Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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climbing plants to cover brick wall

A bare brick wall can be transformed into a lush, living tapestry with the right selection of climbing plants. Whether your goal is to soften hard surfaces, create privacy, add interest to your outdoor spaces, or simply enhance your garden’s beauty, there are many climbing plants to cover brick wall surfaces in New Zealand gardens. Choosing the ideal climber depends on your wall’s aspect, local climate, and the amount of maintenance you prefer. Below, explore expert-recommended varieties that thrive against brick and discover how these plants can turn your wall from barren to beautiful.

Ficus pumila

Ficus pumila, commonly known as Creeping Fig or Climbing Ficus, is a vigorous, evergreen climber popular in New Zealand for covering walls, fences, and trellises. It features small, heart-shaped juvenile leaves that mature into larger, leathery foliage. Fast-growing and self-clinging, it can create dense, green coverage in sun or partial shade. Preferring well-drained soil and regular moisture, it thrives in sheltered sites and requires pruning to manage growth. Ideal for decorative and functional vertical greening.

Buy Ficus pumila

From $9.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Climbers

Height: 4.00 m

Spread: 4.00 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Screening, Walls

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

Dolichandra unguis cati climbing vine with green foliage and yellow flowers.

Dolichandra unguis-cati (Cat's Claw Creeper)

Dolichandra unguis-cati is a vigorous evergreen climber known for its bright yellow trumpet flowers and fast growing nature. It creates a bold display in New Zealand gardens and quickly covers structures. This hardy plant is ideal for fences, walls, and pergolas. Its rapid growth and dense foliage make it a popular choice for screening and adding vertical interest.

Buy Dolichandra unguis-cati (Cat's Claw Creeper)

From $60.65

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Climbers

Height: 5.00 m

Spread: 5.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

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

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

Why Choose Climbing Plants for Brick Walls?

Climbing plants are the perfect solution for covering unsightly or plain brick walls. They not only provide an attractive green backdrop, but also help regulate wall temperature, encourage wildlife, and improve air quality. When you select vigorous, self-clinging or twining climbers, you minimise the need for ongoing support structures. Brick walls offer warmth and stability, allowing many climbers to flourish, even in challenging conditions.

Top Climbing Plants for Brick Walls

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

One of the most popular choices, Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig), is a hardy, evergreen climber renowned for its tight cling and fast coverage. Its small, glossy leaves form a dense mat, making it ideal for hiding imperfections and creating a perfectly green wall. Creeping Fig is well suited to both sunny and shaded locations and handles urban environments gracefully.

Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston Ivy) & Veitchii

The classic Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston Ivy) is famous for its dramatic seasonal colour changes. This self-clinging deciduous climber attaches directly to brick surfaces, sporting bright green foliage in spring and summer, then turning brilliant shades of red and burgundy in autumn. For a more refined leaf shape and equally vibrant colouring, Parthenocissus tricuspidata Veitchii offers a slightly more compact growth habit.

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

If you prefer a native solution, Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous New Zealand endemic ideal for brick walls. Its wiry stems and tiny foliage create a unique, textured appearance. Pohuehue is tolerant of wind, salt, and a range of urban conditions, making it a resilient and attractive option for coastal gardens as well as city landscapes.

Pyrostegia venusta

For a burst of bright colour in winter, consider Pyrostegia venusta. This evergreen climber offers vibrant orange flowers during the cooler months, providing visual interest when most other plants are dormant. It thrives in warm, sheltered spots and quickly covers walls with lush foliage and spectacular blooms.

Growing and Maintaining Climbing Plants

To successfully establish climbing plants to cover brick wall areas, start with good soil preparation. Ensure the base of the wall is mulched and watered regularly, particularly during the initial growing phase. Most climbers require little maintenance once established—just a light prune to control growth and maintain shape. Watch for any signs of overgrowth or damage to mortar, and choose self-attaching or twining varieties that are gentle on brickwork.

With thoughtful selection and care, climbing plants are a rewarding way to cover a brick wall, create privacy, and boost your garden’s appeal. Explore our range to find the perfect climber for your space, and enjoy the transformation for years to come.

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 brick wall

Ficus pumila

Dolichandra unguis-cati (Cat's Claw Creeper)

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Why Choose Climbing Plants for Brick Walls?