Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

climbing plants for shade nz

Finding the right climbing plants for shade in NZ can transform even the darkest corners of your garden into lush, vibrant spaces. Whether you're dealing with a shaded fence line, a cool southern wall, or a partially covered patio, certain shade-loving climbers will thrive where sunlight is limited. Choosing the right climber not only adds colour and texture but also helps with insulation, privacy, and creating a restful retreat.

Hydrangea petiolaris

Hydrangea petiolaris is a climbing hydrangea that grows as a vigorous, self-clinging deciduous climber that produces flat white lacecap blooms in early summer. Its heart-shaped leaves create a lush green covering for walls, fences, and pergolas, especially in shaded or semi-shaded areas. Slow to establish but long-lived, this climber thrives in moist, well-drained soil and performs reliably across New Zealand’s diverse climates. Hydrangea petiolaris brings elegance, structure, and seasonal interest to vertical garden spaces.

Buy Hydrangea petiolaris

From $40.43

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Climbers

Height: 10.00 m

Spread: 5.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Arches, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Walls

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, 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

Best Shade-Loving Climbers for New Zealand Gardens

When searching for climbing plants for shade NZ, it's important to consider varieties that are well-suited to lower-light conditions and adaptable to local climates. Some of the best options for New Zealand gardeners include evergreen and deciduous climbers, flowering options, and even unusual species with unique foliage.

Hydrangea petiolaris

Hydrangea petiolaris, commonly called climbing hydrangea, is a shade-tolerant favourite for NZ gardens. This deciduous climber is renowned for its stunning white lace-cap flowers in late spring and early summer. It clings easily to walls, fences, and tree trunks, forming a dense cover of dark green foliage which turns buttery yellow in autumn. Perfect for south-facing aspects, Hydrangea petiolaris is low-maintenance and adds elegant structure to shaded areas.

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

For year-round foliage and flexibility, Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) is an outstanding shade-climbing plant. It quickly scales walls and trellises with its small, dainty leaves, providing a lush green backdrop in both full and partial shade. This evergreen climber is ideal for adding life to shaded walls or garden corners, and also works well as a groundcover under larger shrubs.

Hydrangea seemanii

Another standout is Hydrangea seemanii, a semi-evergreen climber that thrives in cooler, shaded spots. It produces clusters of creamy white flowers through late spring and early summer, while its rich green foliage keeps fences and walls covered. This climbing hydrangea cousin is perfect for those seeking low-light interest and seasonal blooms in protected garden areas.

Unusual Climbers and Groundcovers for Shade

For gardeners looking for something a little different, consider ground-hugging or tropical-style climbers that tolerate shade.

Rhaphidophora decursiva is an architecturally striking choice, with dramatic, split leaves adding a tropical feel to shaded courtyards or indoor spaces. Outdoors, it works well in frost-free coastal locations.
Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia) is a native New Zealand groundcover that performs brilliantly in shaded spots. Brightly coloured flowers and edible berries provide seasonal interest, making it a unique, low-growing option for shade.

Tips for Growing Shade Climbing Plants in New Zealand

When growing climbing plants for shade NZ, prepare the soil with plenty of compost and mulch to retain moisture. Support climbers with trellis or mesh where needed, and prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage healthy new growth. With the right shade-tolerant varieties, you can enjoy dramatic vertical gardens, even in your most shadowy backyard corners.

Fill your garden with greenery and blooms using these shade-loving climbers, and discover new ways to make even the shadiest places thrive.

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.

climbing plants for shade nz

Hydrangea petiolaris

Rhaphidophora decursiva

Did you find what you are looking for?