Hebes are shrubs, but tend not to grow as tall as Buddleias and also have the advantage of being evergreen. There are many varieties on the market, ranging from tiny rockery plants to bushes which reach several feet in height. The latter tend to be the most useful for butterflies, especially the pink and purple types, such as Hebe ‘Great Orme’, Hebe ‘Midsummer Beauty’, Hebe ‘Sapphire’, Hebe ‘slaicifolia’, Hebe ‘Purple Queen’ and varieties of Hebe speciosa, although there is much confusion over the naming of Hebes. Most Hebes flower between June and October, and attract the same species as Buddleias, including Red Admirals, Peacocks, Speckled Woods, Commas, Small Tortoiseshells and Painted Ladies.

I have planted a line of Hebes on my allotment which has grown into an informal hedge about six feet high. It is a mass of lilac, pink and white flowers in July and August and attracts hundreds of Small Tortoiseshells, together with often at least ten Red Admirals, Peacocks and other species, even including the occasional Holly Blue, although these tend to be very restless. Hebes can be planted in the garden at almost any time of the year, although spring is best. They need plenty of water in dry spells until established. They thrive in well-drained soils and full sun and coming from the coastal areas of New Zealand, they will withstand salty winds. Hebes do however, prefer shelter from cold northerly and easterly winds. If your Hebes become too leggy or ravaged by a hard winter, they can be pruned back by up to three-quarters their height in spring. Also, dead flower heads are best removed, as in Buddleias.

Sedum spectabile is a herbaceous perennial, meaning that it dies down in winter, although it sprouts up again in spring. It should not be confused with the Sedum’s which are grown as rock garden plants. Called the "Ice Plant" because of its grey-white succulent leaves, it grows up to 18 inches high, produces flat heads of pinkish-red flowers in August and September and attracts similar species of butterfly to Hebes and Buddleias. Counts of over 40 Small Tortoiseshells and Red Admirals have been recorded on a single plant of Sedum spestabile. Varieties to look out for in the Garden Centre include ‘Autumn Joy’ and ‘Brilliant’. Ice-Plants prefer well-drained soils and a sunny position. The old growth is best cut off late in autumn, when it has died down.

All these plants are worth their place even in a small garden or yard, for their own attraction, as well as for butterflies and other insects. They can even be grown in tubs and other containers. They also have the advantage of being easily propagated, so you can soon supply your friends and neighbours with them as well!