Butterfly Bush – Paten Park Native Nursery

Butterfly bush

Paten Park Native Nursery

As its name suggests, the butterfly bush (Pavetta australiensis) produces nectar filled flowers that attract butterflies. The rich nectar also provides food for a wide range of beneficial insects such as bees as well as honeyeaters. Beehawk moths feed on the leaves.

The fragrant, creamy white flowers are produced in dense terminal clusters, that are held above the leaves, at almost any month of the year but particularly from late winter through to summer. Round, black berries, favoured by other birds, are conspicuous in late summer.

The butterfly bush, whilst highly ornamental in flower, is attractive throughout the year. Growing up to 4 m in height in ideal conditions, it has a rounded shape and glossy green leaves. These leaves, up to 14 cm long, vary in shape from narrowly elliptical to egg-shaped with either a rounded or pointed tip. They have prominent veins that are paler than the leaf blade and depressed on the upper surface.

Found in dry rainforest margins and along creeks and gullies in northern NSW and SE Qld., the butterfly bush grows in full sun or part shade.

It grows well in cultivation, tolerating most soils but benefitting from mulching to maintain soil moisture, and protected from frosts. In long, dry spells it may shed foliage.

This lovely bush suits any sized garden as it can be pruned to the desired size. It is a suitable screening plant. As a significant wildlife habitat, it deserves a prominent place in the garden.

The nursery is open Tues-Sat from 9am-4pm; and Sun from 9am-1pm. Closed Mondays. 

Located at: 57 Paten Rd, The Gap Q 4061

Fore more details about the nursery visit their website: www.ppnn.org.au