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shade loving climbing plants

If your garden or indoor space is low on sunshine, there’s no need to settle for an empty wall or a dull corner. Shade loving climbing plants are a brilliant solution, bringing life, colour, and texture to even the shadiest spots. From lush evergreen vines to delicate flowering climbers, these plants not only soften hard edges but also create a cool, tranquil oasis that thrives where others might struggle.

Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.

Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia)

5 from 3 customers

Fuchsia procumbens, commonly known as Creeping Fuchsia, is a low-growing, NZ native plant valued for its unique yellow-red flowers and ornamental berries. Ideal as a groundcover, it spreads gently over shaded or partially sunny spots and adds interest to garden beds, banks, or pots. This hardy and compact variety thrives in well-drained soils and is perfect for creating a natural, low-maintenance landscape. NB: In warm climates, this plant remains evergreen but will become semi-deciduous during winter in cooler regions.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 5 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Wet
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
rhaphidophora-decursiva-

Rhaphidophora decursiva

5 from 2 customers

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.

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
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$20.01
chlorophytum-curly--2
Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$22.01
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
rose-ann-turner-climbing-
Rose Ann Turner

Rose Ann Turner is a climbing rose that features masses of double, pink flowers. The blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn provided the...

From$30.29
climbing-rose-albertine-
Rose Albertine

Rose Albertine is a climbing rose featuring very showy, salmon-pink flowers. The highly fragrant blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn...

From$30.29
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

From$19.95
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
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Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
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Camellia With Love

Camellia 'With Love' is a charming evergreen shrub known for its soft romantic blooms and glossy green foliage. It provides beautiful winter to...

From$27.95
aechmea-fasciata-
Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$44.09
helichrysum-petiolare--3
Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) is a popular evergreen plant valued for its soft silver foliage and trailing growth habit. The attractive...

From$24.77
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
Gardenia augusta 'True Love' white flower with mid-green foliage.
Gardenia 'True Love'

Gardenia 'True Love' is a compact, evergreen shrub reaching around 60–90 cm tall and wide, perfect for adding fragrance and lush foliage to NZ...

From$18.95
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
portulaca-pizzaz-sunset-
Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant)

Portulaca Pazazz Sunset, commonly known as the Moss Rose plant, is a low-growing perennial with fabulous flowers. Bright orange and yellow flowers...

From$26.15
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants (Acid Fertiliser)

Using fertiliser for acid loving plants is important for plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daphne’s, Gardenia’s, and Hydrangea’s who...

From$8.64
50-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 50% Shade (Shade Cloth)

This shade cloth which is also used as garden windbreak, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will still...

From$428.40
50-windbreak-roll-2
Windbreak - 50% (Garden Shade Cloth)

This green windbreak is also used as garden shade cloth and reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will...

From$856.80
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 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...

From$5.76
Lavender 'Love Heart' two-tone pink flowers above green foliage.
Lavender 'Love Heart'

Lavender 'Love Heart' is a charming lavender variety adored for its soft pink purple flowers and aromatic grey green foliage. Flowering from early...

From$24.15
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 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...

From$27.36
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.51 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...

From$23.04
plant-pots-
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...

From$37.44
5-litre-plant-pots-
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...

From$79.20
3-litre-plant-pots-
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...

From$48.96
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
pb-8-planter-bags-1
PB8 Planter Bags (Potting Bags For Plants)

These PB8 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 4.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$51.69
Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Carex, Chlorophytum, and Fuchsia, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Grasses, and Groundcover Plants.

Search shade loving climbing plants

Why Choose Shade Loving Climbing Plants?

Many classic climbers prefer full sun, but various beautiful options exist specifically for shaded environments. Shade loving climbing plants can cloak fences, pergolas, and bare walls in greenery, making them ideal for southern facing walls, beneath tree canopies, or in urban gardens with limited sunlight. As these climbers often prefer cooler, more protected locations, they are perfect for New Zealand gardens where dappled light or shade predominates.

Top Shade Loving Climbing Plants for Kiwi Gardens

If you’re ready to transform a shady spot, here are some outstanding shade loving climbing plants to consider:

Hydrangea petiolaris

Known as the climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea petiolaris is loved for its masses of lacy, white summer flowers and heart-shaped, deep green foliage. This climber tolerates quite dense shade and will cling to walls, fences, or trellises as a self-supporting vine, adding year-round interest and texture to darker spaces.

Hydrangea seemanii

A close relative of the climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea seemanii is an evergreen variety with glossy leaves and delicate white flower clusters. It is ideal for shady south or east-facing walls and will tolerate a range of soil conditions, providing year-round coverage in low-light gardens.

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

Perfect for adding lush, green coverage along fences and walls, Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) thrives in the shade and maintains a dense, decorative appearance. It clings beautifully to most surfaces, quickly transforming a dull outdoor or indoor area into a leafy sanctuary.

Rhaphidophora decursiva

For indoor spaces or conservatories, Rhaphidophora decursiva is a stunning choice. Its large, dramatic leaves and trailing habit make it perfect for indoor structures, moss poles, or shady corners where it will add a tropical, modern touch.

Bonus Pick: Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

While not a true climber, Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant) is a shade-loving favourite that cascades beautifully from hanging baskets in low-light spaces, complementing vertical gardens created by climbing species.

Tips for Success with Shade Loving Climbers

Whether indoors or outdoors, shade loving climbing plants bring vibrancy to every nook and cranny. Explore our full range to discover the perfect plant for your garden or home.


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.

–The Plant Company

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