Wildflower Mix for Butterflies

A rich assortment of wild perennials and annuals, chosen for their particularly nectar-rich blooms or for their foliage that hosts and feeds the eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalises of several species of butterflies. They are sown directly in place in autumn or spring, in full sun or partial shade. They like well-loosened and prepared soil. The resulting meadow will bloom for several years, from spring to autumn, providing a true refuge for biodiversity.

This selection consists of 21 species of perennials and 4 species of annual or naturalised plants that are hardy and easy to grow in most of our regions. Annuals such as borage bloom 6 to 8 weeks after sowing, while perennials will produce their first flowers from the second year onwards. Autumn sowing produces flowers the following spring. Some, especially annuals, are easily naturalised by spontaneous seedlings, in ordinary, well-draining soil. The size of the plants varies between 80cm (31in) and 1m (3ft) in height.

The mix includes: blueberry, catnip, fennel, echium (viper), teaser, yarrow, Lythrum salicaria (loosestrife), trefoil, foxglove, swollen campion, Lychnis flos-cuculi (meadow carnation).

Our advice: this mixture will attract more butterflies if it is planted in the shelter of a varied hedge or a wall covered with climbers that will protect them from the wind.

The flower meadow blooms throughout summer, promotes biodiversity, and grows almost without care. It just needs watering if the weather is very dry. Mow 10 to 20cm (4 to 8in) from the ground in autumn. Ideal for bringing colour and life to sunny gardens, butterfly lovers will particularly appreciate this mix. It will also attract bees to fruit trees or the vegetable garden, encouraging pollination and fruit production.