Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

slow growing climbing plants

Looking for slow growing climbing plants to add structure, interest, and a gentle touch to your garden? Choosing the right climber can make all the difference, especially if you want to avoid quick overgrowth or constant pruning. Slow growing climbers are ideal for smaller spaces, delicate trellises, or anyone who wants to keep their garden low-maintenance yet beautiful. Whether you're seeking to cover a shaded fence, bring softness to a courtyard, or create a feature near your entryway, you'll find a variety of slow growing climbing plants perfect for New Zealand gardens.

Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka) tree with green-yellow foliage.

Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka)

Libocedrus plumosa, commonly known as Kawaka, is a majestic NZ native conifer valued for its graceful, feathery foliage and elegant pyramidal form. This slow growing evergreen tree is long lived and makes a striking feature in large gardens, parks, or restoration plantings.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 25.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese, 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
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
A lagre Podocarpus totara tree about 150 years of age.
Podocarpus totara

Podocarpus totara, commonly known as the Totara tree, is a majestic native tree of New Zealand, prized for its durable timber and cultural...

From$26.91
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$270.40
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
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
Buxus 'Graham Blandy' boxwood shrubs growing as a cluster.
Buxus 'Graham Blandy'

Buxus 'Graham Blandy' is a distinctive, upright boxwood cultivar prized in New Zealand for its narrow, columnar form and year-round evergreen...

native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$16.95
rhaphidophora-decursiva-
Rhaphidophora decursiva

Rhaphidophora decursiva (Dragon Tail Plant) is a striking tropical climber known for its large, deeply split leaves that become more dramatic as the...

From$44.09
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1
Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$34.95
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
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
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
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
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
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
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
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
Plant watering bottle for watering a plant on a shelf.
Plant Watering Bottle

Plant Watering Bottles provide a simple and convenient way to deliver water directly to indoor plants, seedlings, cuttings, and small container...

From$55.13
pb-8-planter-bags-1
PB8 Planter Bags (Mushroom Grow Bags)

PB8 Planter Bags are a practical and economical option for growing larger trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other established nursery stock...

From$51.69
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
pb-40-planter-bags-
PB40 Planter Bags (Tomato Grow Bag)

PB40 Planter Bags are a durable and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$121.64
strelitzia-nicolai-
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
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
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
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
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
potting-media-
Nursery Grade Growing Media

The Plant Company growing media is top of the line and used by the best commercial nurseries. This blend has been developed over many years to...

From$29.75
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Beilschmiedia, Buxus, and Dacrydium, or related Categories - Native Plant Fertiliser, Grasses, and Climbing Roses.

Search slow growing climbing plants

Why Choose Slow Growing Climbing Plants?

Slow growing climbing plants offer steady, manageable growth, making them popular choices for gardeners who value control and long-term beauty. Because they don’t take over quickly, they're a great solution for smaller urban gardens, patios, or even large pots. These plants reward patience with elegant stems, attractive foliage, and often delightful blooms as the years go by.

Top Varieties for Kiwi Gardens

When selecting slow growing climbing plants, consider both the site’s conditions and the ultimate look you want. Some exceptional options for New Zealand include:

Hydrangea petiolaris: Also known as the Climbing Hydrangea, this species thrives in part-shade and will very slowly work its way up walls or fences. It’s prized for its heart-shaped leaves and lacy white flowers in summer, requiring little intervention once established.

Hydrangea seemanii: Similar to its cousin, this evergreen climber is perfect for areas needing year-round greenery. Its steady growth and tolerance of shade make it an outstanding choice for covering walls that don’t see much sun.

Rosa 'Iceberg' Climbing: For a classic cottage look, few slow growing climbing plants compare to this popular climbing rose. It produces clusters of crisp white blooms throughout the warmer months and brings a soft, romantic vibe to archways and pergolas without rampant growth.

Indoor Plant Alternatives

If you love climbing plants but want something similar for inside your home, consider species that offer climbing or trailing habits in containers. For instance, Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant), while not a climber, offers rich green foliage and thrives in low light. Another unique option is Rhaphidophora decursiva, a slow-growing climber indoors, bringing a tropical feel to any room with its ornamental cut leaves.

Tips for Growing Slow Climbing Plants

Patience is key with slow growing climbing plants. Prepare your site with good quality soil and ensure support structures are in place from the start. Water during establishment, mulch to conserve moisture, and feed with an all-purpose fertiliser in spring. Regularly check ties and supports but avoid constant pruning, as these plants’ natural shape is part of their charm.

Find Your Perfect Slow Climber

Browse a curated selection of slow growing climbing plants to suit every garden style across New Zealand. Whether you're inspired by classic climbers like Rosa 'Iceberg' Climbing or prefer the elegance of Hydrangea seemanii, you'll enjoy years of steady beauty and easy care.


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.

Start your garden with Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily' and Lomandra Lime Tuff, and add depth with lesser-known gems like Acer 'Katsura', Juniperus chinensis Kaizuka, and Rose White Romance.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

463 Google reviews