Some plants can provide nectar for butterflies in a Wild Space of any size. They really are superstars for pollinators.
How to grow:
Can be grown from seed and available as small plants (known as plug plants). Grows well in pots or amongst grasses.
Sun/Shade:
Full sun
Soil type:
Likes nutrient-poor, well-drained soil.
Flowering time:
May – September
45 different species of butterfly and moth are known to feed on Bird’s-foot Trefoil, including the Common Blue butterfly, whose caterpillars eat the leaves and adults visit the flowers for nectar.
Did you know?
The deep-red flower buds turn orange and bright yellow as they develop, giving an alternative name of “eggs and bacon”.
How to grow:
Can be grown from seed in the spring, or young plants are available in the spring and summer.
Sun/Shade:
Full sun or partial shade
Soil type:
Well-drained soil preferred
Flowering time:
July – September
Seven different types of caterpillar feed on Wild Marjoram, including those of the Burnished Brass and Mint Moths. The dainty, purple flowers are a valuable source of nectar for many different butterflies and moths including Green-veined White, Peacock and Ringlet butterflies.
Did you know?
Marjoram and Oregano are closely related and virtually all varieties are very good for pollinators. Origanum vulgare grows wild in the UK and attracts the most species of butterflies and moths.
How to grow:
Grows naturally in woodlands and hedgerows. Can be grown from seed or using a technique known as ‘layering’, where a partially buried stem can grow roots and eventually become a new plant.
Sun/Shade:
Prefers partial shade but will tolerate full sun.
Soil type:
Moist but well-drained soil
Flowering time:
June – September
Potentially harmful. Fruit are ornamental – not to be eaten
Honeysuckles are the food plant for 39 different types of caterpillar, including those of the Angle Shades, Buff Ermine and Common Emerald moths.
The fragrant, tubular flowers are important nectar sources for butterflies and moths with long tongues, such as the Elephant Hawk-moth and the Burnished Brass moth.
Did you know?
Honeysuckles are in the plant family Caprifoliaceae which means “goat-leaf” in Latin. It is thought this refers to the plants’ excellent climbing abilities!
How to grow:
Can be grown from seed. Grows well in meadows and other grassy places, including road verges.
Sun/Shade:
Full sun or partial shade
Soil type:
Moist but well-drained soil
Flowering time:
June to September
Knapweeds are the caterpillar food for several species of moth and their flowers are an especially good source of nectar for butterflies, including the Comma and Painted Lady butterflies.
Did you know?
The thistle-like purple ‘flowers’ are actually made up of many tiny ‘florets’. Florets near the edge have large petals to attract pollinators, whilst those in the centre are smaller and produce the seeds. Unlike thistles, knapweeds do not have spines or prickles.
How to grow:
Often found growing naturally but can be grown in pots.
Sun/Shade:
Full sun or partial shade
Soil type:
All soil types
Flowering time:
March – October
Dandelions are eaten by the caterpillars of 44 different types of butterflies and moths, including the Hebrew Character moth.
The cheerful yellow flowers have a long flowering period, providing essential nectar when other flowers are scarce. Butterflies that sip nectar from Dandelions include Brimstone, Orange-tip and Small Copper butterflies.
Did you know?
Dandelion flowers close at night (probably to protect the pollen) and so don’t feed most moths..