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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.

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

5 from 3 customers

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green leaves that create dense coverage. Growing up to 4 m wide and 2 m high, it’s perfect for fences, banks, or walls. Pohuehue tolerates wind, salt spray, and dry conditions once established.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Arches, Banks, Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Topiary, Walls
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
A Tui in a Metrosideros carminea shrub feeding on the red flowers.

Metrosideros carminea

5 from 1 customers

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.

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
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Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.
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Corokia Frosted Chocolate showcasing its lush green and brown foliage.
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10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

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1.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

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2.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

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These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

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3.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

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Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search frost hardy climbing plants

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.


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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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