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climbing roses for shade

Searching for climbing roses for shade? If your garden features spots with dappled light or partial shade, you’ll be pleased to know that several stunning climbing roses thrive even where sunlight is limited. Choosing the right roses for these areas not only adds vertical interest and breathtaking blooms, but also transforms shady corners into lush, fragrant retreats. Here’s everything you need to know to successfully grow climbing roses in shaded gardens, plus some of the best varieties for New Zealand landscapes.

Clematis montana 'Rubens' pink flower with purple-green foliage.

Clematis montana 'Rubens'

Clematis montana 'Rubens' is a vigorous and stunning deciduous climber known for its profusion of soft pink, vanilla-scented flowers in spring. The blooms contrast beautifully with the bronze-tinged foliage, creating an impressive display on fences, pergolas, and trellises.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 7.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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 fragrance. The charming blooms create a romantic display through the warmer months, bringing timeless character to NZ gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Rose Plants
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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
Jasminum officinale climber with lovely, white flowers.
Jasminum officinale

Jasminum officinale is a much loved climbing plant prized for its masses of small white star shaped flowers and beautiful sweet fragrance through...

From$24.77
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Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred Series' (Winter Rose)

Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred Series' is a premium evergreen perennial valued for its elegant winter and early spring flowers and attractive year...

From$29.95
Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.
Fuchsia procumbens (Climbing Fuchsia)

Fuchsia procumbens, commonly known as Creeping Fuchsia, is a low-growing, NZ native plant valued for its unique yellow-red flowers and ornamental...

From$14.95
camellia-japonica-red-red-rose-3
Camellia 'Red Red Rose'

Camellia 'Red Red Rose' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its rich red blooms that bring bold colour and elegance to New Zealand gardens...

From$34.95
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$14.95
Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry' plant with masses of red flowers growing in a pot on a patio.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry' is a compact ground cover rose valued for its masses of vibrant cherry red flowers and exceptional disease...

From$34.43
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' ground cover with masses of red flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its rich red flowers and outstanding disease resistance. This tough rose performs...

From$34.43
Rose 'Flower Carpet White' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Rose 'Flower Carpet White'

Rose 'Flower Carpet White' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its masses of pure white flowers and exceptional disease resistance. This tough...

From$34.43
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Weigela 'Wine and Roses'

Weigela 'Wine and Roses' is a striking deciduous shrub renowned for its rich burgundy purple foliage and masses of vibrant rosy pink trumpet shaped...

From$25.53
An informal hedge of 'Iceberg' rose plants with masses of white flowers.
iceberg-roses iceberg-roses

Rosa 'Iceberg', one of the world's most popular roses, is a reliable floribunda variety producing masses of pure white, lightly fragrant blooms from...

From$38.57
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' plants with red flowers above lush, green foliage.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' is a low growing ground cover rose that produces a bold display of scarlet red flowers over a long season. Its spreading...

From$33.81
An exquisite flower on 'White Romance' Rose.
Rose 'White Romance'

Rose 'White Romance' is an elegant garden rose with beautiful white flowers that bring a fresh timeless look to NZ gardens. Its neat bushy habit and...

From$38.57
Elegant orange flower on Rose 'Tequila Sunrise'
Rose 'Tequila Sunrise'

Rose 'Tequila Sunrise' is a dazzling floribunda rose admired for its brilliant yellow petals edged boldly in red, creating a fiery sunrise effect...

From$44.09
Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink' stunning pink flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink' is a low growing ground cover rose loved for its masses of clear pink flowers, spreading habit, and dependable garden...

From$34.43
A border planting of Rose 'Flower Carpet Gold' with masses of yellow flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Gold'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Gold' is a low growing ground cover rose that delivers a bright display of golden yellow blooms across a long flowering season...

From$34.43
Rose 'Violet Serenity' flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Rose 'Violet Serenity'

Rose 'Violet Serenity' is an elegant flowering rose prized for its violet toned blooms, healthy foliage, and long flowering season. The flowers are...

From$35.81
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Iris 'Rose Queen'

Iris 'Rose Queen' is a beautiful flowering iris that brings graceful form and lovely seasonal colour to NZ gardens. Its distinctive blooms rise above...

From$27.53
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Rose 'Just Joey'

Just Joey Rose is a stunning hybrid tea rose known for its apricot blooms and delightful fragrance. Ideal for adding warm colour and scent to New...

From$55.13
A large cabbage tree growing on a ridge.
Rose 'Lavender Jewel'

Rose 'Lavender Jewel' is a stunning hybrid tea rose admired for its exquisite lavender blooms and strong, sweet fragrance. Each perfectly formed...

From$30.29
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Rose 'Spiced Coffee'

Rose 'Spiced Coffee' is a distinctive flowering rose valued for its unusual warm toned blooms, healthy foliage, and long flowering season. The...

From$44.09
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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$29.95
50-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 50% Shade

This shade cloth which is also used as garden windbreak, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will still...

From$428.40
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade

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
rose-fertiliser-
Rose Fertiliser

Roses respond exceptionally well to rose fertiliser with better quality flowers and foliage, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
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
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Rose Spray

Super Shield Rose Spray is a multipurpose treatment for controlling common pests and diseases that affect roses. It targets problems including...

From$156.96
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Rose 'Westerland'

Rose 'Westerland' is a striking climbing rose admired for its large, ruffled blooms in rich shades of apricot, copper, and orange. The highly...

OUT OF STOCK
climbing-rose-school-girl-
Rose 'School Girl'

Rose 'School Girl' is a charming climbing rose admired for its large, semi double blooms in warm shades of peach, apricot, and pink. The cheerful...

OUT OF STOCK
Rose 'Chocoholic' red rose.
Rose 'Chocoholic'

Rose 'Chocoholic' is a striking climbing rose valued for its rich red flowers, attractive fragrance, and long flowering season. The blooms appear...

OUT OF STOCK
Clematis montana 'Rubens'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Camellia, Clematis, and Fuchsia, or related Categories - Deciduous Climbers, Evergreen Climbers, and Groundcover Plants.

Search climbing roses for shade

Why Choose Climbing Roses for Shade?

Many gardeners assume all roses require full sun, but certain climbing roses are naturally more shade-tolerant. These varieties can bring colour and scent to pergolas, fences, and trellises under trees or next to buildings. Climbing roses for shade are perfect for softening boundaries and adding height without sacrificing flower power. While roses generally prefer some sun, these adaptable types will flourish with morning sunlight or bright indirect light — ideal for south-facing walls or lightly shaded garden beds.

Top Climbing Roses for Shade in New Zealand

Not all climbing roses are equal when it comes to tolerating shade. Some outstanding choices include:

Planting and Caring for Climbing Roses in Shade

When planting climbing roses for shade, choose a position with access to morning sun if possible and ensure good air flow. Prepare the soil well — roses love rich, well-draining earth enhanced with compost. Regular feeding and watering are essential, especially in sheltered areas where rain might not reach as easily.

Pruning is equally important. Train your climbing roses horizontally to encourage maximum blooms, and prune lightly to keep the plant healthy and productive. Shade-tolerant climbers may flower slightly less than those in full sun, but their foliage and fragrance often remain lush and vibrant.

Transform Your Shaded Garden with Climbing Roses

Climbing roses for shade are a game-changer for New Zealand gardens, offering a solution to tricky spots while delivering beauty, scent, and structure. Explore our selection to find the perfect fit for your garden. Whether you prefer the elegance of Rose Cecil Brunner, the vibrant charm of Rose Ann Turner, or the classic beauty of Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Banksia Rose) and Rosa banksiae 'Alba' (Banksia Rose), you’ll discover climbing roses that shine in shade.

Let your shaded spaces burst into bloom and enjoy the magical transformation only climbing roses for shade can provide.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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