Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

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
leptospermum-kea-
Leptospermum 'Kea'

Leptospermum 'Kea' is a colourful manuka shrub admired for its vibrant flowers and fine evergreen foliage. This attractive New Zealand plant produces...

From$27.53
Callistemon citrinus 'White Anzac' white flowers amidst green foliage.
Callistemon 'White Anzac' (White Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'White Anzac' is a low growing spreading bottlebrush known for its elegant white flower brushes that appear from late spring through...

From$27.53
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 'Teddy' flowers.
Hoya 'Teddy Bear'

Hoya 'Teddy Bear' is a popular variety that is commonly grown as an indoor plant. It produces elongated, dark green leaves held on trailing stems...

From$27.53
Salvia chamaedryoides plant with blue flowers and grey-green foliage.
Salvia chamaedryoides

Salvia chamaedryoides (Oak Sage) is a beautiful evergreen perennial admired for its silvery grey foliage and brilliant blue flowers that bloom over a...

From$27.53
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
Jasminum officinale elegant white flowers.
Jasminum officinale

Jasminum officinale is a much loved climbing plant prized for its masses of small white star shaped flowers and beautiful sweet fragrance through...

From$24.77
Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.
Fuchsia procumbens (Climbing Fuchsia)

Fuchsia procumbens, commonly known as Creeping Fuchsia, is a low-growing, NZ native plant valued for its unique yellow-red flowers and ornamental...

From$14.95
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
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
Variegated Monstera plant in a pot with cream and green foliage.
Monstera albo 'variegata'

The Albo Variegata Monstera, also known as the Variegated Monstera, is a striking indoor plant prized for its large, split leaves splashed with...

From$149.95
Ficus pumila 'Ice Caps' plant with trailling variegated foliage.
Ficus 'Ice Caps'

Ficus 'Ice Caps' is a variety of Creeping Fig that features variegated leaves. It carries small, heart-shaped leaves which are light green with a...

From$9.95
Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' flower cluster.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Royal Hawaiian Purple'

Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' is a stunning evergreen climber prized for its thick glossy foliage and clusters of richly coloured star shaped flowers...

From$27.53
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$29.95
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$29.95
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
Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' growing on a pergola and featuring masses of stunning yellow flowers.
Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Banksia Rose)

Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Yellow Banksia Rose) is a stunning climbing rose admired for its masses of soft yellow double flowers produced in spring. This...

From$30.29
climbing-rose-cecil-brunner-1
Rose Cecil Brunner

Rose 'Cecil Brunner' is a treasured old fashioned climbing rose, admired for its sprays of small, perfectly shaped soft pink flowers and delicate...

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$18.95
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
Rosa banksiae 'Alba' growing on a pergola and featuring masses of stunning white flowers.
Rosa banksiae 'Alba' (Banksia Rose)

Rosa banksiae 'Alba' (White Banksia Rose) is a spectacular climbing rose prized for its masses of small pure white flowers produced in spring. This...

From$30.29
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
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
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
Abutilon megapotamicum

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Abutilon, Callistemon, and Eucryphia, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Grasses, and Groundcover 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 Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) — like the subtle beauty of Zieria prostrata, Ophiopogon planiscapus, and Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black'.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

466 Google reviews