Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

fast growing climbing plants nz

Looking for fast growing climbing plants NZ gardeners can rely on for instant impact? Climbing plants are a fantastic way to transform bare fences, pergolas, and walls into lush, eye-catching features bursting with colour and life. Whether you want privacy in your backyard, a splash of seasonal blooms, or quick greenery, there’s a perfect climber for your space. Read on to discover some of the best fast growing climbing plants for New Zealand gardens and how to make the most of their vigorous growth.

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 plant matures. This fast growing plant adds a lush, jungle like feel to indoor spaces and sheltered NZ gardens. Ideal for climbing supports or large containers, it offers bold foliage and strong visual impact.

Buy Rhaphidophora decursiva

From $53.75

Suited to regions: Subtropical

Plant type: Indoor Plants

Height: 40 cm

Spread: 70 cm

Tolerances: Shade

Garden uses: Arches, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical, White

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 Fast Growing Climbing Plants in NZ

Fast growing climbing plants are a gardener’s shortcut to instant garden style. In addition to their rapid coverage, climbers provide much-needed shade, cool down spaces, attract beneficial wildlife, and can even soften hard landscaping. In NZ’s temperate climate, many climbing plants will thrive, especially once established. For urban gardens and smaller outdoor spaces, climbers also maximise vertical space—a clever solution for lush landscaping in compact areas.

Top Fast Growing Climbing Plants for Kiwi Gardens

New Zealand’s unique environment demands hardy, adaptable climbing plants. Some stand-out choices include:

Mandevilla 'Red Riding Hood'

With its stunning deep pink-red trumpet flowers, Mandevilla 'Red Riding Hood' is a must for those seeking fast growing climbing plants in NZ. Thriving in warm, sheltered spots, this vigorous beauty blooms from spring to autumn, making it perfect for fences, trellises, and containers.

Passiflora edulis

Popular not only for its rapid climbing ability but also for its delicious fruit, Passiflora edulis (passionfruit vine) is both practical and decorative. This subtropical climber loves sun, regular feeding, and free-draining soil, quickly covering supports with striking flowers and glossy foliage.

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

For fast-growing evergreen coverage, Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) is unrivalled. This self-clinging climber quickly wraps itself around walls and fences, providing dense, textured foliage year-round. It’s also adaptable to shady spots, making it an excellent choice for covering less colourful corners of your garden.

Rhaphidophora decursiva

If you’re after a climber for lush indoor or sheltered outdoor areas, Rhaphidophora decursiva delivers rapid, tropical growth with large, dramatic leaves. Allow it to climb a support for maximum impact, or let it trail for a more relaxed effect.

Planting Tips and Uses

Fast growing climbing plants NZ gardeners love perform best in well-prepared soils enriched with compost and mulch. Most climbers benefit from some training on wires, trellises, or fences to start, but will quickly find their stride. Regular pruning helps maintain shape and encourages bushy, healthy growth.

Pairing climbers with groundcovers like Carex maorica (NZ Sedge) adds texture and interest to borders and garden beds. Together, they create dynamic vertical gardening that’s easy to maintain.

Transform Your Outdoor Space

There’s a fast growing climbing plant for every Kiwi home—from vibrant flowering stars to edible wonders and indoor foliage favourites. Explore our full range and bring colour, privacy, and instant greenery to your Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch garden today. Let’s grow up!

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.

fast growing climbing plants nz

Rhaphidophora decursiva

Dolichandra unguis-cati (Cat's Claw Creeper)

Did you find what you are looking for?

Why Choose Fast Growing Climbing Plants in NZ