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

Looking for climbing plants to cover a fence and transform your garden into a lush, private haven? Whether you need extra privacy, want to disguise tired timber, or simply crave vibrant colour along your boundaries, climbing plants offer a beautiful, practical solution. With a diverse range of hardy climbers thriving in New Zealand's climate, creating a living fence is easier than ever. Below, we highlight some of the best climbing plants to cover a fence, their benefits, and tips for achieving fast, healthy growth.

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.

Buy Metrosideros carminea

From $26.15

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.

Buy Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch'

From $30.29

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

Why Choose Climbing Plants to Cover a Fence?

Climbing plants bring life and beauty to any fence, offering year-round interest with their foliage, flowers, and texture. Many varieties grow quickly, meaning you don’t have to wait long for that leafy screen or splash of colour. Climbing plants are fantastic for attracting bees and birds to your garden, too. Plus, they help soften hard lines, creating a natural, inviting look along property boundaries.

Top Climbing Plants for Fences

When choosing the best climbing plants to cover a fence, consider factors like sunlight, wind exposure, and maintenance needs. Some popular options for New Zealand gardens include:

Bougainvillea

If you want vibrant, long-lasting colour, Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' is a superb pick. With deep purple bracts and robust growth, it quickly cloaks fences and thrives in sunny, sheltered spots. For a bold, tropical vibe, Bougainvillea 'Pedro' delivers rich magenta tones and works well in frost-free areas.

Pyrostegia venusta

Known as the flame vine, Pyrostegia venusta explodes with brilliant orange flowers every summer, making it an eye-catching choice for covering fences. This evergreen climber is ideal for full sun and brings a burst of colour when other plants may be dormant.

Metrosideros carminea

The native Metrosideros carminea, also known as Carmine Rātā, offers glossy green leaves and stunning red flowers. It’s perfect for adding New Zealand character to your garden and suits both sheltered and partly shaded sites.

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) is a versatile evergreen climber that hugs surfaces, rapidly covering fences with dense foliage. This creeper works brilliantly for low-maintenance, green privacy screens and can handle both sun and shade.

Tips for Growing Climbing Plants on Fences

Prepare your fence: Clean and repair surfaces, and add trellis if necessary for support.
Plant spacing: Leave enough room for each plant to spread; avoid crowding.
Watering: Establish new climbers with deep, regular watering.
Feeding: Use slow-release fertilisers in spring for vigorous growth.
Pruning: Trim to encourage fuller coverage and keep plants tidy.

With climbing plants to cover a fence, you’ll enjoy increased privacy, natural beauty and a healthy outdoor environment. Browse our range of climbers to find your perfect match and start transforming your boundaries today.

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 to cover a fence

Metrosideros carminea

Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch'

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Why Choose Climbing Plants to Cover a Fence?