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

If you're searching for a stunning way to add lush vertical accents, seasonal colour, and perennial interest to your garden, clematis climbing plants are a superb choice. Known for their prolific blooms in dazzling shades and their versatile habit, clematis climbing plants are beloved by New Zealand gardeners who want to transform fences, pergolas, archways, or trellises into living cascades of flowers. These robust yet refined climbers suit all sorts of gardens, from classic cottage designs to modern outdoor spaces, thriving as both feature plants and companions for other perennials or shrubs.

Clematis montana 'Rubens'

Clematis montana ‘Rubens’ is a vigorous and stunning deciduous climber known for its profusion of soft pink, vanilla-scented flowers in spring. The blooms contrast beautifully with the bronze-tinged foliage, creating an impressive display on fences, pergolas, and trellises. Perfect for covering large areas quickly, ‘Rubens’ thrives in most NZ gardens and rewards with low maintenance and long-lasting beauty. It’s a classic choice for adding romance, colour, and fragrance to outdoor spaces.

Buy Clematis montana 'Rubens'

From $36.38

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Climbers

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Parks, Specimen

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 $52.58

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 Clematis Climbing Plants?

Few garden climbers rival the sheer range of form, colour, and flowering period that clematis climbing plants offer. Whether you’re after bold, showy blooms or understated elegance, there’s a variety to suit every taste. Many clematis varieties flower prolifically from late spring to early autumn, providing months of enjoyment just when your garden needs an extra boost of colour.

Their twining vines quickly cover walls or unsightly structures, delivering privacy as well as beauty. With the right support, they’ll wind gracefully through shrubs, up pillars, or over arches with little fuss. Clematis climbing plants also excel in containers, where their roots are sheltered but the vines can climb wherever their tendrils reach.

Top Clematis Varieties for Your Garden

For gardeners seeking tried-and-true performers, consider Clematis 'Honora', which produces velvety, deep-purple blooms and is loved for its long flowering period and strong, climbing habit. If you prefer a more compact, shrub-like form with blue-mauve flowers, Clematis 'Durandii' offers something a bit different while still delivering classic clematis flair.

How to Grow Clematis Climbing Plants

Clematis thrive in conditions where their roots stay cool, but their tops bask in the sun. Plant your clematis in rich, well-drained soil and ensure it has something to climb—trellis panels and wires work well. Mulch around the base to lock in soil moisture and keep roots happy. Most clematis climbing plants appreciate a yearly trim, and with hundreds of varieties ranging from vigorous climbers to smaller, patio-friendly types, there truly is an option for every garden layout and skill level.

Companions and Alternatives

Looking to create a tapestry of green texture and colour? Clematis combine beautifully with traditional climbers like Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig), which provides evergreen coverage and lets your clematis blooms take centre stage. For indoor plant lovers, consider pairing garden clematis with lush houseplants—Rhaphidophora decursiva or Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant) bring the beauty of foliage indoors, mirroring the vitality that clematis bring to outdoor spaces.

Enhance Your Garden with Clematis Climbing Plants

Clematis climbing plants are an investment in lasting garden beauty, providing soaring blooms and dynamic greenery from season to season. Whether you're training them up a sunny wall, framing an entrance, or cascading over a trellis, these versatile climbers never fail to delight. Discover the many options available, including show-stoppers like Clematis 'Honora' and Clematis 'Durandii', and create your own blooming masterpiece.

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.