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What Bee friendly climber for West Facing wall???
Luke Powell
Posts: 11
in Plants
Want to replace the hideous looking collection of plants which include a Holly and some sort evergreen next to our west south west facing front door, so lots of strong light in afternoons.
Not really looked at the front garden yet but I think we'll be transforming the lawn into a wildflower meadow,
We're keen on helping attract the wildlife to our city home and helping the Bees out is a key priority.
Initially I really wanted a Wisteria but it turns out they're a big no no with Dogs?!
So I guess my question is;
What would be your climber choice for a west facing wall that the Bees will love?!
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Just to add I have a £35 voucher for Burncoose!
Many plants suits some sorts of bee but not others. Bumble bees have longer tongues and can reach further into flowers than honey bees. On Gardeners' World last week they had a feature about aquilegias, and showed how some bumble bees bite into the back end of the flower to get straight to the nectar, so you never know, except by watching, what will appeal to bees or why.
I agree, cotoneasters are very much liked by bees, who seem attracted even by flowers that are almost invisibly small to us, but some are a bit rampant and ungainly. Or pyrocanthus can make a stately climber if you train it well.
I adore meadows but...
Luke, some unsolicited advice, front garden meadows in a city may look a bit 'unloved' in winter and early spring making your property look empty or unattended.
if you can plant lavender in that position the insects will just smother it, the perfume is released as you come and go, low maintenance and evergreen throughout year. Lavender has umpteen uses within the home too. A natural antiseptic and antifungal it also makes lovely bath sachets and sleep pillows.
Never thought I would discourage a wildflower meadow planting though!?!
I have a clematis Red Ballon which is always covered in bees when in flower. I also have a single, open flowered rose Kiftsgate which the bees love.
I have a wisteria too and didn't know about their seed pods and dogs. The wisteria wa splanted before we got our dogs. Not normally a problem anyway as this is the first year we've had good flowers for 3 years after assorted hard winters and springs wiped them out. I reckon it's a simple enough job to dead head the plant and so stop it wasting energy on seed pods, thus also saving the dogs.