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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.

pyrostegia-venusta-5

Pyrostegia venusta

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Pyrostegia venusta, commonly known as Flame Vine or Golden Shower Vine, is an amazing climber that produces masses of bright and unusual flowers. It carries mid green leaves which literally disappear during winter and spring behind a shroud of bright orange flowers. The showy flowers are showy and literally transform the plant. It is fast growing and will reach 10 m if it has something to climb and left untrimmed. Pyrostegia venusta is commonly included in tropical or cottage gardens, planted for winter colour, used to cover a fence or other support structure, or allowed to cascade over a wall.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' purple-pink flowers and variegated foliage.

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.

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
A Tui in a Metrosideros carminea shrub feeding on the red flowers.

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...

From$25.58
Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) growing on a stone wall with colourful foliage.

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

Ficus pumila, commonly known as Creeping Fig or Climbing Ficus, is a vigorous, evergreen climber popular in New Zealand for covering walls, fences...

From$18.83
Hydrangea petiolaris white flowers and green foliage.

Hydrangea petiolaris

Hydrangea petiolaris is a climbing hydrangea that grows as a vigorous, self-clinging deciduous climber that produces flat white lacecap blooms in...

From$40.43
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green...

From$20.18
Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.

Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Muehlenbeckia axillaris, commonly known as Creeping Wire Vine, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover with wiry stems and small, dark green...

From$20.18
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$29.63
Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' growing on a pergola and featuring masses of stunning yellow flowers.

Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Banksia Rose)

Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Yellow Banksia Rose) is a stunning climbing rose admired for its masses of soft yellow double flowers produced in spring. This...

From$29.63
Hedera 'Silver Variegata' dark green and cream variegated foliage.

Hedera 'Silver Variegated'

Hedera ‘Silver Variegated’ is a striking evergreen ivy with silvery-green leaves edged in creamy white. Its elegant variegation brightens shaded...

From$20.18
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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$29.63
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Rhaphidophora decursiva

Rhaphidophora decursiva, commonly known as the Dragon Tail Plant or Philodendron Dragon, is a climber that features lush foliage and often grown as...

From$52.58
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Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is a mat forming, NZ native, ground covering plant. It has soft, blue-grey leaves which are held on stems that tend to climb over...

From$23.63
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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$33.68
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Rose Albertine

Rose Albertine is a climbing rose featuring very showy, salmon-pink flowers. The highly fragrant blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn...

From$56.63
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Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
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Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long...

From$24.23
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$19.58
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Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$21.53
Stromanthe triostar plant.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$32.33
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Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$37.73
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Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$43.13
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$6.53
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Viburnum Dense Fence

Viburnum Dense Fence is an evergreen shrub that features glossy foliage that emerges red and ages to become dark green. Left untrimmed it will grow...

From$26.93
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.

Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$26.33
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

From$21.53
Leonotis leonurus shrub with masses of orange flowers.

Leonotis leonurus (Lions Tail Plant)

Leonotis leonurus, commonly known as the Lions Tail Plant, is a shrub grown for its interesting flowers and foliage. Its unusualness comes from...

From$26.93
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$20.93
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$29.63
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.

Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

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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$420.00
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...

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Pyrostegia venusta

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Bergenia, Bougainvillea, Carex, Chlorophytum, Coprosma, Ficus, Grape, Hedera, Helichrysum, Hydrangea, Leonotis, Metrosideros, Mint, Monstera, Muehlenbeckia, Pimelea, Pyrostegia, Rhaphidophora, Rosa, Rose, Sansevieria, Sedum Stromanthe and Viburnum, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Moss Poles, Spades, Deciduous Climbers, Evergreen Climbers, Grapevines, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Climbing Roses Evergreen Shrubs and Succulents.

Search climbing plants to cover a fence

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

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.

It’s easy to pick Alchemilla mollis and Aesculus Briotii, but garden variety is all about adding surprises like Chamaecyparis 'Boulevard', Leptospermum 'Outrageous', and Feijoa 'Bambina'.
–The Plant Company

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