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shade tolerant climbing roses

If your New Zealand garden offers more dappled light or partial shade than basking sunshine, finding the right climbing roses can be a challenge. Shade tolerant climbing roses are specifically suited for spots where sunlight is filtered or limited for several hours a day. These varieties are a wonderful solution for north-facing fences, shaded pergolas, or areas beneath higher tree canopies, injecting colour and fragrance into spaces others might dismiss. Whether you’re hoping for draping blossoms over an archway or want a striking floral screen, there’s a shade tolerant climbing rose for your needs.

rhaphidophora-decursiva-

Rhaphidophora decursiva

5 from 2 customers

Rhaphidophora decursiva, commonly known as the Dragon Tail Plant or Philodendron Dragon, is a climber that features lush foliage and often grown as an indoor plant. The leaves are large and dark green, and very aesthetic. It will slowly climb a pole or the like or grow as a spreading ground cover if it has nothing to climb. Rhaphidophora decursiva is commonly grown as a potted plant with a pole to climb, planted outdoors in frost free areas around outdoor living areas, or used in offices and foyers.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Arches, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical, White
climbing-rose-cecil-brunner-1

Rose Cecil Brunner

Rose Cecile Brunner is a climbing variety that produces masses of mid-sized, double, light pink flowers. The flowers are borne in large, loose clusters from spring through autumn. It will grow to about 4 m tall but can be trimmed as necessary. Rose Cecile Brunner is commonly trained onto a trellis in a courtyard or cottage garden, planted to lavish a fence, or included anywhere the beauty can be appreciated.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Rose Plants
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
rose-ann-turner-climbing-

Rose Ann Turner

Rose Ann Turner is a climbing rose that features masses of double, pink flowers. The blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn provided the...

From$33.68
climbing-rose-albertine-

Rose Albertine

Rose Albertine is a climbing rose featuring very showy, salmon-pink flowers. The highly fragrant blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn...

From$56.63
Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' growing on a pergola and featuring masses of stunning yellow flowers.

Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Banksia Rose)

Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Yellow Banksia Rose) is a stunning climbing rose admired for its masses of soft yellow double flowers produced in spring. This...

From$29.63
Rosa banksiae 'Alba' growing on a pergola and featuring masses of stunning white flowers.

Rosa banksiae 'Alba' (Banksia Rose)

Rosa banksiae 'Alba' (White Banksia Rose) is a spectacular climbing rose prized for its masses of small pure white flowers produced in spring. This...

From$29.63
Helleborus orientalis with colourful pink flowers.

Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as Lenten Rose, is a hardy perennial prized for its elegant winter and early spring blooms. Flowers appear in...

From$20.18
helleborus-english-thoroughbred-

Helleborus English Thoroughbred Series (Winter Rose)

Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred' is a graceful winter-flowering perennial that features soft pink blooms with subtle green undertones. This variety...

From$24.23
Hydrangea petiolaris white flowers and green foliage.

Hydrangea petiolaris

Hydrangea petiolaris is a climbing hydrangea that grows as a vigorous, self-clinging deciduous climber that produces flat white lacecap blooms in...

From$40.43
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Hydrangea seemanii

Hydrangea seemannii is a rare and attractive evergreen climbing hydrangea, perfect for adding year-round foliage and seasonal blooms to vertical...

From$43.13
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Hemerocallis Rose Cherub (Rose Daylily)

Hemerocallis Rose Cherub is a variety of the commonly known, Day Lily, and features very showy flowers. The large and showy, rose-pink flowers are...

From$22.88
Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) growing on a stone wall with colourful foliage.

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

Ficus pumila, commonly known as Creeping Fig or Climbing Ficus, is a vigorous, evergreen climber popular in New Zealand for covering walls, fences...

From$18.23
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Cistus Pink Ice (Pink Rock Rose)

Cistus Pink Ice, commonly known as Pink Rock Rose, is grown for its pretty flowers which have a paper like appearance. It bears masses of pink...

From$24.23
Cistus 'Brilliancy' plant with pink flowers and green foliage.

Cistus 'Brilliancy' (Rock Rose)

Cistus ‘Brilliancy’ is a vibrant evergreen shrub celebrated for its striking crimson-pink flowers, each with a yellow centre, blooming profusely in...

From$24.23
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Canna Cannova Rose

Canna Cannova Rose carries large and glossy, dark green leaves which are held upright and have a gentle arch. Stems rise above the foliage from late...

From$22.88
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Rose Simplicity Violet Serenity

“Violet Serenity” is a magnificent small, shrub rose owing to its colourful display of bright pink flowers. The showy blooms are borne as clusters...

From$33.08
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Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

Portulaca Pazazz Sunset, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Bright orange and yellow flowers...

From$25.58
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Rose Diamonds Forever

Rose Diamonds Forever is a popular shrub rose that features masses fragrant, soft-yellow flowers. The showy blooms emerge in spring and continue...

From$63.38
An elegant Cistus lusitanicus white flower with red spots.

Cistus lusitanicus (Rock Rose)

Cistus lusitanicus, commonly known as the Gum Cistus, is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its large, white blooms marked with deep crimson spots...

From$24.23
Rhododendron 'Java Rose' rose-pink flowers.

Rhododendron 'Java Rose'

Rhododendron 'Java Rose' is a beautiful evergreen shrub known for its large trusses of soft rose pink flowers that appear during spring. The elegant...

From$28.28
serissa-snowflake--2

Serissa Snowflake (Snow Rose Plant)

Serissa Snowflake, commonly known as the Snow Rose plant, is an evergreen shrub grown for its lovely flowering and foliage. Showy, white flowers...

From$24.23
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.

Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.23
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Rose Raspberry Ice

“Raspberry Ice” is a Floribunda shrub rose that features large and showy flowers that are cream with a raspberry coloured margin. The lightly...

From$56.63
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Gaura Steffi Dark Rose

Gaura ‘Steffi Dark Rose’ is a striking perennial featuring deep rose-coloured flowers on slender stems. Blooming from spring through autumn, it adds...

From$24.23
rose-strawberry-blonde-

Rose Strawberry Blonde

“Strawberry Blonde” is a popular shrub rose that features masses fragrant, apricot and peach-coloured flowers. The showy blooms emerge in spring and...

From$63.38
camellia-japonica-red-red-rose-3

Camellia Red Red Rose

Camellia Red Red Rose produces beautiful, double, bright red flowers. These spectacular blooms appear from winter through spring and blend nicely...

From$37.73
Purple flowers on Burgundy Iceberg Rose.

Rose 'Burgundy Iceberg'

Rosa ‘Burgundy Iceberg’ is a stunning floribunda rose producing masses of deep burgundy-red, lightly fragrant blooms from spring through autumn. Its...

From$56.63
Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry' plant with masses of red flowers growing in a pot on a patio.

Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry' is a compact ground cover rose valued for its masses of vibrant cherry red flowers and exceptional disease...

From$33.68
An exquisite flower on 'White Romance' Rose.

Rose White Romance

“White Romance” is a very popular shrub rose that features masses pure white flowers. The showy blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn...

From$56.63
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' ground cover with masses of red flowers.

Rose 'Flower Carpet Red'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its rich red flowers and outstanding disease resistance. This tough rose performs...

From$33.68
Rose 'Desiree' pink flowers.

Rose 'Desiree'

Rose 'Desiree' is a beautifully refined rose known for soft pastel blooms, gentle fragrance and repeat flowering through the warmer months in New...

From$63.38
70-windbreak-2

Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$420.00
Rhaphidophora decursiva

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Camellia, Canna, Cistus, Ficus, Gaura, Helleborus, Hemerocallis, Hydrangea, Portulaca, Rhaphidophora, Rhododendron, Rosa Rose and Serissa, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Deciduous Climbers, Evergreen Climbers, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Bush Roses, Carpet Roses Climbing Roses and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search shade tolerant climbing roses

Choosing Shade Tolerant Climbing Roses for Your Garden

Not all climbing roses thrive with less sunshine, so selecting shade tolerant climbing roses is crucial for long-term success. Look for varieties known for their vigorous growth and resiliency. Some heirloom and modern varieties show remarkable adaptability in semi-shaded environments, rewarding gardeners with lush foliage and abundant blooms.

For example, Rose Cecil Brunner is an enduring favourite, famed for its delicate, sweetly scented clusters and robust habit. It’s well-suited to partial shade, making it perfect for relaxed cottage gardens or traditional rose walks.

Another lovely option is Rose Ann Turner, with vibrant orange-pink blooms that can bring warmth to dim corners. If you are after a classic rambler, Rose Albertine offers exceptional versatility in the garden, tolerating filtered light while providing rich, scented clusters. Finally, Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Banksia Rose) is one of the most shade tolerant climbing roses available, renowned for its soft yellow double blooms and nearly thornless stems.

Tips for Growing Roses in Partial Shade

Growing shade tolerant climbing roses still requires attention to soil and site preparation. Amend your soil with organic compost to encourage healthy roots. Ensure good drainage, as roses dislike consistently soggy conditions. While these climbing roses endure lower light, at least four hours of indirect sun is ideal for more abundant flowering.

Feed your climbing roses regularly during the growing season, and prune lightly to shape their growth and encourage new shoots. With gentle care and the right rose selections, your shaded garden spaces can flourish with colour, form, and fragrance.

Using Shade Tolerant Climbers for Creative Garden Design

Shade tolerant climbing roses are perfect for transforming overlooked corners or softening solid structures with their graceful arching canes and floral displays. Train them along fences, pergolas, or large trellises to create vertical garden interest. Combine them with shade-loving companions, such as Rhaphidophora decursiva, which introduces lush, architectural foliage underneath your climbers.

Whether you’re an experienced rose grower or new to gardening, embracing shade tolerant climbing roses lets you enjoy the magic of roses wherever you want them. Explore the options above and start designing your own inviting, flower-filled garden oasis.


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–The Plant Company

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