Butterflies

[WoodNymph]

What type of butterflies are attracted to Buddleia? I've seen peacock, small tortoiseshell and red admirals feeding from them but generally, will all butterflies feed from them? I'm getting quiet impatient as loads are flying passed my recently planted Buddleia

[carlj]

Add Painted lady, whites, moths and bees. Give them time to find it and it'll be swamped!

[aeshna]

Originally Posted by WoodNymph

What type of butterflies are attracted to Buddleia? I've seen peacock, small tortoiseshell and red admirals feeding from them but generally, will all butterflies feed from them? I'm getting quiet impatient as loads are flying passed my recently planted Buddleia

Hi Woodnymph,

I think some species will not be able to feed on buddleia due to the length of their proboscis.

Although if their hungry enough they will probably give it ago . I'm sure I've read Brimstone can not use buddleia (expect 100's of pictures contradicting this ) because of this.

It may also be down to preference or a more favourable food source else where. I remember one day in Broadcroft Quarry, Dorset there being 100's of buddleias in flower with no butterflies on but bramble and other flowers were heaving with Red Admiral, Peacock, Silver-studded Blue, Small Blue, Common Blue, Gatekeeper etc etc.

I don't know how many buddleia you have, but next year try cutting them back in spring at different times ensuring the buddleia 'pub' remains open a little longer

And to answer your original question, which butterflies utilise buddleia, I've seen Small Skipper, Green-veined White, Small White, Large White, Peacock, Comma, Small Tortoishell, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Dark Green Fritillary, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Aeshna

[catalaze]

Oh yes, as mentioned, all sorts of butterflies AND moths, not to mention bees. Pop out on the next warm, calm night and you'll find lots of activity. If the Buddleia is newly planted it may not have many flowers yet (the more showy the flowers, the better their attraction). Make sure it isn't wilting in the heat and give it a good plant food to make sure it has everything it needs to produce nectar. Buddleias don't usually need watering or feeding, but while they are establishing (the first couple of years) they need extra attention as the root system is still developing. You'll have great fun with a Buddleia!

[jezlee]

If you're interested in wildlife, you should always have a buddleia in the garden ... mine is a magnet every year when in flower to an amazing array of butteflies, hoverflies, bees, beetles, flies and moths .... it keeps me amused for hours with my camera!

[colinaj]

Funny how they are always attracted to alien plants.

[WoodNymph]

Thanks for all the replies, ohhh, just think all those beautiful butterflies! I'm just very impatient and expecting to see loads straight away!! Perhaps next year, when it's more established, I'll get more visiting. Can I wait that long.......

[WoodNymph]

Oh Aeshna, that's great, a butterfly 'pub'!!! Let's hope it's their favourite local!! Thanks for the info, much appreciated.