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

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.

Buy Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

From $5.30

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

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

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.

best climbing plants nz

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

Rhaphidophora decursiva

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Why Choose Climbing Plants in NZ Gardens