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best climbing plants nz

Looking to transform your garden with lush, vertical greenery or add some privacy to your outdoor space? Discover the best climbing plants NZ gardeners love for their beauty, versatility, and hardiness. Whether you're dressing up a pergola, softening a fence, or creating living walls, climbing plants offer endless creative possibilities. With the right choices, you can enjoy year-round foliage, bursts of flowers, and even attract pollinators—all while making the most of your available space.

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) growing on a stone wall with colourful foliage.

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

5 from 3 customers

Ficus pumila, commonly known as Creeping Fig or Climbing Ficus, is a vigorous, evergreen climber popular in New Zealand for covering walls, fences, and trellises. It features small, heart-shaped juvenile leaves that mature into larger, leathery foliage. Fast-growing and self-clinging, it can create dense, green coverage in sun or partial shade. Preferring well-drained soil and regular moisture, it thrives in sheltered sites and requires pruning to manage growth. Ideal for decorative and functional vertical greening.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Screening, Walls
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
pimelea-mimosa--1

Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is a mat forming, NZ native, ground covering plant. It has soft, blue-grey leaves which are held on stems that tend to climb over objects. The plant becomes adorned with tiny, white flowers during summer. This evergreen typically grows to 30 cm tall and 80 cm wide, and performs best when grown in full sun on a well-drained soil. Pimelea mimosa is commonly used as a groundcover, added to coastal plantings, included in cottage gardens, planted around outdoor living areas, or mass planted on a bank.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
Hydrangea petiolaris white flowers and green foliage.

Hydrangea petiolaris

Hydrangea petiolaris is a climbing hydrangea that grows as a vigorous, self-clinging deciduous climber that produces flat white lacecap blooms in...

From$40.43
Carex maorica growing in water.

Carex maorica (NZ Sedge)

Carex maorica is a hardy New Zealand native sedge that forms attractive clumps of arching, green foliage. Found naturally in wetlands and damp areas...

From$15.53
rhaphidophora-decursiva-

Rhaphidophora decursiva

Rhaphidophora decursiva, commonly known as the Dragon Tail Plant or Philodendron Dragon, is a climber that features lush foliage and often grown as...

From$52.58
bergenia-cordifolia-3

Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
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$358.98
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$29.63
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

climbing-rose-albertine-

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...

From$56.63
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

From$20.18
helichrysum-petiolare--3

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

From$24.23
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$24.23
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
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$32.33
sansevieria-hahnii-

Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$37.73
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$6.53
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$19.58
duranta-geisha-girl-

Duranta Geisha Girl (Geisha Girl Plant)

Duranta Geisha Girl is a popular choice known for its evergreen shrub with fresh green leaves and deep, blue flowers. The flowers have a white centre...

From$28.28
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$26.33
prostanthera-eddington-blue-

Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant)

Prostanthera Eddington Blue is an evergreen shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It features small and glossy, green leaves which are highly...

From$26.93
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

From$20.18
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.

Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Golden Glow, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and bright foliage. It features...

From$21.53
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$20.93
chlorophytum-curly--2

Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$21.53
Leonotis leonurus shrub with masses of orange flowers.

Leonotis leonurus (Lions Tail Plant)

Leonotis leonurus, commonly known as the Lions Tail Plant, is a shrub grown for its interesting flowers and foliage. Its unusualness comes from...

From$26.93
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$20.18
aechmea-fasciata-

Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

perovskia-blue-spire-

Perovskia Blue Spire (Russian Sage Plant)

The Perovskia Blue Spire plant, commonly known as the Russian Sage Plant, is a small shrub grown for its fine foliage and impressive flowers. Masses...

From$24.23
perovskia-atriplicifolia--1

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant)

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage or Russian Lavender, is a small and erect shrub that is grown for its fine foliage and...

From$24.23
15-litre-plant-pots-

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$23.75
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$5.00
Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Bergenia, Carex, Chlorophytum, Cistus, Coprosma, Duranta, Ficus, Helichrysum, Hydrangea, Kniphofia, Lagerstroemia, Leonotis, Mint, Monstera, Perovskia, Pimelea, Prostanthera, Rhaphidophora, Rose, Sansevieria, Sedum Sorbus and Stromanthe, or related Categories - Moss Poles, Plant pots, Deciduous Climbers, Evergreen Climbers, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Climbing Roses, Evergreen Shrubs Succulents and Deciduous Trees.

Search best climbing plants nz

Why Choose Climbing Plants in NZ Gardens

Climbing plants are ideal for New Zealand gardens because they thrive in a variety of conditions and suit our unique landscape. They can provide fast coverage, helping you hide unsightly fences or walls, and many species are well adapted to local soils and climates. With options ranging from evergreens to spectacular flowering varieties, it’s easy to find a climber to suit almost any garden style or function.

Top Picks for the Best Climbing Plants NZ

1. Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

Looking for a vigorous, evergreen climber that will quickly cover bland walls? Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) is a favourite for its small, dense leaves and self-clinging habit. It’s perfect for creating a soft, green backdrop and tolerates both sun and shade, making it very versatile for most NZ gardens.

2. Hydrangea petiolaris

If your garden has some shade to spare, Hydrangea petiolaris is one of the best climbing plants NZ gardeners choose for woodland or south-facing walls. With its attractive heart-shaped leaves and showy summer blooms, this self-clinging hydrangea adds interest and delicate beauty to the darkest corners.

3. Rosa 'Iceberg' Climbing

For those who dream of fragrant, flower-filled archways or trellises, Rosa 'Iceberg' Climbing is a standout choice. This robust, repeat-flowering rose combines disease resistance with stunning white blooms, ideal for adding classic romance to both cottage and contemporary gardens.

Design Tips: Using Climbers in Your Landscape

Climbers aren’t just for vertical gardening—they can offer groundcover, control erosion, and pair beautifully with native plants. Ground-hugging options, like Pimelea mimosa, are excellent underplantings beneath climbing species, providing a lush, layered look. For textural interest at the base of your climbers, consider adding a native NZ grass such as Carex maorica (NZ Sedge).

Caring for Your Climbing Plants

To get the best results from the best climbing plants NZ can offer, provide sturdy supports and regular training, especially in the first few years. A trellis, wire frame, or pergola will help guide their growth. Mulch well to retain moisture, and feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring. Prune as needed to control spread and encourage lush new growth.

Ready to revamp your garden with stunning climbers? Explore our full range of climbing, groundcover, and companion plants online for inspiration and success in your New Zealand garden.


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.

–The Plant Company

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