Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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fence climbing plants nz

If you’re searching for fence climbing plants NZ gardeners love, you’re in the right place. Nothing adds instant charm and privacy to your outdoor space like the addition of climbers to a bare fence. Whether you want to create a lush green wall, add splashes of vibrant colour, or enjoy fragrant blooms, there are a wide variety of fence climbing plants NZ choices perfectly suited to our climate. In this guide, you’ll discover popular fence climbers — from tropical showstoppers to hardy natives — and tips for growing healthy, beautiful vines on your fence line.

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 glossy, dark green foliage. This vigorous climber can reach 3–6 metres with support and is ideal for covering fences, trellises, or tree trunks. Flowering from late winter into spring, it attracts native birds and brings bold seasonal colour. It thrives in sheltered, frost-free areas with well-drained soil and regular moisture.

Buy Metrosideros carminea

From $25.58

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 2.00 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Winter

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Arches, Walls

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native

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 brightening fences, pergolas, and garden walls, it brings tropical vibrancy and structure to New Zealand gardens. This hardy and low-maintenance variety thrives in full sun and provides months of eye-catching colour, making it a standout choice for sunny outdoor spaces.

Buy Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch'

From $29.63

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Climbers

Height: 2.00 m

Spread: 2.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

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

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

Why Choose Fence Climbing Plants?

Fence climbing plants are a fantastic solution for homes with limited space or plain boundary lines. These vigorous growers make the most of vertical space, transforming bland fences into living, breathing gardens. Many climbing plants act as a natural privacy screen, attract birds and beneficial insects, and soften hard landscaping. With the right climber, you can enjoy year-round interest, from glossy foliage to vibrant flowers and even attractive fruits.

Top Fence Climbing Plants NZ Gardeners Love

When it comes to fence climbing plants NZ gardens can support, consider your location (frost, coastal winds, sun/shade) and the look you’re after. Here are some standout performers:

Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch'

A popular choice for those craving colour, Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' is a drought-tolerant climber with masses of vibrant magenta bracts right through summer and autumn. This variety is well-suited to warm, sunny spots and looks spectacular sprawling along fences.

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

For a lush, evergreen screen, Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) is a favourite. With small, dense leaves and a rapid spreading habit, this self-clinging climber is ideal for blank concrete fences or walls. It quickly creates a thick, textured cover and can be trimmed into shape as needed.

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

A native beauty, Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is incredibly tough and adaptable. With fine, wiry stems and tiny leaves, it’s perfect for coastal and windy sites. It scrambles and weaves over fences, blending beautifully with other NZ native plants.

Bougainvillea 'Pedro'

Looking for fiery colour? Bougainvillea 'Pedro' offers brilliant red-orange tones and thrives in free-draining, sunny positions. This climber is perfect for adding Mediterranean flair and works well for fences that receive full sun.

Metrosideros carminea

This stunning NZ native, Metrosideros carminea, known as the Crimson Rata, delivers a spectacular display of rich red flowers in late winter and spring. It's a reliable, low-maintenance climber for semi-shaded or partly sunny fences, and perfect for attracting nectar-loving birds.

Tips for Growing Fence Climbing Plants in NZ

Prepare your fence line with healthy, well-drained soil and mulch to retain moisture
Train new vines up trellis, wires, or directly onto fencing with gentle ties
Prune regularly to keep growth in check and encourage a dense, bushy habit
Feed with slow-release fertiliser in spring and keep watered during dry spells
Combine evergreen and deciduous species for year-round appeal

With such a diverse range of fence climbing plants NZ gardeners can grow, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Whether you go for the bold hues of Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' and Bougainvillea 'Pedro', or opt for understated natives like Metrosideros carminea and Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue), your fence can become a stunning feature of your garden. Explore our full range of climbing plants to find the perfect match for your space.

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.