Gardening for
moths and butterflies
Grow nectar-rich flowers
By day and by night, gardens large and small can provide a haven for Britain’s beleaguered butterflies and moths. Kate Bradbury suggests nine ways to support all the stages of their life cycles
Make sure something is in flower from March through to November, starting with primroses, bluebells and forget-me-nots in spring, then alliums, lavender and scabious in late summer, and late-flowering Verbena bonariensis, sedums and rudbeckias in autumn.
Plant some climbers Bare fences and walls are a wasted opportunity to help butterflies. Cover them with plants and provide nectar-rich flowers and shelter for species, such as brimstones, to hibernate. If you grow hops, comma butterflies may lay their eggs on its leaves.
Provide caterpillar foodplants Add a window box If you don’t have a garden or your space is small, grow nectar-rich flowers in pots, window boxes or hanging baskets. Choose low-growing primrose and lavender for pots, and nasturtiums for baskets.
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Wild Suffolk | Spring / Summer 2020
Butterflies need the right plants to lay eggs in your garden. Grow cuckooflower for caterpillars of the orangetip butterfly, nettles for peacocks, small tortoiseshells and red admirals, and holly and ivy for the holly blue.
