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tropical climbing plants

Tropical climbing plants are a stunning addition to any New Zealand garden, offering lush foliage, vibrant blooms, and unique textural interest. Whether you’re hoping to green up a wall, create a living privacy screen, or add a splash of colour to your outdoor space, these vigorous growers love to reach new heights. Their ability to twine, trail, or cling makes them perfect for trellises, fences, pergolas, or even as statement indoor plants. With so many options, you can craft your own slice of the tropics, even in cooler climates or sheltered spots.

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
Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' purple-pink flowers and variegated foliage.

Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch'

Bougainvillea ‘Purple Patch’ is a dazzling climbing plant that delivers an abundance of rich purple bracts through the warmer months. Perfect for brightening fences, pergolas, and garden walls, it brings tropical vibrancy and structure to New Zealand gardens. This hardy and low-maintenance variety thrives in full sun and provides months of eye-catching colour, making it a standout choice for sunny outdoor spaces.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Containers, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.

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Rhaphidophora decursiva

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Bergenia, Bougainvillea, Canna, Carex, Chlorophytum, Coprosma, Duranta, Helichrysum, Kniphofia, Leonotis, Monstera, Perovskia, Philodendron, Portulaca, Pyrostegia, Rhaphidophora, Rose, Sansevieria, Sedum Serissa and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Acid Loving Plants, Moss Poles, Planter Bags, Spades, Deciduous Climbers, Evergreen Climbers, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Climbing Roses Evergreen Shrubs and Succulents.

Search tropical climbing plants

Why Choose Tropical Climbing Plants for Your Garden?

Tropical climbing plants thrive in New Zealand’s milder regions, especially when given a sheltered position. Their rapid growth and lush greenery give you quick results, making them ideal for gardeners who want to see a transformation within a season. Not only do they provide a visual feast, but many also offer fragrant flowers, edible fruit, or wildlife habitat. The diverse leaf shapes and colours add tropical texture and drama, transforming decks, patios, or indoor spaces.

Popular Varieties for New Zealand Conditions

If you’re searching for tropical climbing plants that flourish locally, consider these standout varieties:

How to Grow and Care for Tropical Climbers

To get the best from your tropical climbing plants, give them a warm, sheltered spot with plenty of sunshine and well-draining soil. Mulch to retain moisture and feed during the growing season to boost flowering and vigour. Most climbers appreciate a sturdy structure to climb, such as trellis, wires, or pergola. Prune after flowering to control their shape and encourage fresh growth.

If you’re starting indoors, varieties like Rhaphidophora decursiva thrive in bright, indirect light. Outdoor options like Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' and Pyrostegia venusta love sunny spots and respond well to regular feeding.

Creating Your Tropical Oasis

With their unrivalled colour and lushness, tropical climbing plants are the secret to creating your dream oasis at home. Shop New Zealand’s best selection, including customer favourites like Bougainvillea 'Tropical Rainbow' and edible heroes such as Passiflora edulis, and watch your garden or living space transform. Let your imagination climb higher with these spectacular tropical wonders.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Love Lomandra 'Tanika' and Lomandra Frosty Tops? Then you’ll adore the quiet charm of Dracaena 'Green Stripe', Acer palmatum, and Pimelea mimosa.
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