Thanks for the name of the plant, Rosemarie. I did a little researching...a South African native, eh? Definitely not hardy in zone 3!! However, I discovered that it can be grown indoors in cold climates, and it does grow from rhizomes, so it possibly could be stored over winter (?). Is it a perennial for you, or do you have to protect it during winter? Cailinriley (who loves the butterflies, but who's always on the look-out for beautiful new plants to try...)

Butterfly visitation to nectar sources is dependent on a lot of factors. Time of day, amount of sunlight, nectar production, and even experience. However, there was a study done on this very subject (Relationship of Butterfly Visitation with Nectar Qualities and Flower Color in Butterfly Bush, Buddleia Davidii. Joseph D. Culin, Department of Entomology, Clemson University). It's just better if I quote the conclusion; "In butterfly bush, butterfly visitation appears to be based on both flower color and nectar qualities. In general, visitation rates were greatest in those varieties that produced the most nectar, and those having nectar containing relatively high amounts of sucrose in relation to glucose and fructose. However, of those varieties, visitation rates were low on those having white or pale lavender flowers and greatest on those having red, pink, or lavender-pink flowers. This is probably due to the fact that butterflies, unlike many insects, can perceive red wavelength colors. Although many white flowers have been found to reflect ultraviolet (UV), which is highly attractive to many insects, preliminary UV analyses have indicated that butterfly bush flowers do not." Hope that is helpful, Elisabeth

This is going to sound somewhat stupid but it is actually called a butterfly bush or buddleia. I was looking for the same thing and was pointed to it. Mine is still in the pot but the butterflies already love it. Mine is called the Royal Red. *edit* sorry I can help you with a vendor in your area. I wouldn't be surprised if your local nursery stocked them. SCG This post was edited by SouthCountryGuy on Sun, Aug 11, 13 at 18:36

I just ordered two from Wal Mart.com Had looked at the store but never had one with lid that you could see through. They were always nylon and not good air flow. These look just like the ones I got from Lowes and they work perfectly. Yes, they are large enough to put plants in. The only drawback I found was that if you put containers with water in them on the bottom that when I would take it out to release the butterflies, the cups would tip over. I remedied it by buying one of those plastic things that you put plants on to catch the water. A pizza pan would also work. Just make sure it is big enough to fit the bottom snugly or small enough that butterflies can't get caught between the pan and the sides of the hamper. I used mine for several years and still have one that is usable although it has small holes in it. Luckily I didn't have any wandering cats that I know of. They do make their chrsyalis on the inside of the lid but it has never been a problem. They clean up easily but make sure you rinse really well if you use bleach. I think that is why my one dry rotted. Thanks for sharing that WAl Mart had them. Now I will be prepared for next season!