Attracting butterflies

So after going on holiday and going to a butterfly farm, hence all the photos, i've decided i'd really like to attract them to my garden. Probably take more photos and post here

But, i dont know what to plant to attract them. I've never really seen many around here, especially this year. So, what can i plant to attract them to my garden? I live in manchester if that makes any difference

 

Hi, NewbieGreen. I love butterflies as well and started photographing them last year ... that is, when I see them and they are not fluttering past too quickly! :D

I do know Buddleia attract them but, since I've moved here I can't be helpful as I have different shrubs and flowers that attract them and hopefully someone else will come along and help you.

If you plan on starting your butterfly link ... perhaps you should move to Members Hobbies or Members Gallery ... just a thought.

Look forward to seeing your pics.

 

I don't know about butterflies, but maybe you can take inspiration from the birds...

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/AboutBirdsandFeeding/BirdFoods.htm

 

Buddlea, Viburnum bonariensis is even better and sedium. I also think Michaelamas daisy would be good as well. Make sure they are in full sun. The butterflies like to feed and sunbathe at the same time. A bit of shelter keeps them more settled and easier to photograph.

 

I have just looked through some of my butterfly photos on Flickr. I have captured them on Phlox, Golden Road and ivy flowers.
Need some ideas for flowers that are out earlier for the late spring/early summer butterflies.

 

Hi Newbie as the guys says buddleia is great for attracting butterflies although it does tend to grow a little large so you would have to find a good size space in your garden for it.
Helen.xxx.

 

Hebes are good for attracting butterflies too, especially the larger varieties such as Autumn Glory.

 

Ooo, i've already got a Hebe, but its only a small one, at the minute anyway.

I'll get myself a Buddleia davidii then. Can i plant one now for next year?

 

The RSPB have just started a wildlife gardening campaign, loads of information here http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/wildlifegarden/

 

We have a very large Buddleia in our garden , been there for years and every summer it is full of butterflies except for this year.
Probably the weather but it was a shame .
Anyone else notice the lack of butterflies this year?

 

You can keep your Buddleia in bounds to a certain extent by chopping it down to virtually ground level every spring. In fact it is recommended as it keeps it less leggy and it will grow 6foot or so by late summer when it flowers.

 

Three years ago was a good year for butterflies. I counted over 30 at one point on an patch of Verbena bonariensis. But I have hardly seen any since inspite of having a number of butterfly friendly plants.

 

Grow yourself a small patch of nettles the small totoisehell butterfly will breed on it, a few other plants that attract are Aster, Aubrieta, Buddleia, Candytuft, Ceanothus, Cirsium, Clethra, Coneflower, Cotoneaster,Crocus, Dandelion, Escallonia, Field Scabious, Forget-me-not, Hebe, Helichrysum, Heliotrope, Hemp Agrimony, Hydrangea, Hyssop, Lavender, Linum Perenne, Lobelia, Marigold, Mint, Muscari, Pot Marigold, Red Valerian, Sedum, Skimmia, Solidago, Sweet William, Thyme, Toadflax, Verbena, Virginian Stock, Zinnia, also some butterflies are plant specific we have a large holly that attracts the tiny holly blue.