Butterflies are more than just a colourful addition to your garden—they are hardworking pollinators, helping flowers and edibles thrive. Unlike bees, butterflies can see the colour red and other wavelengths, making them valuable contributors to pollination.
But their role doesn’t stop there. As indicator species, butterflies can reveal environmental changes, like pollution and climate shifts, with their presence—or sadly, their absence.
Unfortunately, butterfly populations in New Zealand are declining due to habitat destruction, pesticide use, and the loss of nectar sources. But there’s good news: you can create a butterfly-friendly garden that supports these delicate creatures and adds beauty to your outdoor space.
Why Are Butterflies Important?
Butterflies are not just pollinators; they are critical in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Their sensitivity to environmental changes makes them vital early warning signals for pollution or habitat degradation. Without action, we risk losing their invaluable contributions to biodiversity.
How to Create a Butterfly-Friendly Garden
Provide a Habitat and Food
Butterflies need safe spaces to feed, lay eggs, and shelter from the elements. Installing a Butterfly House or Feeder can help:
- Butterfly Houses: Provide shelter over winter.
- Nectar Bowls: Attract butterflies (and other beneficial insects) with a simple homemade nectar mix. Mix four parts of hot water with one part of granulated sugar. Allow the mixture to cool before filling your nectar bowl.
This nectar supports butterflies and encourages hoverflies, bees, and even beneficial wasps, promoting a healthy garden ecosystem.
Plant Butterfly-Friendly Plants
Butterflies rely on two types of plants:
- Nectar Plants: For adult butterflies to feed on.
- Host Plants: For female butterflies to lay eggs and provide a food source for their larvae.
For best results:
- Plant in blocks of colour: Butterflies are drawn to vibrant, clustered blooms.
- Go big with groupings: Plant at least three of the same species to create an attractive feeding zone.
Butterfly-Friendly Plants for NZ Gardens
Here’s a list of plants to attract butterflies:
- Ageratum
- Aster
- Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)
- Callistemon (Bottlebrush)
- Coreopsis
- Daisy
- Dianthus
- Echinacea (Coneflower)
- Hollyhock
- Iberis (Candytuft)
- Lantana
- Marigold
- Nasturtium
- Rudbeckia
- Swan Plant (a favourite for Monarch butterflies)
- Zinnia
New Zealand’s 20 butterfly species require specific host plants to lay their eggs. For a comprehensive list of nectar and host plants, visit the Monarch Butterfly NZ Trust.
Garden Expert Tip: Encourage Pollinator-Friendly Zones
To further boost your garden’s butterfly appeal:
- Avoid pesticides, which can harm butterflies and their caterpillars.
- Incorporate a mix of sun and shade areas to suit different species.
- Add shallow water sources for hydration.
Start Your Butterfly Garden Today
Creating a butterfly-friendly garden is a rewarding way to support pollinators and add life to your outdoor space. With the right plants and a little care, you’ll enjoy the fluttering beauty of butterflies throughout the season.
Need help getting started? Check out our range of butterfly-attracting plants or visit The Daily Gardener and the Monarch Butterfly NZ Trust for more tips on designing your butterfly haven. Let’s work together to protect these magical creatures and ensure their place in our gardens for years.
