Super 7 BUTTERFLY PLANTS

1

Early crocus ( Crocus sublimis ‘Tricolor’) Mauve blooms with white and yellow throats, from January onwards. 2

Dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale) Sustains early butterflies from mid-april; its seeds attract goldfinches. 3

Jack-by-the-hedge

( Alliaria petiolata) Native biennial with white flowers in April/may. A food plant for orange-tips. The caterpillars also feed on sweet rocket ( Hesperis matronalis).

4

Honesty ( Lunaria annua) A biennial flowering in April/may. Popular with early butterflies such as orangetips. Variety ‘Corfu Blue’ flowers later for longer.

5

Butterfly bush ( Buddleja davidii) All forms sustain up to 22 butterfly species when laden with nectar in July/august.

6

Marjoram ( Origanum vulgare) Purple-pink clusters of blooms produce highly concentrated nectar adored by many, including small tortoiseshells and small coppers.

7 Verbena bonariensis

Willowy late-flowering perennial that forms a perfect landing platform for all butterflies.