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The Flowers and Plants of the Butterfly Farm

The Butterfly Farm is full of beautiful tropical, flowers, plants and trees. In this section find out what makes the flowers, plants and trees so special.
Mexican Sunflower
  • Mexican Sunflower, Tithonia rotundifolioMexican Sunflower, Tithonia rotundifolio

Tithonia rotundifolio

The Mexican Sunflower is native to Mexico and Central America, it thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil.

It is a striking, fast-growing plant known for its beautiful bright orange or red daisy-like flowers. It can reach heights of 4 to 6 feet, it has dark green, lobed leaves and blooms from summer through to Autumn.

Popular in gardens for adding vibrant splashes of colour and attracting butterflies and bees.

During the summer months the Mexican Sunflower forms part of the sunflower meadow in the outside Pollinator Garden. It can also be found throughout the year in the Flight Area.

The Mexican Sunflower attracts a variety of butterflies, including monarchs, painted ladies, swallowtails, and gulf fritillaries.

Vanda Orchid
  • Vanda OrchidVanda sp.

Vanda sp.

These stunning tropical orchids originate from Asia. They are highly prized in horticuluture for their vibrant, longlasting and colourful flowers.

The Vanda Orchid loves heat and humidity, so are perfectly suited to the tropical conditions at the buttefly farm.

The Vanda Orchid is an epiphyte, which means a plant which grows on another plant, but is not parasitic.  In their native habitat these orchids hand from trees without the need for soil around thier roots. They gain their nutrients from moss and debris on tree branches and their water from falling rain droplets.

Vanda Orchids attract butterflies such as swallowtails and skippers.

The Vanda Orchids on display at Stratford Butterfly Farm were kindly donated by our friends at Kew Gardenswhere they had been on display in the Princes of Wales Conservatory as part of the annual Orchid Festival.

Rangoon Creeper
  • Rangoon Creeper, Combretum indicumRangoon Creeper, Combretum indicum

Combretum indicum

This pretty tropical vine originates from the Indian subcontinent. It can reach up to 8 metres and thrives in warm sunny climates.

The Rangoon Creeper flowers in the spring through to summer. It's star shaped aromatic blossoms are clustered together and change from white to pink to red and features and features lush green leaves.

It's pungent fragrance attracts bees, nectivorous birds and of course butterflies!

The clusters of tubular flowers are particular favourites of the Papilionidae or Swallowtail family.

Mojito Taro
  • Mojito taroMojito taro

Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito'

Native to tropical Eastern Asia, it is mainly grown for its spectacular foliage. The large leaves are bright green, heart shaped and flecked with deep purple to make a striking pattern.

Some species in the genus Colocasia are grown as a food crop. The tubers can be boiled until soft and used in a simular way to potato.

Swiss Cheese Plant
  • Swiss Cheese PlantSwiss Cheese Plant

Monstera deliciosa

Affectionately known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, it is a 70’s classic house plant.

It has striking, large, glossy, fenestrated leaves, and originates from tropical Central America.

The Monstera deliciosa in the Flight Area is the same age as the Butterfly Farm, and next year will celebrate its 40th birthday!

Pokeweed
  • PokeweedPokeweed

Phytolacca Laka Boom

Originating from North America, it is an herbaceous shrub with vibrant spikes of pinky red flowers, and large, veined vivid green leaves, which are followed by glossy black berries in the Autumn.

It's a definite favourite with our butterflies!