This is a collaborative post.
Butterflies are a beautiful sight to behold in a garden, and if you’d like to enjoy their presence in your garden, then planting the right bushes that attract butterflies is essential. Every butterfly species has its own preferences regarding food sources and shelter, which means that some shrubs are better suited to attracting butterflies than others. The buddleia bush excels at attracting almost all species, for which you can find the go to guide here.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the top bushes that attract butterflies in the UK so that you can choose the right ones for your garden. We’ll start by discussing the most attractive plants to butterflies and then go into detail about what characteristics each bush has to make it attractive to different species.
Bushes That Attract Butterflies In The UK
1. Buddleja davidii
Buddleja davidii, more commonly known as the Butterfly Bush, is an excellent option for any butterfly enthusiast in the UK. This deciduous shrub is native to China, but it has become a popular choice in the UK for its ability to attract butterflies.
It blooms flowers in shades of pink, white, purple, and yellow that attract butterflies in droves. The flowers are also fragrant and have a long bloom period from late spring to late summer. Buddleja davidii is an easy-to-care-for bush that can grow up to 6 feet in height and width and is hardy in zones 6 to 9.
2. Sedum spectabile
Sedum spectabile, or Ice Plant, is a great choice for those looking to attract butterflies to their garden. This bushy plant grows to around 30 centimetres and produces bright yellow flowers during the summer months.
Its flowers also produce plenty of nectar, making them attractive to butterflies. The plant has thick, fleshy leaves that retain moisture during the summer months and protect the plant during the winter. It is a very hardy plant and can survive the cold British climate.
3. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender, is a popular choice for gardeners in the United Kingdom who are looking to attract butterflies. This bushy evergreen shrub grows to heights of up to 1.2 metres and boasts long, thin grey-green leaves and intense violet-blue flower spikes that blossom from June to late August.
Its sweetly scented fragrances attract various butterfly species, including skippers, whites, blues and copper butterflies.
4. Buddleja globosa
Buddleja globosa, often known as the orange ball tree, is a wonderful addition to any garden if you’re looking for a bush that will attract butterflies. This deciduous shrub is native to South America but can be grown in the UK. It has an upright, rounded shape and can reach up to 3.5 meters in height.
It produces orange, globular clusters of fragrant flowers in late summer that are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators. Buddleja globosa is an easy-to-care-for bush that prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It’s best planted in sheltered areas to protect it from strong winds.
5. Hebe pinguifolia
Hebe pinguifolia, also known as “Penguin Hebe”, is an excellent choice for attracting butterflies in the UK. This bushy shrub has a dense, low-growing habit and can reach a height of 1.5 meters. The evergreen foliage is blue-green in colour and produces white flowers from early summer to early autumn.
Hebe pinguifolia is highly attractive to butterflies, as well as other pollinators, and is an ideal choice for a wildlife-friendly garden. It is easy to maintain, requiring minimal pruning and no fertiliser, and will thrive in most soil types in full sun or partial shade.
Conclusion
In conclusion, butterfly gardening in the UK is not only a rewarding way to enjoy nature, but it is also beneficial for the environment. By planting the right combination of native plants and flowers that attract butterflies, you can create a colourful and inviting landscape for these beautiful insects. With a few simple steps, you can help create a habitat for butterflies and other pollinators in the UK and contribute to their conservation.
