When you are starting to plan a pollinator garden, a climbing rose may not be the first plant that comes to mind. Many of
the best plants for pollinator gardens
are natives and wildflowers that play host to butterflies or provide food for a variety of species. Increasingly, though, roses are becoming more common in pollinator gardens. The key is to pick the right variety, and the ‘Highwire Flyer’ climbing rose (Rosa ‘Highwire Flyer’) is quickly becoming one of them.
‘Highwire Flyer’ has long-lasting blooms from early summer through fall, when given the right conditions. And its pink flowers are known to attract bees and butterflies to the yard. This relatively low-maintenance plant needs full sun and rich soil that will hold some moisture but drain freely. It may take a few seasons to get established, during which time it will need regular watering.
Once its roots are well established, it will only need watering during hot, dry weather. And don’t forget, this rose is a climber that can get up to about 6 feet tall and just as wide, so it will need room to grow and a support structure to climb. It’s resistant to many common rose diseases, so it should be otherwise low maintenance.
Read more:
25 Flowers That Hummingbirds Absolutely Love
Pollinator-Friendly Companion Plants For Your ‘Highwire Flyer’
No matter how much the bees and butterflies love your new rose bush, you will want to add other plants to the garden to create a truly pollinator-friendly area. Many
vibrant accompanying flora for rose bushes
Are also preferred by birds, butterflies, and bees. Moreover, these plants generally thrive in full sunlight and do not typically require specific soil conditions. Thus, you will find numerous options to select from.
The blossoms of strawberry foxglove (Digitalis x mertonensis), which are pink, would complement the dark pink flowers of ‘Highwire Flyer’ nicely. Various species of salvia (Salvia officinalis) draw in hummingbirds as well as other pollinating creatures. These plants offer a broad spectrum of hues, allowing you to pick one that matches your garden design perfectly. Similarly, yarrow (Achillea millefolium), known for its clustered flower heads, appeals greatly to bees and certain butterfly varieties. While numerous rose options can entice pollinators, thorough investigation is necessary. A lot of cultivated variants, particularly those featuring tightly packed petals, may prove difficult for bees to reach inside. In contrast, roses boasting singular or semi-dual blooms generate greater amounts of pollen, thus serving as superior choices for habitats designed specifically for attracting pollinators.
The range of options is limitless, yet certain individuals might wish to exercise caution with foxglove since it is deemed invasive in several states. Ensuring frequent removal of spent flowers can prevent it from proliferating. Discover more about the additional opciones here.
errors to steer clear of when aiming to lure pollinators
so that your ‘Highwire Flyer’ experience begins just right.
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