Attracting Birds and Butterflies to the garden you need to consider a few things
Eliminate the use of chemicals, sprays or pesticides that kill the bird or butterfly itself or the butterfly lava.
Plant shrubs bushes, perennials and annuals that will attract birds and butterflys (nectar giving plants) and act as breeding grounds for butterflys (host plants)
So where to start when looking for Butterfly Friendly Plants.
Buddleia are known as the Butterfly Bush, they are great for attracting butterflys and nectar eating birds. Buddleia are hardy and fairly drought tolerant, so start with something like one of the Buddleia davidii species.
Butterfly Nectar and Breeding Grounds - Plants that are Butterfly Friendly and attractive to different species of Butterfly.
Now this depends on the butterfly, The Zebra Swallowtail prefers Paw Paw, Buddleia, Blueberry and even Privit, while the American Painted Lady prefers Everlasting Daisies, Aster, Privit, and Mallow. So you will need to do a little research into what type of butterfly does best in your local climate. Listed below are some general ideas on suitable nectar plants and breeding grounds.
Butterfly Nectar Giving Plants
Verbena, Aster, Lavender, Eupatorium,Echinacae, Lychnis, Heliopsis, Stokesia, Phlox, Scabiosa, Coreopsis, Silidago, Mondara, Lobelia, Ageratum, Brachyscome.
Butterfly Breeding Ground Plants
Cabbages (brassica), Capers, Clover, Lemon Trees, Foxglove, Hollyhock, Parsley, Dill, Sunflower, Dogwood, Viburnum, Paw Paw. |
