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Caterpillars
Kathleen126
Posts: 5
I have a buddleia plant which has bloomed for the firs time this year. I have just noticed hundreds of caterpillars crawling over my nasturtiums. I've pulled loads of leaves off its disgusting. Has this happened because of the buddleia, if so I would dig it out for next year.
Last edited: 17 August 2017 18:06:00
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Posts
They would be cabbage white caterpillars - they don't just eat cabbage. The Buddleia probably made no difference, they would have found your Nasturtiums by their smell anyway.
Did you plant the Buddleia to attract butterflies, as many folks do? Unfortunately you can't possibly have butterflies without caterpillars. A photo of the caterpillars may help with identification of which species.
Any suggestions for next year. The nasturtiums are everywhere & are beautifu. My daughter gets married mid sept 18 & I don't want the garden looking bedraggled ?
Didn't plant buddleia to attract butterflies, I was given it, it did nothing for yrs that's why I thought it was to blame. If only!
Kathleen, regard the nasturtiums as a 'sacrifice' plant. the caterpillars aren't on your cabbages. Squish the eggs on the underside of the leaves, and if you get there too late, squish the caterpillars.
Be brave, a lot of gardening is disgusting!
Don't have cabbages but I will next year & will sacrifice them lol! Thankfully peas were fab & tomatones are also doing well thanks