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climbing plants for pergola

Searching for the best climbing plants for pergola to transform your outdoor space? Whether you dream of a lush canopy of blooms or want to create a sheltered retreat from the New Zealand sun, choosing the right climbers brings both beauty and function to your pergola. The right plants can enhance shade, add privacy, or simply wow with seasonal colour. Let’s explore some outstanding choices that thrive in Kiwi gardens and discover expert tips for selecting and growing climbing plants for pergolas.

Elegant Wisteria 'Caroline' light purple flowers.

Wisteria 'Caroline'

5 from 1 customers

Wisteria ‘Caroline’ is an elegant flowering climber valued for its long cascading racemes of soft lilac to pale purple flowers that appear in spring. This variety delivers the classic romantic wisteria look, creating a stunning display when in bloom. It is well suited to NZ gardens where a strong seasonal feature is desired.

From $39.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Walls
Garden styles: Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese
Very elegant Wisteria 'Lavender Lace' blue flowers.

Wisteria 'Lavender Lace'

5 from 2 customers

Wisteria ‘Lavender Lace’ is a graceful flowering climber admired for its long cascading racemes of soft lavender flowers that appear in spring. The elegant blooms create a romantic feature and are lightly fragrant, making this variety a favourite for NZ gardens.

From $29.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas
Garden styles: Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese
pyrostegia-venusta-5
Pyrostegia venusta (Flame Vine)

Pyrostegia venusta (Flame Vine) is a spectacular evergreen climber celebrated for its masses of brilliant orange flowers that cover the plant during...

From$19.95
gelsemium-sempervirens-1
Gelsemium sempervirens

Gelsemium sempervirens (Yellow Jessamine) is a graceful evergreen climber admired for its fragrant trumpet shaped yellow flowers that appear from...

From$26.95
Pandorea rosea superba elegant pink flowers.
Pandorea rosea superba

Pandorea rosea superba is a climber that produces bright pink, trumpet-shaped flowers with a dark pink throat, which are produced from spring through...

From$24.95
Pandorea jasminoides variegata pink flower and variegated foliage.
Pandorea jasminoides variegata

Pandorea jasminoides 'Variegata' is a climber that features light pink, trumpet-shaped flowers with a dark pink throat from spring through autumn...

From$24.95
climbing-rose-cecil-brunner-1
Rose Cecil Brunner

Rose 'Cecil Brunner' is a treasured old fashioned climbing rose, admired for its sprays of small, perfectly shaped soft pink flowers and delicate...

From$30.29
Pandorea 'Ruby Heart' white flowers tinged with pink and lush, green foliage.
Pandorea 'Ruby Heart'

Pandorea 'Ruby Heart' carries glossy, dark green foliage, which is aesthetic in its own right. The foliage is adorned with showy clusters of...

From$24.95
Pandorea jasminoides Charisma plant with variegated leaves and pink flowers.
Pandorea 'Charisma'

Pandorea ‘Charisma’ is a striking evergreen climber known for its profuse clusters of creamy white trumpet-shaped flowers, each accented with a vivid...

From$24.95
Rosa banksiae 'Alba' growing on a pergola and featuring masses of stunning white flowers.
Rosa banksiae 'Alba' (Banksia Rose)

Rosa banksiae 'Alba' (White Banksia Rose) is a spectacular climbing rose prized for its masses of small pure white flowers produced in spring. This...

From$30.29
grape-niagra-3
Grape 'Niagra'

Grape 'Niagra' is a well known white grape variety valued for its sweet flavour and juicy fruit, making it ideal for fresh eating and home growing in...

From$29.95
grape-albany-surprise-
Grape 'Albany Surprise'

Grape 'Albany Surprise' is a reliable grape variety known for its sweet, flavoursome fruit and strong growth in NZ gardens. This vigorous vine...

From$29.95
grape-candice-seedless-
Grape 'Candice Seedless'

Grape 'Candice Seedless' is a popular table grape known for its sweet, juicy red berries and excellent seedless eating quality. Well suited to NZ...

From$29.95
grape-steubens--1
Grape 'Steubens'

Grape 'Steubens' is a popular table grape known for its sweet, juicy red berries and reliable performance in NZ gardens. This vigorous vine produces...

From$29.95
Ripe Passion Fruit with yellow pulp and a purple skin.
Passiflora edulis

Passiflora edulis, commonly known as Passion Fruit, is a vigorous climbing vine admired for its exotic flowers and delicious fruit. In NZ gardens, it...

From$21.95
A Philodendron melanochrysum plant with dark green, velvet covered leaves growing in a pot.
Philodendron melanochrysum

Philodendron melanochrysum, also known as the Black Gold Philodendron, is a stunning climbing plant prized for its large, velvety, dark green leaves...

From$52.37
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$44.09
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
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
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
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
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
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$19.50
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
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
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
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
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
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
Wisteria 'Caroline'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Gelsemium, Pandorea, and Pyrostegia, or related Categories - Deciduous Climbers, Evergreen Climbers, and Climbing Roses.

Search climbing plants for pergola

Why Choose Climbing Plants for Your Pergola

Pergolas are the perfect structure to support vigorous, flowering climbers that quickly create a tranquil, garden oasis. Climbing plants for pergola provide natural shade, attract pollinators, and soften the look of timber or metal frameworks. They’re an ideal solution if you want to add vertical greenery to urban courtyards or rural retreats. With so many varieties available, it's easy to find a climber that suits your site’s sun, shade, and soil conditions.

Top Climbing Plants for Pergola

Bougainvillea

Bougainvilleas are vibrant, low-maintenance favourites for New Zealand pergolas. These sun-loving climbers deliver show-stopping displays of colour all through summer and autumn. Consider these popular selections:

Bougainvilleas thrive in free-draining soil and love the heat reflected off north-facing pergolas.

Tecomanthe speciosa

For gardeners seeking a native treasure, Tecomanthe speciosa is an outstanding evergreen climber. It boasts large, lush foliage and showy, tubular pink flowers that attract nectar-loving birds. This Northland endemic is ideal for adding subtropical flair to your garden, and its vigorous growth habit makes it a standout choice for covering pergolas quickly.

Hydrangea petiolaris

If your pergola is partly shaded, Hydrangea petiolaris (the climbing hydrangea) might be your perfect match. Its delicate, lacy white flowers and rich green foliage create a cool, classic look, thriving in the filtered light where many other climbers struggle.

Tips for Growing Climbing Plants on Pergolas

Create a Garden Retreat

With the right climbing plants for pergola, you’ll create a vibrant, living feature that transforms your outdoor lifestyle. Browse our range of climbers, including Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch', Bougainvillea 'Bridal Bouquet', Bougainvillea 'Pedro', Tecomanthe speciosa, and Hydrangea petiolaris, and transform your pergola into a flourishing green escape.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
We all know Ficus benjamina variegata and Azara microphylla, but the real surprises come from plants like Nyssa sinensis, Wisteria 'Caroline', and Prunus 'Okame'.
–The Plant Company

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