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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. Evergreen foliage adds year-round appeal, making it ideal for shaded borders, under trees, or as a feature plant in NZ gardens.

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
Rosa banksiae 'Alba' growing on a pergola and featuring masses of stunning white flowers.

Rosa banksiae 'Alba' (Banksia Rose)

5 from 3 customers

Rosa banksiae 'Alba' (White Banksia Rose) is a spectacular climbing rose prized for its masses of small pure white flowers produced in spring. This vigorous thornless rose is ideal for covering large structures and creates a stunning seasonal display in New Zealand gardens. Its lush green foliage and graceful habit suit both traditional and cottage style landscapes. Once established it is long lived reliable and makes an impressive feature plant.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Rose Plants
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Arches, Banks, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
helleborus-english-thoroughbred-

Helleborus English Thoroughbred Series (Winter Rose)

Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred' is a graceful winter-flowering perennial that features soft pink blooms with subtle green undertones. This variety...

From$24.23
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
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Rose Cecil Brunner

Rose Cecile Brunner is a climbing variety that produces masses of mid-sized, double, light pink flowers. The flowers are borne in large, loose...

From$29.63
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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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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
Rhododendron 'Java Rose' rose-pink flowers.

Rhododendron 'Java Rose'

Rhododendron 'Java Rose' is a beautiful evergreen shrub known for its large trusses of soft rose pink flowers that appear during spring. The elegant...

From$28.28
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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
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
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$33.68
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$18.23
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$33.68
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Hemerocallis Rose Cherub (Rose Daylily)

Hemerocallis Rose Cherub is a variety of the commonly known, Day Lily, and features very showy flowers. The large and showy, rose-pink flowers are...

From$22.88
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Camellia Red Red Rose

Camellia Red Red Rose produces beautiful, double, bright red flowers. These spectacular blooms appear from winter through spring and blend nicely...

From$37.73
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$29.63
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...

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Purple flowers on Burgundy Iceberg Rose.

Rose 'Burgundy Iceberg'

Rosa ‘Burgundy Iceberg’ is a stunning floribunda rose producing masses of deep burgundy-red, lightly fragrant blooms from spring through autumn. Its...

From$56.63
An elegant Cistus lusitanicus white flower with red spots.

Cistus lusitanicus (Rock Rose)

Cistus lusitanicus, commonly known as the Gum Cistus, is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its large, white blooms marked with deep crimson spots...

From$24.23
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$29.63
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Gaura Steffi Dark Rose

Gaura ‘Steffi Dark Rose’ is a striking perennial featuring deep rose-coloured flowers on slender stems. Blooming from spring through autumn, it adds...

From$24.23
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Canna Cannova Rose

Canna Cannova Rose carries large and glossy, dark green leaves which are held upright and have a gentle arch. Stems rise above the foliage from late...

From$22.88
Rose 'Desiree' pink flowers.

Rose 'Desiree'

Rose 'Desiree' is a beautifully refined rose known for soft pastel blooms, gentle fragrance and repeat flowering through the warmer months in New...

From$63.38
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Cistus Pink Ice (Pink Rock Rose)

Cistus Pink Ice, commonly known as Pink Rock Rose, is grown for its pretty flowers which have a paper like appearance. It bears masses of pink...

From$24.23
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Rose Blackberry Nip

The Blackberry Nip Rose is a captivating hybrid tea rose known for its deep purple blooms and delightful fragrance. Ideal for adding a touch of...

From$56.63
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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$33.08
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Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

Portulaca Pazazz Sunset, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Bright orange and yellow flowers...

From$25.58
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Serissa Snowflake (Snow Rose Plant)

Serissa Snowflake, commonly known as the Snow Rose plant, is an evergreen shrub grown for its lovely flowering and foliage. Showy, white flowers...

From$24.23
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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$33.08
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Rose Diamonds Forever

Rose Diamonds Forever is a popular shrub rose that features masses fragrant, soft-yellow flowers. The showy blooms emerge in spring and continue...

From$63.38
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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$56.63
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Weigela Wine And Roses (Wine & Roses Weigela)

Weigela Wine and Roses is grown for its foliage and flowers. This deciduous, compact shrub produces small and burgundy-coloured leaves which are held...

From$24.98
Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Camellia, Canna, Cistus, Ficus, Gaura, Helleborus, Hemerocallis, Hydrangea, iceberg-roses, Portulaca, Rhaphidophora, Rhododendron, Rosa, Rose Serissa and Weigela, or related Categories - Deciduous Climbers, Evergreen Climbers, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Bush Roses, Carpet Roses, Climbing Roses Deciduous Shrubs and Evergreen Shrubs.

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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