valerian
Knapweed, Scabious
Lavender, Thyme Old-fashioned
varieties often have more nectar than new hybrids. Be sure
to water wildlife gardens properly, the amount of nectar reduces
dramatically if plants are not regularly watered. It is important
to remember that butterflies will concentrate in the warmer
areas of a garden or meadow. Sunny, sheltered spots in the
garden are most popular with the majority of species. Providing
for caterpillars:
Plant |
Caterpillar |
Stinging Nettle |
Small Tortoiseshell |
|
Peacock |
|
Comma |
|
Red admiral |
Holly and Ivy |
Holly Blue |
Buckthorn and alder Buckthorn |
Brimstone |
Cuckooflower |
Orange-tip |
Garlic Mustard |
Green-veined White |
There
has been a return of the Speckled Wood butterfly in recent
years. The species which hadn’t been seen since the
early 19th century due to the prolonged cold period forcing
them south. This was one of the findings made from the Butterfly
Conservation survey which has published its results. Photographs
reprinted with kind permission of Martin Warren at Butterfly
Conservation.
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