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

Looking for self climbing plants to add lush greenery and vertical interest to your garden or indoor space? Self climbers are an ideal choice for busy gardeners and landscape enthusiasts because they require minimal support or tying. These unique plants use aerial roots or specialized stem structures to attach themselves directly to walls, fences, trellises, or trees—making them perfect for covering unsightly surfaces, softening boundaries, or creating living walls. Whether you want to transform a shaded fence, decorate an outdoor façade, or bring the jungle indoors, self climbing plants offer both beauty and easy maintenance.

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

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.

Buy Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

From $20.63

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

Ficus pumila 'Ice Caps' plant with trailling variegated foliage.

Ficus 'Ice Caps'

Ficus 'Ice Caps' is a variety of Creeping Fig that features variegated leaves. It carries small, heart-shaped leaves which are light green with a cream edge. It will easily cover an area of 2 m by 2 m within two years. Ficus 'Ice Caps' is an excellent plant for covering a wall or trellis, and it is commonly used in formal gardens.

Buy Ficus 'Ice Caps'

From $9.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Indoor Plants

Height: 10 cm

Spread: 70 cm

Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy

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

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

Why Choose Self Climbing Plants?

Self climbing plants are loved for their ability to grow upwards without regular intervention. Unlike twining vines that need a structure to wrap around, self climbers grip surfaces organically. This natural climbing habit makes them a favourite for growing up brick walls, rendered surfaces, or even sturdy trees. Gardeners and landscapers often use them for rapid coverage, erosion control, or to create sheltered, microclimatic nooks.

Not only are self climbers a practical choice, but their foliage, flowers, and even berries can offer year-round interest and support local biodiversity.

Top Self Climbing Plants for New Zealand Gardens

Several self climbing plants thrive in New Zealand’s climate, from evergreen foliage types to lush, flowering favourites. Here are some top picks for your space:

Hydrangea petiolaris

Known as the climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea petiolaris is a stunning deciduous self climber. It flourishes in sheltered areas and can scale tall walls, displaying large clusters of white, lace-cap flowers in late spring and summer. Its heart-shaped leaves provide a beautiful green backdrop, turning golden in autumn.

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

The beloved Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) is a popular self climbing option for both indoor and outdoor use. With small, clingy leaves and a robust growing habit, it quickly clads walls and fences with a lush, evergreen cover. Indoors, it's equally at home in hanging baskets or climbing moss poles.

Hydrangea seemanii

For cooler or shaded sites, Hydrangea seemanii is a hardy evergreen self climbing hydrangea with large, aromatic white blooms. It attaches itself to most surfaces, making it an excellent alternative to ivy in difficult spots.

Rhaphidophora decursiva

If you’re seeking a dramatic indoor statement, Rhaphidophora decursiva is a wonderful tropical self climber. Its bold, segmented leaves and fast growth bring an exotic vibe to large interiors, conservatories, or sheltered patios.

Caring for Self Climbing Plants

Most self climbing plants are undemanding once established. To encourage healthy growth, plant them in well-prepared soil, provide regular watering during dry periods, and mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture. If growing indoors, ensure they have enough humidity and bright, indirect light. Prune occasionally to maintain a tidy shape and remove any unwanted growth.

Looking to diversify your plant collection? For stylish, easy-care companion plants, consider adding Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant) to your indoor spaces.

Explore our collection today and discover the best self climbing plants for your garden or home—enjoy a living wall that grows more beautiful each year.

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.

self climbing plants

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Ficus 'Ice Caps'

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Why Choose Self Climbing Plants?