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shade tolerant climbing roses

If your New Zealand garden offers more dappled light or partial shade than basking sunshine, finding the right climbing roses can be a challenge. Shade tolerant climbing roses are specifically suited for spots where sunlight is filtered or limited for several hours a day. These varieties are a wonderful solution for north-facing fences, shaded pergolas, or areas beneath higher tree canopies, injecting colour and fragrance into spaces others might dismiss. Whether you’re hoping for draping blossoms over an archway or want a striking floral screen, there’s a shade tolerant climbing rose for your needs.

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.

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
climbing-rose-cecil-brunner-1

Rose Cecil Brunner

Rose Cecile Brunner is a climbing variety that produces masses of mid-sized, double, light pink flowers. The flowers are borne in large, loose clusters from spring through autumn. It will grow to about 4 m tall but can be trimmed as necessary.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Rose Plants
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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
Rosa banksiae 'Alba' growing on a pergola and featuring masses of stunning white flowers.
Rosa banksiae 'Alba' (Banksia Rose)

Rosa banksiae 'Alba' (White Banksia Rose) is a spectacular climbing rose prized for its masses of small pure white flowers produced in spring. This...

From$30.29
Helleborus orientalis with colourful pink flowers.
Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as Lenten Rose, is a hardy perennial prized for its elegant winter and early spring blooms. Flowers appear in...

From$22.95
helleborus-english-thoroughbred-
Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred Series' (Winter Rose)

Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred' is a premium evergreen perennial valued for its elegant winter and early spring flowers and attractive year round...

From$22.95
A Tui in a Metrosideros carminea shrub feeding on the red flowers.
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...

From$26.15
camellia-japonica-red-red-rose-3
Camellia 'Red Red Rose'

Camellia 'Red Red Rose' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its rich red blooms that bring bold colour and elegance to New Zealand gardens...

From$32.95
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Rose Simplicity Violet Serenity

“Violet Serenity” is a magnificent small, shrub rose owing to its colourful display of bright pink flowers. The showy blooms are borne as clusters...

From$35.81
Cistus 'Bennetts White' white flower.
Cistus 'Bennetts White' (White Rock Rose)

Cistus ‘Bennetts White’ is an attractive evergreen shrub known for its crisp white flowers with a yellow centre, blooming abundantly in late spring...

From$24.77
rose-anniversary-
Rose Anniversary

Rose Anniversary is an award winning, Floribunda shrub rose that features masses of showy, soft-pink flowers. The amazing blooms emerge in spring and...

From$38.57
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
rose-raspberry-ice-5
Rose Raspberry Ice

“Raspberry Ice” is a Floribunda shrub rose that features large and showy flowers that are cream with a raspberry coloured margin. The lightly...

From$44.09
Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry' plant with masses of red flowers growing in a pot on a patio.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry' is a compact ground cover rose valued for its masses of vibrant cherry red flowers and exceptional disease...

From$34.43
An exquisite flower on 'White Romance' Rose.
Rose White Romance

“White Romance” is a very popular shrub rose that features masses pure white flowers. The showy blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn...

From$38.57
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' ground cover with masses of red flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its rich red flowers and outstanding disease resistance. This tough rose performs...

From$34.43
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
Purple flowers on Burgundy Iceberg Rose.
Rose 'Burgundy Iceberg'

The 'Burgundy Iceberg' Rose is a striking floribunda rose renowned for its rich burgundy purple blooms, repeat flowering, and exceptional garden...

From$38.57
Rose 'Flower Carpet White' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Rose 'Flower Carpet White'

Rose 'Flower Carpet White' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its masses of pure white flowers and exceptional disease resistance. This tough...

From$26.91
rose-flower-carpet-gold--1
Rose Flower Carpet Gold

Rose Flower Carpet Gold is a popular ground cover rose that features masses of showy, yellow flowers. Flowering begins in spring and will continue...

From$34.43
rose-flower-carpet-pink-
Rose Flower Carpet Pink

Rose Flower Carpet Pink features large trusses of semi-double, pink flowers. Flowering begins in spring and continues until autumn provided the spent...

From$34.43
weigela-wine-and-roses-2
Weigela 'Wine And Roses'

Weigela 'Wine and Roses' is a striking deciduous shrub renowned for its rich burgundy purple foliage and masses of vibrant rosy pink trumpet shaped...

From$25.53
An informal hedge of 'Iceberg' rose plants with masses of white flowers.
iceberg-roses iceberg-roses

Rosa ‘Iceberg’, one of the world’s most popular roses, is a reliable floribunda variety producing masses of pure white, lightly fragrant blooms from...

From$38.57
rose-flower-carpet-scarlet-
Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet

Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet is a ground cover rose that features masses of showy, scarlet red flowers. The flowers are complemented with glossy, dark...

From$33.81
rose-golden-celebration-
Rose 'Golden Celebration'

'Golden Celebration' Rose is an outstanding English rose celebrated for its large rich golden yellow blooms, strong fragrance, repeat flowering, and...

From$38.57
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
iris-rose-queen-
Iris Rose Queen (Japanese Water Iris)

“Rose Queen” is a variety of Japanese Water Iris that produces spectacular flowers. The showy, two-tone pink blooms are borne atop sturdy stems in...

From$27.53
grape-candice-seedless-
Grape 'Candice Seedless'

Grape 'Candice Seedless' is a popular table grape known for its sweet, juicy red berries and excellent seedless eating quality. Well suited to NZ...

From$29.95
A large cabbage tree growing on a ridge.
Rose 'Lavender Jewel'

Rose 'Lavender Jewel' is a stunning hybrid tea rose admired for its exquisite lavender blooms and strong, sweet fragrance. Each perfectly formed...

From$30.29
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
grape-albany-surprise-
Grape 'Albany Surprise'

Grape 'Albany Surprise' is a reliable grape variety known for its sweet, flavoursome fruit and strong growth in NZ gardens. This vigorous vine...

From$29.95
Rhaphidophora decursiva

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Camellia, Helleborus, and Metrosideros, or related Categories - Indoor Plants, Perennials, and Bush Roses.

Search shade tolerant climbing roses

Choosing Shade Tolerant Climbing Roses for Your Garden

Not all climbing roses thrive with less sunshine, so selecting shade tolerant climbing roses is crucial for long-term success. Look for varieties known for their vigorous growth and resiliency. Some heirloom and modern varieties show remarkable adaptability in semi-shaded environments, rewarding gardeners with lush foliage and abundant blooms.

For example, Rose Cecil Brunner is an enduring favourite, famed for its delicate, sweetly scented clusters and robust habit. It’s well-suited to partial shade, making it perfect for relaxed cottage gardens or traditional rose walks.

Another lovely option is Rose Ann Turner, with vibrant orange-pink blooms that can bring warmth to dim corners. If you are after a classic rambler, Rose Albertine offers exceptional versatility in the garden, tolerating filtered light while providing rich, scented clusters. Finally, Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Banksia Rose) is one of the most shade tolerant climbing roses available, renowned for its soft yellow double blooms and nearly thornless stems.

Tips for Growing Roses in Partial Shade

Growing shade tolerant climbing roses still requires attention to soil and site preparation. Amend your soil with organic compost to encourage healthy roots. Ensure good drainage, as roses dislike consistently soggy conditions. While these climbing roses endure lower light, at least four hours of indirect sun is ideal for more abundant flowering.

Feed your climbing roses regularly during the growing season, and prune lightly to shape their growth and encourage new shoots. With gentle care and the right rose selections, your shaded garden spaces can flourish with colour, form, and fragrance.

Using Shade Tolerant Climbers for Creative Garden Design

Shade tolerant climbing roses are perfect for transforming overlooked corners or softening solid structures with their graceful arching canes and floral displays. Train them along fences, pergolas, or large trellises to create vertical garden interest. Combine them with shade-loving companions, such as Rhaphidophora decursiva, which introduces lush, architectural foliage underneath your climbers.

Whether you’re an experienced rose grower or new to gardening, embracing shade tolerant climbing roses lets you enjoy the magic of roses wherever you want them. Explore the options above and start designing your own inviting, flower-filled garden oasis.


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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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