There were 10 gulf fritillary butterflies drinking from various nectar plants in the garden this morning, all at the same time. At one point I could hear their wings flap past me as they landed on pentas right next to me. It was gratifying to see that they also stopped by the zinnia for a drink.
This male monarch butterfly was not bothered by me at all squatting down close to him while he eagerly took a drink from the penta flower. It always amazes me how far down the proboscis goes in order to get the nectar the butterfly is seeking.
The penta, also known as Egyptian stars, is a must have for a butterfly garden, especially red, as it is a gulf fritillary favorite.
Each of the tubular flowers has five lobes creating a star. This plant can grow more than a foot in width and three feet tall. As with other flowers, if you pinch off the dead flowers, it will help encourage more growth. I have found when I purchase the penta from a native garden store, rather than a big box store, it thrives.
A butterfly garden is incredibly calming and peaceful. The best part is when a butterfly does not notice you and continues to find its nectar plant. This gulf fritillary had no interest in me as it landed on a penta and began drinking.
The penta (also known as the starflower) flowers year round in Southwest Florida and is a favorite in my garden.
I have both red and white, with the red frequented more often. It have probably a half dozen in the gardens all at different heights. Some can reach 4 feet tall, which gives great dimension to a garden. All but one of these plants are in full sun all day. The one that is growing in part shade has thrived as well.
I have read that this flower should not be over watered, as it can cause leaf fungus. The pentas that I purchase from a native nursery do great without watering every day. I have also purchased these flowers from big box stores and they always wilt and die. Native nurseries are the way to go.
The zebra longwing, the Florida state butterfly, has been spending more time in our garden lately, all throughout the day, instead of just the morning hours. This butterfly, at least in my experience, does not scare very easily. They fly very near to get to their destination.
I find it interesting that butterflies are insects that like to be clean. If not kept clean, their antennae’s do not function correctly. Although it may differ slightly to the species, butterflies will use their forelegs to groom their antennae by lower it and then crossing their legs over it, while rubbing them down the shaft to the club.
