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small climbing plants

If you've been searching for small climbing plants to enhance your garden or indoor spaces, you've come to the right place. Small climbers are perfect for areas where space is limited, providing vertical interest without overwhelming your landscape. Whether you want to soften a fence, decorate a balcony, or create a lush indoor display, these petite climbers offer beauty and versatility for New Zealand gardens. Discover the best varieties, tips for growing small climbing plants, and ideas for creative placement right here.

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 architectural form. It is well suited to New Zealand pond margins, rain gardens, damp borders, containers, and modern landscape designs where unusual texture is wanted.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 76 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
Hoya 'Teddy' flowers.

Hoya 'Teddy Bear'

Hoya 'Teddy Bear' is a popular variety that is commonly grown as an indoor plant. It produces elongated, dark green leaves held on trailing stems. During summer, the plants produce showy clusters of waxy, cream and white flowers with a red centre. It typically grows to 20 cm tall and will trail to 50 cm or more.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green...

From$20.63
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...

From$9.95
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
Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' flower cluster.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Royal Hawaiian Purple'

Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' is a stunning evergreen climber prized for its thick glossy foliage and clusters of richly coloured star shaped flowers...

From$20.63
Ripe Passion Fruit with yellow pulp and a purple skin.
Passiflora edulis

Passiflora edulis, commonly known as Passion Fruit, is a vigorous climbing vine admired for its exotic flowers and delicious fruit. In NZ gardens, it...

From$21.95
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
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
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
Variegated Monstera plant in a pot with cream and green foliage.
Monstera albo 'variegata'

The Albo Variegata Monstera, also known as the Variegated Monstera, is a striking indoor plant prized for its large, split leaves splashed with...

From$149.95
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
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
callisia-bubbles--3
Callisia repens

Callisia repens goes by several common names such as the Bubbles Plant, Turtle Vine, and Pin Panther Plant. The Turtle Vine is a very popular indoor...

From$24.95
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...

From$30.29
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
Haworthia fasciata succulent growing in a pot.
Haworthia fasciata

Haworthia fasciata is a small succulent that features rosettes of thick and fleshy leaves. The dark green leaves with silver lines have a rough...

From$15.11
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
A Philodendron melanochrysum plant with dark green, velvet covered leaves growing in a pot.
Philodendron melanochrysum

Philodendron melanochrysum, also known as the Black Gold Philodendron, is a stunning climbing plant prized for its large, velvety, dark green leaves...

From$52.37
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Ficus, Grape, and Hoya, or related Categories - Grapevines, Grasses, and Groundcover Plants.

Search small climbing plants

Why Choose Small Climbing Plants?

Small climbing plants are ideal for gardeners seeking to maximize vertical space with minimal fuss. Unlike vigorous climbers that can quickly take over, these compact varieties are easier to control and suit a range of settings—from modest patios to urban courtyards. Their gentle growth means you can enjoy leafy accents, blossoms, or decorative stems while maintaining a neat, manageable environment. They are perfect around trellises, archways, and even indoors as living décor.

Favourite Small Climbing Plants in New Zealand

If you're looking for indoor elegance, Rhaphidophora decursiva offers striking foliage and a moderate climbing habit, making it an excellent addition to homes or offices. For classic charm outdoors, try Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig), celebrated for its dense, miniature leaves and ability to transform walls and pots with lush greenery. Lovers of roses will appreciate the dainty climbing form of Rose Ann Turner, perfect for small trellises and spaces where a splash of colour is needed. Another standout is Rosa 'Iceberg' Climbing, renowned for its profusion of white blooms and restrained climbing habit—it’s ideal for compact gardens or sunny balconies seeking sophistication.

Best Uses for Small Climbing Plants

Small climbing plants can be tailored to your needs, adding visual interest where you need it most. Use them to frame doorways, conceal unattractive features, edge garden beds, or create privacy without bulk. Indoor varieties like Rhaphidophora decursiva thrive in bright rooms with indirect light, trailing elegantly from shelves or climbing support poles. Outdoor climbers complement smaller gardens and patios, providing vertical flair without overwhelming the space. For a playful pairing, consider combining a climbing plant with low-growing companions like Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant) for contrasting textures in containers or border plantings.

Tips for Success with Small Climbing Plants

To get the best from your small climbing plants, start by choosing a location with suitable light and support. Use trellises, mesh, or decorative stakes that encourage growth without allowing the plant to spread too vigorously. Regular pruning helps maintain shape and size, and feeding with appropriate fertiliser keeps foliage lush and blooms abundant. Whether you’re adding a touch of green indoors or refreshing your outdoor space, small climbing plants bring structure and beauty to any garden. Explore our selection to find the perfect compact climber for your New Zealand home.


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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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