Mentha
Mint
This plant attracts the following butterflies:
Comma, Gatekeeper, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White
Memorable images of 2003:
Small White. August 30.
Red Admiral. August 30.
Small Tortoiseshell - moving!
August 19.
Gatekeeper. August 8.
Mentha aquatica
Water Mint
Whilst out on a guided Nature walk beside the Thames path, I saw Gatekeeper and Peacock butterflies on Water Mint.
Gatekeeper. August 3. Beside
the Thames path (Waterhay).
Peacock. August 3. Beside
the Thames path (Waterhay).
Sightings 2005:
Visiting the Matara garden at Kingscote in Gloucestershire, I saw Comma, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies on the water mint beside the ponds. 4 September.
notes:
I always forget which varieties of Mint I've planted in the garden. 2003 was the first year to attract butterflies to the Mint. It had spread well in 4 years under a Buddleia bush. As well as Small White, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and Gatekeeper, I photographed a Peacock on August 2 and a Comma on September 2.
Reference Section
Plant Type: hardy herbaceous perennial
Flowers in August
Height: 90cm
Spread: 60cm or more
invasive - the roots spread - many gardening books recommend some kind of barrier or planting in a pot