Prairie Winds Farm

Purple Porter Weed, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Justicia betonica, White Shrimp Plant Here is a photo of the perennial Justicia betonica , White Shrimp Plant in my butterfly garden. The plant likes shade or morning sun. It blooms late summer on into the Spring if there are no freezes. It is easily propagated and makes a stunning filler for the garden area. I produced this one from cuttings. It is 2 years old. It bloomed the second year. I have seen hummingbirds and hawk moths nectaring from it. The purple bloom next to it is coming from the Purple Porterweed, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis . The Purple Porterweed is an exceptional nectar source for hummingbirds and butterflies. It likes dappled shade and grows tall sometimes 4-6' if your soil is rich and you water well. Keep the blooms deadheaded so that the plant will continually produce more nectar for your visitors. the Stachytarpheta comes in coral, red, white and purple colors. You can easily prun...

Here is a photo of a monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus that I raised. Sept. 2009 Planning and site preparation are the two most essential things to do when you want to have a successful butterfly garden. You might want to consider researching information provided to you by your local Agricultural Extension Office, butterfly gardening books specific to your region, or websites devoted to gardening instruction. When you have located the website for your county Agricultural office, look up wildscapes , gardening for wildlife or butterfly gardening and read the informative brochures on line. The individuals who wrote them have experience in the planning and procedural aspects of all types of gardens. Second, be sure you are aware of your specific plant hardiness zone map; you can find one on the National Arboretum Web-site. From there, it will be easier for you to see which plants do well in your zone. Another method of research can be easily found in your neighborhood family owned an...