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best wall climbing plants

Searching for the best wall climbing plants to transform your garden, patio, or outdoor space? Climbing plants are not only visually striking, but they also provide privacy, brighten up dull walls, and attract essential wildlife. Whether you want dramatic flowering vines or evergreen coverage, knowing which climbers thrive in New Zealand’s climate can make your planting project a resounding success.

Hedera canariensis growing on a wall with green foliage.

Hedera canariensis

Hedera canariensis, commonly known as Canary Island Ivy, is a vigorous evergreen climber valued for its large, glossy green leaves and rapid growth. Ideal for covering fences, walls, and pergolas, it also makes an excellent ground cover for shaded or difficult areas.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 30.00 m
Spread: 30.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Containers, Screening, Walls
Garden styles: Coastal, Japanese, Mediterranean
Hedera canariensis variegata green and cream foliage.

Hedera canariensis Variegata

5 from 2 customers

Hedera canariensis ‘Variegata’ is a striking evergreen climber known for its large, glossy green leaves edged with creamy-white variegation. This hardy and fast-growing ivy adds a touch of elegance and brightness to New Zealand gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 30.00 m
Spread: 30.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Banks, Containers, Screening, Walls
Garden styles: Coastal, Japanese, Mediterranean
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...

From$30.29
Dolichandra unguis cati climbing vine with green foliage and yellow flowers.
Dolichandra unguis-cati (Cat's Claw Creeper)

Dolichandra unguis-cati is a vigorous evergreen climber known for its bright yellow trumpet flowers and fast growing nature. It creates a bold...

From$60.65
Hedera 'Golden Ingot' plant with green and yellow foliage.
Hedera helix 'Golden Ingot'

Hedera helix ‘Golden Ingot’ is a striking evergreen ivy admired for its bright golden-yellow foliage edged with soft green tones. This compact and...

From$16.95
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
A Tui in a Metrosideros carminea shrub feeding on the red flowers.
Metrosideros carminea

Metrosideros carminea, commonly known as Climbing Rata or Crimson Rata Vine, is a striking New Zealand native valued for its vivid red flowers and...

From$26.15
Hedera helix 'Needlepoint' creeping stems with green foliage.
Hedera helix 'Needlepoint'

Hedera helix ‘Needlepoint’ is a refined evergreen ivy featuring small, deeply lobed leaves with a delicate, pointed shape. This compact and elegant...

From$14.95
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
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...

From$44.09
Hedera 'Silver Variegata' dark green and cream variegated foliage.
Hedera 'Silver Variegated'

Hedera ‘Silver Variegated’ is a striking evergreen ivy with silvery-green leaves edged in creamy white. Its elegant variegation brightens shaded...

From$14.95
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Lockwood de Forest' plants trailing over a wall.
Rosmarinus 'Lockwood de Forest' (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosemary 'Lockwood de Forest' is a creeping or prostrate variety of Rosemary that features petite, blue flowers through winter and spring. These are...

From$22.01
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
A Monstera 'Monkey Mask' plant with lush, green foliage growing in a pot.
Monstera 'Monkey Mask'

Monstera 'Monkey Mask' is a very popular indoor plant due to its striking foliage. It produces dark green, heart-shaped leaves with distinct holes...

From$44.09
Cissus rhombifolia trailling over the sides of a planter with lush foliage.
Cissus rhombifolia (Grape Ivy)

Cissus rhombifolia, commonly known as the Grape Ivy plant, is an evergreen perennial grown for its colourful and trailing foliage. Hanging stems host...

From$31.67
curio-herreanus-
Curio herreanus (String Of Watermelons)

Commonly known as String of Watermelons, this is a succulent grown for its interesting, ball-like foliage. It produces masses of dark green...

From$15.11
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$30.29
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
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
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
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$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
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
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$14.95
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
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
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$27.36
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
plant-pots-
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
half-litre-plant-pots-
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
Hedera canariensis

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Bougainvillea, Dolichandra, and Ficus, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Groundcover Plants, and Indoor Plants.

Search best wall climbing plants

Why Choose Climbing Plants for Your Walls?

Wall climbing plants offer versatility, beauty, and structure to outdoor areas. They can soften the look of brick or concrete, create living privacy screens, and even contribute to biodiversity. Many climbers are easy to train and maintain, making them ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners. The best wall climbing plants generally have vigorous growth habits, cling well to surfaces, and offer year-round appeal.

Top Picks for Best Wall Climbing Plants in New Zealand

Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch'

If you’re seeking bold colour, Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' provides spectacular purple bracts for most of the year. Its vigorous growth and tolerance for sunny, sheltered spots make it a standout choice for covering walls and fences. Bougainvillea prefers well-drained soil and benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and size.

Parthenocissus tricuspidata Veitchii

For classic autumn colour, Parthenocissus tricuspidata Veitchii (Boston Ivy) is highly valued. Its self-clinging tendrils adhere well to brick and stone, creating lush coverage. In autumn, the foliage turns vivid shades of red and orange. Boston Ivy is low maintenance and well-suited to cooler regions around New Zealand.

Pyrostegia venusta

Orange trumpet vine, or Pyrostegia venusta, delivers a burst of fiery flowers in late winter and early spring. It’s an excellent option for sunny walls and can quickly cover large spaces. This evergreen climber attracts pollinators and is ideal for gardeners wanting a striking, low-maintenance plant.

Hedera helix 'Golden Ingot'

For reliable evergreen coverage, Hedera helix 'Golden Ingot' provides year-round colour thanks to its unique golden-green variegation. Ivy is ideal for shady walls, can handle a variety of conditions, and creates a lush backdrop for other garden features. Regular management keeps it looking tidy and prevents uncontrolled spreading.

Ficus 'Ice Caps'

While typically an indoor feature, Ficus 'Ice Caps' can be used outdoors in frost-free zones. This climbing fig offers distinctive foliage and an adaptable growth habit, providing subtle textural interest when trained along sheltered walls. Ficus climbers are best suited to sheltered patios or conservatories.

Tips for Planting and Training Climbing Plants

When choosing the best wall climbing plants, consider your garden’s microclimate, wall orientation, and soil conditions. Ensure proper spacing and provide trellises or wires for climbers that need support. Regular pruning helps maintain healthy growth and optimises flowering or foliage display.

Ready to start your living wall? Explore our range of climbers for more inspiration, and discover how these plants can transform your outdoor spaces into vibrant, inviting sanctuaries.


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.

Our garden favourites Ficus 'Black Knight' and Lomandra Little Con get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Rhaphiolepis 'Oriental Pearl', Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea), and Hebe 'Margret'.
–The Plant Company

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