Evergreen Shub That Is Good For Wildlife?

[funkylad20]

Hi all, We have recently had to pull out two large (what I think were) Cotoneaster shrubs that were growing up a fence; they seemed to just die back and go brown this year for some reason.

So, we want to replace them with something ideally evergreen, easy to keep and above all of value to wildlife. I noticed the bees used to love the two previous bushes when it flowered and then the birds occasionally ate the berries.

Any suggestions welcome, otherwise it is trellis and evergreen clematis (which I don't think are that attractive!)

[Chipchopper]

I think Berberis darwinii seems to tick all the boxes, with B thumbergii coming a close second.
Our native holly also has good wildlife, pulling power ;-)

[hammerman]

I know it's not a shrub or evergreen but there's a herbaceous perennial called Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail' which is the best Bee magnet I've ever seen in 35 years of professional horticulture. I have several clumps (it's very easy to divide) and flowers from July to now. It usually covered in honey bees.
Just a thought

[Chipchopper]

If you do decide on an evergreen clematis, I would go for clematis armandii, if you have a sunny sheltered aspect.

[dannyk13]

http://www.hedging.co.uk/acatalog/product_45735.html

[CluckyChick]

I like rosemary, and bees love its tiny mauve flowers. It grows from a small plant to a big shrub within a few years. As a bonus,you can use it on your roast dinners! I also make my Christmas wreaths from mine. They smell wonderful and stays fresh until new year.

[Chipchopper]

My Rosemary bush was planted fairly close to the barbecue area, where it gets regular trimming, especially on those barby days.