Butterflies delight us with their bright colors. They are perhaps one of the few insects that evoke positive emotions in people. Homeowners have excellent chances of attracting their attention, and it won't require any special efforts.
Researchers conducted an analysis of changes in butterfly abundance and species diversity in over 600 gardens in the UK from 2016 to 2021. The main goal was to determine how the environment affects butterflies and whether overgrown areas and nectar-producing plants attract them.
The highest number of butterflies was observed in large gardens located near forests and actively farmed agricultural land. They also prefer unmanaged areas with tall grass, which they choose for laying their larvae.
Thus, if you want to attract butterflies to your garden, you don't need to look far: just leave part of the area 'wild.' This is a great way that requires no financial investment — just choose a suitable spot so as not to spoil the overall appearance of your property.
Which Plants Attract Butterflies
You can plant nectar-rich grasses. For example, the spring azure prefers ivy for laying its larvae, while the admiral and Cabbage White enjoy its nectar. The latter is named for the white spot shaped like the letter C.
However, nectar attracts not only butterflies but also bees, so you will get an additional bonus in the form of these beneficial insects.
It is not surprising that urbanization negatively impacts butterfly populations, so if your home and garden are within the city limits, it is better to plant honey plants, as just having patches of grass will not be enough.
Butterflies also love Russian sage — they happily flutter among its branches. Additionally, this plant is beneficial for people: its leaves and flowers can be used in cooking. Sage is a perennial and hardy plant that is not afraid of heat or drought and does not require additional fertilization. Plant it in an open sunny spot — and you will bring joy to both yourself and the butterflies.
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