Nectar rich plants that support butterflies are the theme for the HTA’s ‘Plant of the Moment’ for July.
They include a huge range of bedding plants, perennials, flowering shrubs and bulbs that produce the simple, open blooms that butterflies love, and suit virtually any site or soil. They act as fuelling stations for butterflies, moths, bees and other beneficial insects.
One of the most popular is buddleja (Butterfly Bush). Several dwarf and compact varieties are now available to suit pots or tiny spaces, with flower colours ranging from pink and white to blue, lavender, magenta and deep purple.
Some of the best flowering perennials provide long-lasting displays, with a succession of flowers opening over several months. These include varieties of rudbeckia and Echinacea (Cone Flower), both valued for their outstanding garden performance.
Lavenders provide welcome nectar for butterflies through the summer months, while planting a range of Sedum (Ice Plants) will ensure more flowers develop into autumn to feed Small Tortoiseshell and other late-flying butterflies as they prepare for hibernation.
With more than 50 species of butterfly resident in the UK, and dozens more flying across from Europe, gardens can play a vital role in ensuring their survival.
Customers will appreciate the following planning and planting tips:
- Choose a range of suitable plants with different flowering periods to ensure there’s something in bloom throughout spring, summer and autumn for butterflies to feed from.
- Several butterflies hibernate through winter. Adults emerging from hibernation need flowers to feed on in spring. Others require autumn blooms to stock-up on nectar to help them survive during hibernation.
- While flowers are important to feed adult butterflies, different plants are needed for butterflies to lay their eggs on and to feed their caterpillars.
Click here to download the media pack which features: plant information for each month including top plants, tips and companion plant ideas, high and low resolution photos, plus Point-of-Sale samples from Floramedia and Hortipak.
Photo - ©Adam Pasco Media
