WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP
Butterflies desperately need our support, and even the smallest of gardens can provide a refuge
FLOWERS
From lavender and ox-eye daisies to Verbena bonariensis and valerian, plenty of native and non-native flowers are useful refuelling stops for butterflies. Most famous is buddleia, also known as the butterfly bush. Certain late-flowering varieties are better (compact ‘Buzz’ for windowboxes; also recommended are ‘Royal Red’, ‘Dartmoor’ and ‘Autumn Beauty’). Cut back in March or April to ensure it blooms later – autumn flowering gives butterflies valuable nectar before winter.
BUTTERFLY LAWNS
Wild-flower lawns are increasingly fashionable but make sure you sow a native seed mix, including meadow staples such as ox-eye daisies, knapweed and marjoram. Yellow rattle is particularly useful because it parasitises grass, allowing other flowers to flourish. But blooms aren’t essential – simple long grass is just as good: the caterpillars of Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, Ringlets and many species of Skipper butterfly feed on grasses. Leave it long until September to allow caterpillars to pupate. Long grass is an acquired taste, but can still please lovers of order if surrounded by neatly mown paths.
‘WEEDS’ – ivy, nettles, thistles, garlic mustard
This is a hard sell for many gardeners but the single best plant for butterflies is the nettle – the caterpillars of five species (Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Red Admiral and Painted Lady) will feed on it. Ivy is also a superb source of autumn nectar for Red Admirals and the foodplant for Holly Blue caterpillars. Garlic mustard or jack-by-the-hedge is favoured by Orange Tips, while thistles are devoured by migrant Painted Ladies and are an excellent source of nectar (just chop them before they seed).
DON’T FORGET TREES
Many butterfly caterpillars eat shrubs or trees. Oak is home to the Purple Hairstreak, wych elm for White-letter Hairstreaks, hawthorn for Green Hairstreaks and overgrown blackthorn for Brown and Black Hairstreaks. Then there is holly and ivy for the Holly Blue.
TRY RELAXED GARDENING
If you can loosen your gardening style, you will help butterflies and all nature. Leave wild areas or rough patches. Try not to feed your lawn – nutrient-poor soils are better for wild flowers. Wean yourself off weedkillers and insecticides. Learn to love dandelions and you’ll be nourishing more wild things, from blackbirds to hedgehogs.