clematis

Hi

Im looking to buy a new clematis and would like to buy one to attract the bees and butterflies has anyone any suggestions please

Clematis don't produce nectar so any insects visiting are there for the pollen.   i'd go for one with small, open flowers rather than the big flowered hybrids as you'll get more flowers per plant and thus more nectar.   Other than that, select a colour and habit you like and which suits the situation - aspect, amoiunt of sun etc. 

thank you , appreciate your comments

Sorry, meant more pollen, not more nectar.  Typing slip.

Im not sure about how well they attreact bees, but heres a photo of one of my favourite Clematis called Dr Ruppel growing over my archway. I love its colour ....

I've just remembered that my clematis Red Ballon was covered in insects when a couple of wildlife chaps came to advise me about nests for swifts and house martins and there were 4 different bees on a single sedum sepcatabile plant.   Being wildlife purists they were surprised as they'd always thought you had to grow native plants such as weeds and wild clematis (old man's beard) to attract insects.

Thst's a lovely clematis, LF. Clematis terniflora (sweet autumn clematis) is supposed to be very attractive to bees and butterflies, but it is very rampant, too, and can get out of control.

Thanks GG. It really performed well last year and surprised me with the amount of flowers. Thou it had spent the previous 2 years in a pot being moved aroun my garden. Im hoping now that it has settled that it will do just as well or better this year.

You must be feeding it well.

Actually yes, I do recall sprinkling sone clematis food around the soil. I shall have to remember to do the same this year. 

you have a lovely garden leadfarmer

creeps. Clematis don't do the nectar but some of them have those lovely fluffy seed heads that stay all winter and are useful nesting material for birds.

OMG Lead Farmer, your garden is so beautiful.........I am indeed happy to have found GW Forum. There are some stunning gardens, lovingly tendered by some of you. Mine is nowhere near yours........thank God that you post your pictures as I really do enjoy them.

I grow a few clematis and have found that like all flowers,  the single ones seem to attract the most insects. One good variety that is easy to grow too, is "Viticella". There are lots of colours and a profusion of flowers that last ages. Added bonus is that it rarely scums to wilt. Have fun looking it up on Google.

Thanks jatnikapyar. Whilst it does look nice in the summer it has little to no interest in the winter. I concentrate on trying to get the best look for me in the summer, and im happy for the garden to look bare in the winter whilst resting.

Click on thie following photo of how it looked when I moved into the house 5 yrs ago, quite uninspiring..

And last sumer.. 

Heres another of my clematis (Nelly Moser) growing in a planter I made from floorboards..

very nice LeadFarmer, please add your pics to the gardens 2013 thread in the pottingshed section. I'm sure everyone else will enjoy your pics.

Lovely garden you have Leadfarmer , roll on warmer days when we can all start enjoying the gardens again !!!

BrummieBen, I didnt realise there was such a thread, Ill do that.

creeps, this is a good reference site for clamatis plants..

http://www.clematis.hull.ac.uk

I dont know where you are in the country but you could contact a specialist clamatis nursery such as Taylors in Doncaster and ask if any are good for insects etc

http://www.taylorsclematis.co.uk