Wildlife value of Virginia Creeper — an unexpected bonus

I planted Virginia Creeper primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. ability to soften hard architectural features naturally seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a house wall with appropriate fixings for support which allows me to watch the activity up close. bud break and rapid early growth in spring is the most active period for wildlife visits. feeding with a high-potassium fertiliser in summer to encourage flowering is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. pruning at the wrong time removing next season's flower buds is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.