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best climbing plants for arches

Looking to transform your garden arches into spectacular living features? Choosing the best climbing plants for arches can add vertical interest, scent, colour, and lush greenery to your outdoor space. Whether you want fast-growing climbers for instant coverage or flowering vines that create seasonal beauty, the right plant will turn any arch into a vibrant focal point. In New Zealand’s climate, a range of hardy, exotic, and native climbing plants thrive over garden arches, offering endless possibilities for design and function.

Bougainvillea 'Tropical Rainbow' pink flowers with variegated and cream foliage.

Bougainvillea 'Tropical Rainbow'

5 from 6 customers

Bougainvillea 'Tropical Rainbow' is a spectacular and colourful climber. This Bougainvillea features rich, purple flowers which are held amidst the lush foliage which is variegated green and cream. It typically grows to 5 m tall and 4 m wide but is usually trimmed to control growth.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
solanum-jasminoides-grandiflora-

Solanum jasminoides 'Grandiflora' (Potato Vine)

Solanum jasminoides 'Grandiflora' is a vigorous evergreen climber renowned for its larger than usual clusters of star shaped white flowers and extended flowering season. The abundant blooms are carried against lush green foliage, creating a spectacular display from spring through autumn.

From $24.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Autumn, Winter
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Tropical, White
Pandorea 'Ruby Heart' white flowers tinged with pink and lush, green foliage.
Pandorea 'Ruby Heart'

Pandorea 'Ruby Heart' carries glossy, dark green foliage, which is aesthetic in its own right. The foliage is adorned with showy clusters of...

From$24.95
pyrostegia-venusta-5
Pyrostegia venusta (Flame Vine)

Pyrostegia venusta (Flame Vine) is a spectacular evergreen climber celebrated for its masses of brilliant orange flowers that cover the plant during...

From$19.95
Pandorea jasminoides Charisma plant with variegated leaves and pink flowers.
Pandorea 'Charisma'

Pandorea ‘Charisma’ is a striking evergreen climber known for its profuse clusters of creamy white trumpet-shaped flowers, each accented with a vivid...

From$24.95
rhaphidophora-decursiva-
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...

From$44.09
Pandorea rosea superba elegant pink flowers.
Pandorea rosea superba

Pandorea rosea superba is a climber that produces bright pink, trumpet-shaped flowers with a dark pink throat, which are produced from spring through...

From$24.95
gelsemium-sempervirens-1
Gelsemium sempervirens

Gelsemium sempervirens (Yellow Jessamine) is a graceful evergreen climber admired for its fragrant trumpet shaped yellow flowers that appear from...

From$26.95
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$30.29
Ripe Passion Fruit with yellow pulp and a purple skin.
Passiflora edulis

Passiflora edulis, commonly known as Passion Fruit, is a vigorous climbing vine admired for its exotic flowers and delicious fruit. In NZ gardens, it...

From$21.95
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green...

From$20.63
Ficus pumila 'Ice Caps' plant with trailling variegated foliage.
Ficus 'Ice Caps'

Ficus 'Ice Caps' is a variety of Creeping Fig that features variegated leaves. It carries small, heart-shaped leaves which are light green with a...

From$9.95
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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...

From$30.29
grape-candice-seedless-
Grape 'Candice Seedless'

Grape 'Candice Seedless' is a popular table grape known for its sweet, juicy red berries and excellent seedless eating quality. Well suited to NZ...

From$29.95
grape-albany-surprise-
Grape 'Albany Surprise'

Grape 'Albany Surprise' is a reliable grape variety known for its sweet, flavoursome fruit and strong growth in NZ gardens. This vigorous vine...

From$29.95
Abutilon megapotamicum red and yellow flower.
Abutilon megapotamicum

Abutilon megapotamicum, commonly known as Trailing Abutilon or Chinese Lantern, is a graceful shrub with arching stems and distinctive red and yellow...

From$22.95
A Philodendron melanochrysum plant with dark green, velvet covered leaves growing in a pot.
Philodendron melanochrysum

Philodendron melanochrysum, also known as the Black Gold Philodendron, is a stunning climbing plant prized for its large, velvety, dark green leaves...

From$52.37
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum'

Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum' (Spider Plant) is a popular evergreen perennial valued for its arching green and white striped foliage and easy...

From$39.95
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
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$30.29
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$24.77
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
Orange 'Best Seedless' orange fruit with orange flesh.
Orange 'Best Seedless'

The ‘Best Seedless’ Orange is a superb variety prized for its deliciously sweet, seedless fruit and easy-to-peel skin. Perfect for New Zealand...

From$34.95
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$499.80
Bougainvillea 'Tropical Rainbow'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Bougainvillea, Gelsemium, and Pandorea, or related Categories - Deciduous Climbers, Evergreen Climbers, and Indoor Plants.

Search best climbing plants for arches

Why Use Climbers on Garden Arches?

Arches are the perfect canvas for climbing plants. Not only do they help soften hard landscaping, but climbers also introduce wildlife, shade, privacy, and seasonal blooms to your garden. Training climbers over arches creates romantic walkways, bold entryways, or secluded nooks, depending on your garden’s layout. Some climbers are evergreen for year-round effect, others are deciduous with spectacular flowers in spring and summer.

Top Flowering Climbing Plants for Arches

If you’re after dazzling colour, fragrance, and plentiful blooms, flowering climbers are the best climbing plants for arches. Consider classics like Bougainvillea, which excites with vivid colours and thrives in sunny positions. For example, Bougainvillea 'Pedro' is a particularly stunning choice, producing rich magenta bracts and responding well to regular pruning.

Another exceptional flowering climber is Mandevilla 'Red Riding Hood'. This vigorous vine features velvety, trumpet-shaped red flowers, perfect for creating bold, tropical impact. Mandevillas are celebrated for their extended blooming period and adaptability to NZ gardens.

Native options, like Tecomanthe speciosa, are highly prized for their lush growth and tubular cream flowers. This NZ native is ideal if you are seeking a low-maintenance, eco-friendly climber with architectural foliage and dramatic arch display.

Evergreen Climbers for Year-Round Interest

If your archway deserves enduring greenery, evergreen climbers are essential. Their persistent foliage keeps your garden lively, even in winter. For subtle elegance, Rhaphidophora decursiva offers glossy, divided leaves and graceful climbing habits. While often used indoors, this heart-leaved plant can perform well in sheltered, semi-shaded garden spots.

Shade-Loving Climbers for Shady Arches

Not every arch sits in full sun. For shaded garden arches, consider versatile shade climbers. The climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea petiolaris, is a standout choice for its delicate, lacecap flowers and rich, textured foliage. It clings by aerial roots, making it ideal for timber, stone, or metal arches and bringing romantic charm to shaded entrances or walkways.

Tips for Growing Climbing Plants on Arches

To get the best results from the best climbing plants for arches, ensure that your arch is securely anchored, and choose a plant that matches your sunlight and soil conditions. Train stems gently, using ties if needed, and prune annually to encourage healthy growth and prevent tangling. Mulch and feed your climbers to support lush flowering and robust foliage.

Discover Your Perfect Climber in New Zealand

From vibrant Bougainvillea 'Pedro' to unique NZ natives like Tecomanthe speciosa, the best climbing plants for arches come in all shapes, colours, and growth habits. Browse our collection to find climbers suited for all New Zealand conditions, and let your garden archways come alive with beauty and personality, season after season.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Let Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum' and Ficus 'Black Knight' draw you in — then let Acacia howittii (Sticky Wattle), Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii', and Bambusa 'Golden Goddess' (Bamboo) keep you inspired.
–The Plant Company

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