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Originally Posted by Susie  I only became aware that Abelia chinensis was good for butterflies when a picture of it with some red admirals feeding was put up on the Sussex Butterfly Conservation website with a question asking what flower it was.
Subsequently we discovered that it was chinensis and if you do a google there are lots of reports of it being good for butterflies (these are mainly American because it doesn't seem to be a common plant over here). I imagine it will be good for moths too. It is part of the honeysuckle family so the long fragrant trumpets have got to be a winner really.
I will be pleased to report back on what sort of success I have and if it is good then I shall take cuttings for anyone who wants them. |
It's interesting that some flowers can be really good for some exotic species, yet our own will often ignore. I've grown Lantana in the past- often grown in butterfly houses + I've seen butterflies use it in Florida + other locations, but never seen a butterfly on it in the UK. Will certainly look up chinensis + look forward to hearing your results- hopefully positive!