gardenandhome.co.za | SEPTEMBER 2019 91
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Include nectar-
producing plants
As many flowering plants have been
hybridised, they produce less or no
nectar, which is another reason for
dwindling butterfly numbers. Before
buying plants, establish whether they are
original species or hybrids.
To attract butterflies, group nectar-
producing flowers together rather than
dotting them around. Shrubs should
be planted in groups of three to five.
Butterflies prefer sun-loving plants and
are often seen on the leaves warming
themselves in the sun.
According to Steve Woodhall, author
of Field Guide to Butterflies of South
Africa (Struik), the following are good
butterfly-attracting plants:
Zinnia, echinacea, scabiosa, heliotrope,
buddleja (both indigenous and exotic),
‘Margaret Roberts’ lavender, French
lavender, Spanish lavender, indigenous
creeping foxglove (Asystasia gangetica),barleria, impatiens, marigold, lobelia,
alyssum, gazania, daisy, salvia, perennial
basil, pentas, verbena, rosemary, ribbon
bush and Limonium perezii.2
Set up feeding stations
Some butterflies prefer fermenting
fruit to nectar. Place a plate of bananas,
orange halves or pineapple peels in a
secluded spot. Make sure it’s far away
from birdbaths and birdfeeders to
prevent birds from eating the butterflies.3
Don’t use pesticides
As some butterfly species feed on
ant brood (the secretions of aphids)
and fermenting liquid caused by borer
in tree bark, don’t spray these pests or
you’ll kill the butterflies as well. It goes
without saying that you shouldn’t spray
nectar-producing flowers – even with
organic products. And don’t destroy
every caterpillar you see; they could be
the larvae of moths or butterflies. Common dotted border
on Limonium pereziiThe winter form of the gaudy commodore
at Butterfly Valley, Ramsgate.Eyed pansy (also known as ox-eyed
pansy) on indigenous scabiosa.Variable diadem feeding on
fermenting pineapple peels.