Most plants with flowers attract butterflies to the garden, however, some seem to be more appealing than others. Some butterfly species don’t feed on flower nectar but rather on substances like decaying fruit. Many butterfly species have specific host plants that they lay their eggs on. Caterpillars (larvae) hatch and feed on the plant before pupating.
This often infuriates gardeners as plants can be decimated by the voracious appetites of these creatures. The moral of the story is that in order for nature to prevail in suburban gardens sacrifices have to be made. Refrain from using pesticides and allow the insect life to flourish. This environmentally friendly gardening method is being adopted more and more around the globe. Butterflies certainly add a special element to the garden, bringing joy and beauty to young and old.
Below is just a very short list of some of the more common garden plants that are suitable for creating a butterfly garden in KwaZulu-Natal. Their botanical name is listed first with common names in (brackets).
Key: (B) = bulb (C) = climber (D) = deciduous (E) = evergreen (F) = fruit (H) = herb (I) = indigenous (N) = nectar rich (S) = seed (T) = thorns
Key: (B) = bulb (C) = climber (D) = deciduous (E) = evergreen (F) = fruit (H) = herb (I) = indigenous (N) = nectar rich (S) = seed (T) = thorns
Key: (B) = bulb (C) = climber (D) = deciduous (E) = evergreen (F) = fruit (H) = herb (I) = indigenous (N) = nectar rich (S) = seed (T) = thorns
