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climbing plants for bees

Looking to create a bee-friendly garden in New Zealand? Choosing the right climbing plants for bees is a wonderful way to support local pollinators, add lush greenery, and enjoy seasonal colour. Climbing plants are ideal for smaller gardens, as they can cover fences and walls, or add vertical interest to larger landscapes. Bees rely on nectar-rich blooms, so selecting climbers that flower throughout the warmer months will keep your garden humming with happy pollinators.

Abutilon megapotamicum red and yellow flower.

Abutilon megapotamicum

5 from 1 customers

Abutilon megapotamicum, commonly known as Trailing Abutilon or Chinese Lantern, is a graceful shrub with arching stems and distinctive red and yellow lantern shaped flowers. Blooming from spring to autumn, this variety adds elegance and colour to NZ gardens.

From $22.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Spring, Autumn, Winter
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical
salvia-african-sky-

Salvia 'African Sky'

5 from 1 customers

Salvia 'African Sky' is a stunning perennial valued for its masses of vivid sky blue flowers that bloom over a long season from spring through autumn. Its upright growth, aromatic foliage, and ability to attract bees and birds make it an excellent choice for New Zealand gardens.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green...

From$20.63
A Tui in a Metrosideros carminea shrub feeding on the red flowers.
Metrosideros carminea

Metrosideros carminea, commonly known as Climbing Rata or Crimson Rata Vine, is a striking New Zealand native valued for its vivid red flowers and...

From$26.15
leptospermum-merinda-
Leptospermum 'Merinda'

Leptospermum 'Merinda' is a beautiful flowering manuka shrub valued for its masses of colourful blooms and fine evergreen foliage. This attractive...

From$27.53
Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' purple-pink flowers and variegated foliage.
Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch'

Bougainvillea ‘Purple Patch’ is a dazzling climbing plant that delivers an abundance of rich purple bracts through the warmer months. Perfect for...

From$30.29
eucryphia-cordifolia--1
Eucryphia cordifolia

Eucryphia cordifolia (Ulmo) is a magnificent evergreen tree renowned for its glossy foliage and masses of fragrant white flowers that appear from...

From$408.85
Hoya 'Splash' variegated foliage.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Splash'

Hoya 'Splash' is a popular variety that is commonly grown as an indoor plant. It produces elongated leaves that are dark green and splashed with...

From$27.53
A Monstera 'Monkey Mask' plant with lush, green foliage growing in a pot.
Monstera 'Monkey Mask'

Monstera 'Monkey Mask' is a very popular indoor plant due to its striking foliage. It produces dark green, heart-shaped leaves with distinct holes...

From$44.09
rhaphidophora-decursiva-
Rhaphidophora decursiva

Rhaphidophora decursiva (Dragon Tail Plant) is a striking tropical climber known for its large, deeply split leaves that become more dramatic as the...

From$44.09
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
grape-candice-seedless-
Grape 'Candice Seedless'

Grape 'Candice Seedless' is a popular table grape known for its sweet, juicy red berries and excellent seedless eating quality. Well suited to NZ...

From$30.29
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
grape-albany-surprise-
Grape 'Albany Surprise'

Grape 'Albany Surprise' is a reliable grape variety known for its sweet, flavoursome fruit and strong growth in NZ gardens. This vigorous vine...

From$30.29
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
Ripe Passion Fruit with yellow pulp and a purple skin.
Passiflora edulis

Passiflora edulis, commonly known as Passion Fruit, is a vigorous climbing vine admired for its exotic flowers and delicious fruit. In NZ gardens, it...

From$26.15
Hedera 'Silver Variegata' dark green and cream variegated foliage.
Hedera 'Silver Variegated'

Hedera ‘Silver Variegated’ is a striking evergreen ivy with silvery-green leaves edged in creamy white. Its elegant variegation brightens shaded...

From$14.95
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
climbing-rose-albertine-
Rose Albertine

Rose Albertine is a climbing rose featuring very showy, salmon-pink flowers. The highly fragrant blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn...

From$30.29
rose-ann-turner-climbing-
Rose Ann Turner

Rose Ann Turner is a climbing rose that features masses of double, pink flowers. The blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn provided the...

From$30.29
Lavender 'Bee Brilliant' plant with elegant purple and pink flowers.
Lavender 'Bee Brilliant'

'Bee Brilliant' is a variety of Lavender that grows as a compact shrub and carries masses of exquisite, small, dark purple flower spikes from spring...

From$25.53
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$27.36
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$37.44
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.51 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$23.04
Abutilon megapotamicum

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Abutilon, Bougainvillea, and Eucryphia, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Groundcover Plants, and Indoor Plants.

Search climbing plants for bees

Why Choose Climbing Plants for Bees?

Climbing plants for bees play a vital role in attracting and nourishing both honey bees and native bee species. Their abundant and accessible flowers encourage bees to visit your garden, which in turn supports pollination for vegetables, fruit, and ornamental plants. Vertical climbers help utilise space efficiently, turning plain walls and fences into living habitats while adding varied textures and scents to your outdoor sanctuary.

Top Climbing Plants for Bees in New Zealand

Several climbing plants thrive in New Zealand and are especially appealing to bees. Favourites include star jasmine, passionfruit (Passiflora), hardenbergia, clematis, and honeysuckle. All are valued for their long flowering seasons, sweet scent, and abundant nectar.

Another excellent option is Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig), a vigorous climber that creates a dense screen of evergreen foliage. While its flowers are often hidden, their subtle nectar can still attract foraging bees and beneficial insects.

Companion Plants to Enhance Bee Habitats

Pairing climbing plants for bees with other bee-attracting species maximises your garden’s value as a pollinator haven. Underplant climbers with border plants like Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant), known for its silvery foliage and clusters of small summer flowers that draw in bees and hoverflies. For a burst of orange that truly stands out, plant Leonotis leonurus (Lions Tail Plant). Its bold, tubular blooms provide both vibrant colour for your garden and a vital food source for bees and butterflies.

For shaded areas or containers indoors, consider lush green options like Rhaphidophora decursiva. While mainly grown for its architectural foliage, it adds layered interest to bee-friendly planting schemes. Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant) also works well in sheltered corners or as a companion in bee-focused container gardens.

Tips for Growing Bee-Friendly Climbers

To get the most from your climbing plants for bees, plant where they’ll receive good sunlight and avoid chemical pesticides. Train vines along supports, trellises, or fences for the best flowering displays. Water deeply during dry spells and mulch in spring to retain soil moisture. As climbers grow, trim lightly after the main flowering period to encourage ongoing blooms and access for foraging bees.

Create a Buzz with Climbing Plants for Bees

By choosing climbing plants for bees, you’ll enjoy a livelier garden and help support New Zealand’s precious pollinators. Explore our range including Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig), Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant), and Leonotis leonurus (Lions Tail Plant), and let your garden become a safe haven for bees year after year.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
There’s more to explore beyond Lomandra Frosty Tops and Avocado 'Hass' — like the subtle beauty of Tecomanthe speciosa, Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred Series' (Winter Rose), and Carex comans Green.
–The Plant Company

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