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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.

Lush green foliage on Tecomanthe speciosa.

Tecomanthe speciosa

Tecomanthe speciosa, commonly known as the Three Kings Climber, is a NZ native vine grown for its foliage and flowers. It features large, glossy, green leaves that become adorned with large clusters of cream-coloured, tubular flowers in autumn. It will grow to 10 m tall but is often kept in check with trimming. Tecomanthe speciosa makes an excellent addition to a subtropical garden and is well-suited for growing on pillars, pergolas, and arches. With appropriate support, it can also be used for hedging.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Flowering time: Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Arches, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen, Walls
Garden styles: Backyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Native, Tropical
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
phaseolus-caracalla-
Phaseolus caracalla

Phaseolus caracalla (Snail Vine) is a remarkable evergreen climber admired for its fragrant spiral shaped flowers that resemble colourful snail...

From$30.29
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$53.75
Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas' growing on a wall.
Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas'

Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas' is a beautiful and richly scented honeysuckle that brings colour, fragrance, and cottage garden charm to New...

From$24.95
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$30.29
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$30.29
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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...

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Rose 'Felicite Perpetue' double, white flowers on a scrambing shrub.
Rose 'Felicite Perpetue

Rose 'Felicite Perpetue' is a beautiful rambling rose prized for its clusters of soft blush white flowers and graceful arching growth. This classic...

From$26.91
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$19.95
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$20.01
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
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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...

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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
Lagerstroemia 'Best Red' red flowers amidst dark purple foliage.
Lagerstroemia 'Best Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Best Red’ is a standout crepe myrtle prized for its intense red summer flowers and strong upright tree form. Flowering through the...

From$323.65
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
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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
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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
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2.5 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$37.44
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0.51 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$23.04
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1.5 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$27.36
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5 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$79.20
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3.5 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$48.96
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
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Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

From$8.64
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PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$57.76
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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
pb-8-planter-bags-1
PB8 Planter Bags (Potting Bags For Plants)

These PB8 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 4.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

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Tecomanthe speciosa

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Bougainvillea, Carex, and Grape, or related Categories - Deciduous Climbers, Evergreen Climbers, and Grapevines.

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.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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