Monarda - 'Cambridge Scarlet'

[lday at iquest.net]

>In a previous article, davidb at uow.edu.au (David R. Britton) says:
>
>>In article <5pp7a2$kr8$1 at juliana.sprynet.com>, RL7329 at sprynet.com wrote:
>>
>>> I grow 4 color variations of Monarda in my flower beds as a nectar
>>> source for butterflies (and moths). Last year it seemed that the
>>> beautiful red 'Cambridge Scarlet' variety didn't attract any
>>> butterflies (bees like it fine). This year I have confirmed my
>>> suspicions. I have 2 patches of the C.S. - one 6' by 6' and the other
>>> larger. I have not seen one butterfly in either patch but they
>>> regularly feed at the other colors.
>>>
>>> I'm wondering if I just have a crummy batch or if this variety is
>>> really no good for leps.
>>
>>Just to make a big generalisation, insects don't see the "red" end of the
>>light spectrum very well; they go more for ultraviolet/blue end.  I guess
>>this is why violet/white/purple flowering plants like Buddleia etc. are so
>>popular.  On the other hand, a lot of nectar and pollen eating birds
>>really like red flowers!
>
>I have heard that some American species of swallowtails (notably the
>western tiger, Papilio rutulus, and possibly the anise swallowtail, P
>zelicaon) are very much attracted to red shirts.  Is this not true?  If
>so, is this some kind of exception to prove the rule?

If bees are coming to it, then there must be nectar and it must be at 
least a little bit visible (or maybe they smell it).  I can't understand
why you wouldn't have butterflies too, but I don't grow C.S. so I can't
offer input.  Maybe you could go around to other gardens and see what's
happening there.  Please let us know what you find out.   


Liz Day
LDAY at iquest.net 
Indianapolis, Indiana, central USA, 40 N latitude, zone 5.

Home of...  more caterpillars!!   :-)