I've observed a noticeable decrease in ragwort plants this year compared to the last couple of years. I'm based in east Hampshire and I think the weather during germination could be a factor. Has anyone else experienced this? What do you think could be causing the change?
3 Answers
I have quite a few smaller ragwort plants around, but maybe that’s due to the first batch not having many? They're mostly flattened by cinnabar caterpillars, so I'm hoping they had enough food.
I have a lot of ragwort on my front lawn, even more than last year, and plenty of cinnabar caterpillars on them. It's been so dry here, but they've thrived somehow. What about you?
That’s interesting! I’ve seen fewer in my garden but more in unmanaged areas. Seems like it really varies from place to place.
I haven't really seen a decrease in ragwort. In fact, I watered a few to help them through the dry spells, and they seem to be about the same as last year. Also, have you noticed more butterflies this year? I'm seeing tons of them!
I agree, I've seen so many peacock butterflies this year, way more than usual! But I didn’t spot more cinnabar moths, just lots of the other types.
Thanks for sharing! I'm managing some land and I'm seeing about 30% fewer ragwort plants this year. But yes, the butterflies seem to love the sprinklers!
That's a good observation! I've noticed fewer big ones too, just a lot of small ones. I wonder if the weather affected what grew.