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

Transform your outdoor spaces with climbing plants for fences—natural beauties that provide privacy, colour, and lush greenery. In New Zealand’s mild climate, climbers thrive, making them perfect for softening boundaries, creating living screens, or adding vibrant blooms to your garden. Whether you’re looking to conceal an unsightly fence, enhance a boundary, or add architectural interest, there’s a climbing plant ideal for your needs. Explore top varieties selected for fence cover, adaptability, and lasting appeal.

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 glossy, dark green foliage. This vigorous climber can reach 3–6 metres with support and is ideal for covering fences, trellises, or tree trunks. Flowering from late winter into spring, it attracts native birds and brings bold seasonal colour. It thrives in sheltered, frost-free areas with well-drained soil and regular moisture.

Buy Metrosideros carminea

From $25.58

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 2.00 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Winter

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Arches, Walls

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native

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 brightening fences, pergolas, and garden walls, it brings tropical vibrancy and structure to New Zealand gardens. This hardy and low-maintenance variety thrives in full sun and provides months of eye-catching colour, making it a standout choice for sunny outdoor spaces.

Buy Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch'

From $29.63

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Climbers

Height: 2.00 m

Spread: 2.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

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

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

Top Climbing Plants for Fences in New Zealand

Choosing the right climbing plants for fences is key to achieving a healthy, attractive garden. Popular options include fast-growing, flowering climbers, evergreens, and natives that suit our unique Kiwi environment. Select species based on sun exposure, moisture, and the size of your fence.

Bougainvillea: Colourful Fence Covers

If you’re after dramatic colour and year-round texture, bougainvillea varieties make a stunning statement. These resilient subtropical climbers are renowned for their brilliant blooms and vigorous growth habits.

Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' is prized for its vibrant purple bracts and dense foliage, creating striking contrast against wooden or metal fences. It thrives in sun-drenched spots.
Bougainvillea 'Pedro' features glowing magenta flowers, ideal for enhancing privacy and adding visual interest.
For elegant, white blooms, Bougainvillea 'Bridal Bouquet' offers a softer, sophisticated look along any fence line.

Native Climbers: Kiwi Charm

New Zealand’s natives offer low-maintenance options that foster biodiversity. Metrosideros carminea, also known as ‘Crimson Rātā’, flourishes on fences and trellises, boasting rich red flowers and glossy leaves. This climber attracts native birds and bees, making your garden an ecological haven.

Hydrangea Petiolaris: Cool Shade and Texture

If your fence is shaded or north-facing, Hydrangea petiolaris is an exceptional choice. This shade-loving climber produces generous clusters of creamy-white flowers, creating a textured green wall perfect for cottage-style gardens or classic landscapes.

Planting and Caring for Climbers

Establishing climbing plants for fences is easy with the right care. Prepare soil with compost, provide sturdy support, and water regularly until established. Train stems to climb along wires, trellis, or directly onto the fence. Prune annually to promote blooms and prevent overgrowth. Most climbers will reward you with lush cover and vivid colour from spring to autumn.

Maximising Fence Appeal

Climbing plants for fences are versatile. Use only one species for uniform coverage, or combine a few for layered effect, staggered flowering, and seasonal interest. Bougainvillea delivers bold hues, the native Metrosideros carminea attracts wildlife, and Hydrangea petiolaris softens shaded boundaries.

Ready to upgrade your outdoor living? Browse our selection of quality climbers and find the perfect plants to bring your fence to life.

Browse our range and discover how climbing plants for fences can redefine your garden’s boundaries with beauty, privacy, and natural charm.

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.