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

If you're searching for frost hardy climbing plants to bring year-round interest and resilience to your New Zealand garden, you're in the right place. Frost hardy climbers are perfect for adding vertical structure, colourful blooms, and lush greenery even in cooler regions. They thrive up trellises, fences, pergolas or bare walls, offering robust performance despite chilly temperatures. With a variety of options to suit both ornamental and practical landscaping needs, these plants are a wise choice for gardeners who want dependable beauty whatever the weather brings.

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, and trellises. It features small, heart-shaped juvenile leaves that mature into larger, leathery foliage. Fast-growing and self-clinging, it can create dense, green coverage in sun or partial shade. Preferring well-drained soil and regular moisture, it thrives in sheltered sites and requires pruning to manage growth. Ideal for decorative and functional vertical greening.

Buy Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

From $18.23

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Climbers

Height: 4.00 m

Spread: 4.00 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Screening, Walls

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

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 an indoor plant. The leaves are large and dark green, and very aesthetic. It will slowly climb a pole or the like or grow as a spreading ground cover if it has nothing to climb. Rhaphidophora decursiva is commonly grown as a potted plant with a pole to climb, planted outdoors in frost free areas around outdoor living areas, or used in offices and foyers.

Buy Rhaphidophora decursiva

From $52.58

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

Best Frost Hardy Climbing Plants for Kiwi Gardens

When it comes to frost hardy climbing plants, choosing the right varieties is key for long-term garden success. Some classic and reliable choices include climbing roses, vigorous figs, and evergreen natives.

Climbing Roses

Climbing roses are beloved for their hardiness and long flowering seasons. Rose Albertine is a top pick, producing masses of perfumed salmon-pink blooms, ideal for covering pergolas, fences, or arches. Another excellent option is Rose Blackberry Nip Climbing, prized for its deep purple blooms and striking fragrance. Both varieties are well-suited to withstand New Zealand's colder climates and will reward you with vibrant colour and structure, even during frosty winters.

Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Climbers

For tough, low-maintenance coverage, consider Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig). This vigorous, evergreen climber is a firm favourite for quickly cloaking walls and trellises with lush green foliage, while shrugging off chilly nights and light frosts once established. It's an effective way to soften brickwork or create privacy screening in both sheltered and less protected areas.

Another lovely frost-tolerant ground cover that can climb smaller supports is Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia). This tough New Zealand native produces unusual, colourful flowers and copes well with cooler southern climates, making it a versatile choice for mixed planting or informal garden edges.

Exotic Flair Indoors and Out

While not as frost hearty, if you have a sheltered spot or indoor spaces, Rhaphidophora decursiva brings a tropical vibe and dramatic foliage to your plant collection. With protection, some gardeners use hardy aroids like this against warm walls in mild frost zones.

Benefits of Frost Hardy Climbers

Frost hardy climbing plants do more than just survive in cold weather. They provide essential shelter and greenery in winter, establish quickly to cover bare structures, and offer valuable wildlife habitat. Many also flower through cold months, ensuring your garden remains a visual delight.

Tips for Growing Frost Hardy Climbing Plants

To get the best from your frost hardy climbing plants, choose a sunny, well-drained spot, add quality compost at planting, and provide strong support. Mulch during winter and prune as needed to maintain healthy growth and abundant blooms.

By selecting the right frost hardy climbing plants, you can enjoy stunning vertical displays season after season, even in the coldest corners of New Zealand. Explore our full range and transform your outdoor space with classic climbers that are as resilient as they are beautiful.

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.