Geraniums

I have been told that Geraniums will attract swallowtail butterflies. Has anybody heard this also? I have four colors of Geraniums. Is there any particular color or leaf that attracts the swallowtails?

Thanks,

Chuck

I have often heard mention of 'wild geranium' or (Geranium 'maculatum') as a plant that Swallowtails like.

I have a number of hardy geraniums in my garden and the butterflies do seem to visit them frequently--but they are mainly blues, mauves, and purples....

If you are referring to the Pelargoniums, I would give them a try, too. It seems like Swallowtails would like their bright red/pink color and flower form...

I've never heard this before. I have all kinds of other things tho. I do have one red Geranium in a pot that I am just loving! (it's the first I've grown) I'll keep my eye on it and see if it gets any takers.

I ordered seeds from the East Coast for wild geraniums (geranium maculatum). It will be interesting to see if they do well here in the California sun. Maybe it will not attract the swallowtails but it sounds like fun..

Thanks,

Chuck

Well hey, that's the whole point! As long as you're having FUN!! :)

Dear konketeblond,

I know what you mean about the fun part of it. The fun part of it is when a plant that you have just planted starts to bloom, or when a rare plant ends up growing well in your yard, or when you see the first caterpillar on your plant or vine (for me, anyway), or when you see the hummingbirds establish their territory. There is a lot of fun in many things about gardening which is why I garden.

Thanks for reminding me,

Chuck

You're so welcome Chuck! It IS so fun when something new blooms or you have a volunteer plant! I've surprised myself by being so excited that I clap and yell when I see a bloom I've waited for or caterpillars on my host plants. It makes me feel like a little kid at a birthday party!

That doesn't mean there isn't hard work sometimes but there must be a reward. I had to stop trying to grow plants inside because it was just too frustrating and not fun for me. lol Instead I just went out this fall and threw seeds all over the place! That was definitely more fun!

I just went and looked this plant up. I've never seen it before but it's very cute! Definitely report how easy it is to grow and if butterflies (or others) like it.

I've never seen butterflies on my wild geraniums, I find it hard to believe someone had to buy seeds to get these things, I have l000's and pull them up every day. Their a bad omen. LOL


kathy

Ohhh, one of those? I'm battling Evening Primroses!