Here at The Birdhouse Chick, we’re mostly known for helping you feed and house your favorite feathered friends, but a big part of backyard bird conservation is providing an environment that is inviting and comfortable for birds. Natural plants in a beautifully landscaped yard are a big part of that.
Trellis plants, or plants that climb and give birds access to bugs, edible bits, and cover from predators, are top-tier additions to your setup.
So, what plants need a trellis, and how can they help you create a lush, gorgeous backyard that your birds will absolutely love? Here are the top 10 climbing plants you should consider for your backyard.
1. Creeping Fig
Creeping fig is a great option. You can use it on arbors and trellises to provide dense, lush, green walls for the local birds to enjoy, and it’ll provide plenty of bugs for the birds to prey on.
However, it’s also commonly used on chain link fences. Those fences aren’t necessarily the most attractive, and a nice wall of green really spruces things up.
2. Honey Suckle
Honey suckle is a plant you will not regret growing. It’s beautiful when it blossoms into white flowers with long yellow tongues, and while it provides coverage and an insect haven, it also functions as a food source. Plenty of bird species feast on the sweet nectar inside, and you can even treat yourself to it.
3. Climbing Hydrangea
Many plants that we’ll be listing are great for sunny areas, but you might have a particularly shady spot you want to add some color and coverage to. For that, climbing hydrangea is the best.
This one takes a while to blossom, but it has robust white flowers when it finally comes out in the late season.
4. Boston Ivy
Boston Ivy is the safest climbing plant you can have. If you’re going to put a trellis along the house or on a deck’s supports, but you don’t want to risk damaging the wood, Boston ivy clings on with little suction cups. These release extremely easily, and they won’t damage whatever they’re grown on.
5. Clematis
Clematis can give your yard a ton of color when it blooms, and it isn’t bothered by tons of sun. The only caveat is that you want to cover its base with other plants or clever landscaping. The roots are sensitive.
6. Star Jasmine
Star jasmine is a highly versatile option that you can plant on large trellis designs or even smaller supports. You get beautiful flowers and plenty of insects, and a scent to attract the birds.
7. Passionflower
The name of this one sums it up pretty well, because you will need to be passionate about it. Passionflower is extraordinary and provides tons of color to your yard, but it also requires a lot of maintenance.
8. Climbing Roses
Climbing roses give you the classic beauty you know and love, the birds like them, and you can’t go wrong with them.
9. Trumpet Vine
Trumpet vines are a must if you want to invite hummingbirds into your yard. Pair the vines with a hummingbird feeder, and you’ll have a perfect little haven that keeps these tiny visitors coming back again and again. Trumpet vines are also extremely robust and resilient to droughts.
10. Chocolate Vine
Chocolate vine is a lush green vine that tends to keep its leaves year-round in milder climates.
Spruce Up Your Backyard Bird Conservatory with The Birdhouse Chick
Whether you’re looking to support plants or you need your first birdhouses and feeders, you can find everything you need at The Birdhouse Chick! Contact us today if you have any questions, thoughts, or suggestions. We look forward to hearing from you!
