Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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best climbing plants

Looking to transform your garden, balcony, or indoor space with lush, vertical greenery? Discover the best climbing plants for New Zealand gardens — perfect for creating living walls, covering fences, or adding drama to pergolas. From fast-growing creepers to fragrant climbers and stylish indoor vines, there’s a plant to suit every aesthetic and location. Whether you crave year-round foliage, bursts of colour, or a tranquil green escape, choosing the right climber is key. Let’s explore which climbers thrive locally and how to select the best climbing plants for your space.

Rhaphidophora decursiva

Rhaphidophora decursiva (Dragon Tail Plant) is a striking tropical climber known for its large, deeply split leaves that become more dramatic as the plant matures. This fast growing plant adds a lush, jungle like feel to indoor spaces and sheltered NZ gardens. Ideal for climbing supports or large containers, it offers bold foliage and strong visual impact.

Buy Rhaphidophora decursiva

From $53.75

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

Philodendron scandens

Philodendron scandens, commonly known as Heart Leaf Philodendron, is a popular indoor vine with glossy, heart shaped leaves that emerge bronze and mature to deep green. It grows quickly and can trail from hanging baskets or climb a support, making it ideal for adding lush greenery to homes across New Zealand. Easy to care for, it thrives in bright, indirect light with moderate humidity and free draining soil. Its elegant foliage and forgiving nature suit beginners and collectors alike.

Buy Philodendron scandens

From $24.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical

Plant type: Indoor Plants

Height: 15 cm

Spread: 60 cm

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical

Why Choose Climbing Plants?

Climbing plants are incredibly versatile, offering privacy, shade, and structure without taking up much ground space. Many climbers bloom spectacularly or boast attractive foliage, enhancing outdoor and indoor spaces alike. They’re the perfect problem-solvers for bare walls, unsightly fences, or areas needing softer edges. With the right support, climbing plants quickly weave their way upwards, creating stunning natural features.

Top Climbing Plants for NZ Gardens

Hydrangea petiolaris

For a touch of elegance and lush greenery, Hydrangea petiolaris is a standout. This deciduous climber thrives in shady areas, producing beautiful white lacecap flowers from late spring. It clings naturally to walls and trunks and is ideal for shaded garden spots or north-facing fences.

Rosa 'Iceberg' Climbing

If you adore classic roses, Rosa 'Iceberg' Climbing offers masses of pure white blooms through the warmer months. Robust and disease-resistant, it’s perfect for trellises, archways, or sunny garden corners, adding timeless beauty and fragrance.

Rose Blackberry Nip Climbing

For a splash of rich colour, Rose Blackberry Nip Climbing delivers vibrant magenta blossoms. This award-winning rose is a vigorous climber, ideal for garden walls or pergolas, and produces repeat blooms with exceptional fragrance.

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

Those keen to green up indoor walls and containers should consider Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig). This fast-growing vine creates a living tapestry of tiny leaves, thriving with minimal care indoors or outside on sheltered structures.

Rhaphidophora decursiva

For modern interiors, Rhaphidophora decursiva is eye-catching with its dramatic, split leaves and easy-going temperament. This tropical climber quickly fills vertical spaces indoors and can be trained along supports, delivering lush, architectural foliage.

How to Choose the Best Climbing Plants

Consider your local climate, available sunlight, and desired effect when choosing climbing plants. Deciduous climbers like hydrangeas suit shady spots, while sun-loving roses brighten fences and arches. If you’re after dense coverage, creepers such as Ficus pumila excel, and for contemporary indoor style, Rhaphidophora decursiva will impress. Remember to check plant height and support needs before planting.

Expert Advice for Growing Climbing Plants

To get the most from your climbing plants, ensure sturdy supports from the outset — trellises, wires, or pergolas work well. Prune regularly to encourage strong growth and re-bloom. Feed with a balanced fertiliser during the growing season. Water newly planted climbers well until established, and keep an eye out for common pests.

Ready to elevate your garden or indoor space? Explore our curated range of the best climbing plants, and let your garden flourish vertically. With the right selection and care, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, vibrant living landscape for years to come.

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.

best climbing plants

Rhaphidophora decursiva

Philodendron scandens

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Why Choose Climbing Plants?