Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

best climbing plants for privacy

If you’re searching for the best climbing plants for privacy, you’re in the right place. Whether you have a compact urban balcony, a classic New Zealand backyard, or a covered pergola, climbers are one of the most versatile solutions for screening out unwanted views and creating a lush, green sanctuary. Fast-growing climbing plants can quickly form living fences, soften hard edges, and add year-round interest with fragrant flowers or glossy foliage. Discover which climbing plants suit New Zealand gardens and get expert advice on choosing, planting, and caring for climbers that deliver privacy and beauty.

Clematis 'Snowflake' growing on a fence and featuring masses of white flowers and lush, green foliage.

Clematis montana 'Snowflake'

Clematis montana ‘Snowflake’ is a vigorous, fast-growing climber that produces a breathtaking display of fragrant, pure white flowers in late spring. The blooms cover the plant so densely they resemble falling snow, making it a standout feature in any garden.

Buy Clematis montana 'Snowflake'

From $37.19

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Climbers

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen, Walls

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White

Jasminum officinale

Jasminum officinale is a much loved climbing plant prized for its masses of small white star shaped flowers and beautiful sweet fragrance through summer. This vigorous jasmine performs very well in New Zealand gardens and is ideal for adding scent and charm to outdoor spaces.

Buy Jasminum officinale

From $24.77

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Climbers

Height: 6.00 m

Spread: 6.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening

Garden styles: Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese

Why Use Climbing Plants for Privacy?

Climbing plants offer a natural alternative to fencing and can transform a bare wall or open trellis into a vibrant privacy screen. Unlike hard fencing, climbers add softness, encourage birdlife, and filter light for a tranquil outdoor space. Many of the best climbing plants for privacy are fast growers and require modest care—perfect for seasoned gardeners and beginners. Plus, select climbers bring long-lasting colour with flowers and even attract pollinators to your garden.

Top Picks: Best Climbing Plants for Privacy in New Zealand

New Zealand’s climate is ideal for a range of climbing species. Here are some highly recommended options to help you create a secluded oasis:

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) is an evergreen climber renowned for its dense coverage and rapid growth. It happily clings to fences and walls, quickly forming a lush, green screen. Ideal for urban gardens and shady spaces, this low-maintenance plant will bring privacy in style.

Rhaphidophora decursiva

Perfect for indoor or sheltered outdoor spots, Rhaphidophora decursiva is a unique climber with dramatic, divided leaves. While often grown indoors, in frost-free areas it can be trained up sturdy supports outdoors as a privacy enhancer with a tropical flair.

Hydrangea petiolaris

If you need a climber for a shaded wall or fence, Hydrangea petiolaris is a beautiful choice. This deciduous climber offers heart-shaped leaves and clouds of lacy, white summer flowers. It’s a slower grower but provides excellent seasonal privacy and garden charm.

Climbing Roses

Roses aren’t just for cottage gardens—they make fantastic privacy screens too. Rosa 'Iceberg' Climbing is famed for its extended flowering season and bright, white blooms. For striking colour, Rose Ann Turner climbing rose offers remarkable cerise-pink flowers. Both will thrive on fences, arches, or trellises, bringing fragrance and privacy in one package.

Tips for Planting and Caring for Climbing Plants

Choose your climber according to sun, wind exposure, and local climate. Prepare the soil with compost and mulch to support healthy root growth and retain moisture. Secure young plants to supports and train stems as they grow. Regular pruning encourages denser growth—and better privacy. Remember to water well during dry periods, especially as the plants establish.

Climbing plants are a beautiful, practical, and eco-friendly solution to privacy challenges in any New Zealand garden. Explore the best climbing plants for privacy and transform your outdoor space into a private green retreat with our expert selection.

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 for privacy

Clematis montana 'Snowflake'

Jasminum officinale

Did you find what you are looking for?

Why Use Climbing Plants for Privacy?