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climbing roses for shade nz

Looking to transform a shady wall, fence, or pergola with spectacular climbing roses for shade NZ? While roses are typically sun-lovers, there are select climbing varieties that tolerate partial shade and still reward you with breathtaking blooms. New Zealand’s diverse climates mean gardeners often face challenging shady spots, but with careful plant selection and helpful tips, you can enjoy cascading roses in areas with less sunlight.

Helleborus orientalis with colourful pink flowers.

Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as Lenten Rose, is a hardy perennial prized for its elegant winter and early spring blooms. Flowers appear in shades of white, pink, plum, and green, often with striking speckled centres, bringing colour when few other plants flower. Growing 40–60 cm tall, it thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Stunning Wisteria 'Lipstick' two-tone pink flowers.

Wisteria 'Lipstick'

Wisteria ‘Lipstick’ is a distinctive flowering climber valued for its rich rose pink to reddish pink flower clusters that appear in spring. This variety offers a unique colour twist on traditional wisteria, creating a bold and eye catching display in NZ gardens. The lightly scented blooms hang in elegant cascades over strong supports.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas
Garden styles: Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese
helleborus-hot-flash-
Helleborus 'Hot Flash' (Winter Rose)

Helleborus 'Hot Flash' is a stunning evergreen perennial that delivers vibrant winter and early spring colour with its richly coloured blooms and...

From$29.95
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$30.29
helleborus-english-thoroughbred-
Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred Series' (Winter Rose)

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

From$29.95
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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
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$32.95
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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$30.29
Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.
Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping 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$14.50
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...

From$30.29
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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...

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Lush green foliage on Tecomanthe speciosa.
Tecomanthe speciosa

Tecomanthe speciosa, commonly known as the Three Kings Climber, is a NZ native vine grown for its foliage and flowers. It features large, glossy...

From$44.09
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$26.15
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.50
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
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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
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
Purple flowers on Burgundy Iceberg Rose.
Rose 'Burgundy Iceberg'

The 'Burgundy Iceberg' Rose is a striking floribunda rose renowned for its rich burgundy purple blooms, repeat flowering, and exceptional garden...

From$38.57
Cistus 'Brilliancy' plant with pink flowers and green foliage.
Cistus 'Brilliancy' (Rock Rose)

Cistus ‘Brilliancy’ is a vibrant evergreen shrub celebrated for its striking crimson-pink flowers, each with a yellow centre, blooming profusely in...

From$24.77
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
Ripe Passion Fruit with yellow pulp and a purple skin.
Passiflora edulis

Passiflora edulis, commonly known as Passion Fruit, is a vigorous climbing vine admired for its exotic flowers and delicious fruit. In NZ gardens, it...

From$26.15
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Rose 'Golden Celebration'

'Golden Celebration' Rose is an outstanding English rose celebrated for its large rich golden yellow blooms, strong fragrance, repeat flowering, and...

From$38.57
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
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 Simplicity Violet Serenity

“Violet Serenity” is a magnificent small, shrub rose owing to its colourful display of bright pink flowers. The showy blooms are borne as clusters...

From$35.81
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Grape 'Candice Seedless'

Grape 'Candice Seedless' is a popular table grape known for its sweet, juicy red berries and excellent seedless eating quality. Well suited to NZ...

From$30.29
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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$30.29
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Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet

Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet is a ground cover rose that features masses of showy, scarlet red flowers. The flowers are complemented with glossy, dark...

From$33.81
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Rose Raspberry Ice

“Raspberry Ice” is a Floribunda shrub rose that features large and showy flowers that are cream with a raspberry coloured margin. The lightly...

From$44.09
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Rose Flower Carpet Gold

Rose Flower Carpet Gold is a popular ground cover rose that features masses of showy, yellow flowers. Flowering begins in spring and will continue...

From$34.43
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Rose Anniversary

Rose Anniversary is an award winning, Floribunda shrub rose that features masses of showy, soft-pink flowers. The amazing blooms emerge in spring and...

From$38.57
50-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 50% Shade (Shade Cloth)

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
Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search climbing roses for shade nz

Best Climbing Roses for Shade in New Zealand

Climbing roses in partial shade will generally flower less than those in full sun, but a handful of varieties are well-suited to New Zealand conditions with morning sun and dappled afternoon shade. One outstanding choice is the Rosa banksiae 'Alba' (Banksia Rose), known for its delicate white double flowers and exceptional shade tolerance. Its thornless canes and soft foliage make it ideal for fence lines and trellises where sunlight is limited.

Another superb option is Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Banksia Rose), prized for its clusters of golden yellow blooms and vigorous growth. Both ‘Alba’ and ‘Lutea’ banksia roses thrive in sheltered spots, tolerating part shade much better than many other climbing types.

If you're seeking a classic repeat-flowering rose, Rosa 'Iceberg' Climbing is a versatile performer. While it prefers more sun, it’s known to tolerate semi-shaded sites and still bloom generously—making it a go-to choice for Kiwi gardeners looking for reliable climbing roses for shade NZ.

Where and How to Grow Climbing Roses in Shade

For best results, choose a location that receives filtered sunlight or bright indirect light for at least part of the day. Morning sun is preferable to help dry dew and reduce disease risk. Always plant at least 30cm away from walls or fences to promote air circulation and healthy root growth. Amend your soil with compost and ensure good drainage.

Train your chosen climbing rose up a strong support, and prune annually to encourage new flowering stems. Mulching around the base helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, which is particularly useful if your garden’s shady microclimates mean less evaporation.

Companion Plants for Shady Rose Gardens

Enhancing your shady rose garden with compatible perennials can add texture, colour, and extended seasonal interest. Shade-loving companions such as Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose) and Helleborus English Thoroughbred Series (Winter Rose) offer beautiful foliage and blooms, thriving in similar light conditions as climbing roses. Their flowers provide welcome winter colour and fill gaps beneath climbing roses, making your shaded garden lush and lively year-round.

Why Choose Climbing Roses for Shade?

Choosing climbing roses for shade NZ lets you fill tricky spots with nature’s finest blooms, even on a challenging site. Banksia roses, ‘Iceberg’ climbers, and compatible perennials will turn overlooked corners into vibrant focal points. With the right varieties and care, your shaded garden can be a welcoming, colourful haven.

Ready to find your perfect shade-tolerant rose? Explore our range of climbing roses and shade-loving companions and start transforming your garden today.


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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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