Nettles And Butterflies...

[sandyRoe]

I think I read somewhere that nettles in a garden would attract butterflies. I've allowed a healthy patch to grow but so far no more butterflies than usual. Could they be the wrong kind of nettles?

[Tilly2]

Maybe there are no butterflies in your area, sandy

[sandyRoe]

Could well be, Tilly. I should have let the garden run wild long before now.

[woofgang]

its not the right time of year. Butterflies lay their eggs on the nettles and the caterpillar eat the leaves which is how they benefit. They lay in the spring so you'll need to wait till next year to see the results.

[sandyRoe]

Wolfgang, it's nice to have a reason to neglect the garden, or make it more eco friendly as I like to think of it, so the nettles can stay.

[boxtops]

I have a huge nettle which always grows in my garden - but I've only seen 2 butterflies this year, and they were both cabbage whites. Too hot, I suspect.

[Maydup]

Some of the most. Beautiful butterflies depend upon nettles for their survival. Once they find your patch they'll stay sandy. Hopeful next spring.

http://www.nettles.org.uk/nettles/wildlife/butterflies.asp

[Chipchopper]

Stinging nettles are an excellent addition to the wildlife garden, approx 40 species of insects are attracted and at least 4 species of butterfly, including the tortoise shall.
If you have a patch of stinging nettles (not dead nettles) you at least have half a chance. Look out for webbing among the leaves.

Good luck- Chip.

[Hymie]

When I was growing-up, we had a lavender tree in our front garden that attracted many butterflies. And when I started primary school, a fellow student had a lavender tree in his back garden, which he and his siblings called ‘The Butterfly Tree’ – need I say more?

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

Forgive me Hymie, but I think you mean a lilac tree. We had the same and it was always covered in lovely butterflies.

[Hymie]

Ideed - Lilac tree, too drunk to know the difference right now!!!

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

Cheers!

[rowanwitch]

You need nettles for the eggs and caterpillars and flowers for the adults... the best thing is that old standby buddleia but make sure its a mauve rather than purple one also open flowers like asters and they seem to like golden rod (solidago) too