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You are here: Home / Butterflies / Macro Monday: Butterfly and the Mexican Torch Flower

Macro Monday: Butterfly and the Mexican Torch Flower

Written by Jackie D'Elia  |  Published on July 11, 2011

Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) is now blooming and attracting butterflies. I planted these from seed. You can find them at Botanical Interests and Olivebarn.com. The plants are about 4-5 feet tall now (planted the seeds in March). Beautiful orange flowers, loves full sun and the heat too. Very easy to grow from seed.

Mexican Sunflower

Mexican Sunflower Torch

Notice missing section of the butterfly wing?

I noticed this Swallowtail butterfly was missing part of it’s wing. Looks like this butterfly got away in the nick of time. Most likely a bird tried to catch it. It did not seem to be affected at all. It flew beautifully and hovered with no troubles. The yellow wings with blue accents are stunning against the vivid orange flowers.

Butterfly on Mexican Sunflower

Butterfly on Mexican Sunflower

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Filed under: Butterflies, My Livable Garden Tagged with: Macro Monday

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. David says

    July 11, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    What a beautiful set of photos! I had tithonias for the longest time, but alas, our garden has become to shady. Nice memories were brought by this post.
    It’s really a great plant for Houston and a great nectar source as evidenced by your winged visitor. It’s also a fun word to say!
    David/ 🙂

    • Jacqueline D'Elia says

      July 11, 2011 at 8:43 pm

      David, This is my first year planting it, and I am very pleased with it.

  2. AngryRedhead says

    July 11, 2011 at 7:39 pm

    What a little soldier! Who knew butterflies could be tough?

    • Jacqueline D'Elia says

      July 11, 2011 at 8:42 pm

      I know – I was amazed to it flying around.

  3. Gretchen says

    July 11, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    Gorgeous photos! Gorgeous flower and beautiful butterfly… even if he’s incomplete!! =)

  4. Lisa's Chaos says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    Love that bright orange! Wow, what a beautiful flower! No wonder the little butterfly was attracted to it. 🙂

    • Jacqueline D'Elia says

      July 12, 2011 at 3:34 pm

      Thanks Lisa. Just want to say I love your site.

  5. Diane says

    July 13, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    What a beautiful series of photographs! I love the orange sunflowers and think I will have to order some for next year. They are stunning. And you have butterflies!! I have not seen any this year…it’s just too hot and dry I think :/ Glad I got to see yours 🙂

  6. Jean says

    July 17, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    I’ve never grown tithonia before but it certainly seems like a plant I would really like. Good to hear you can grow them easily from seed (although these days I’m reluctant to plant anything with this drought – I’ve lost a few plants I really didn’t want to lose!). Lovely photos as usual.

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