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small climbing plants for containers

Small climbing plants for containers are the perfect solution for adding greenery and vertical interest, even when space is at a premium. Whether you’re working with a compact balcony, a sunny patio, or an indoor nook, these versatile climbers offer lush foliage, vibrant flowers, and even air-purifying benefits. Not only do they create natural privacy screens and soften harsh lines, but they also add a dramatic focal point without overwhelming your container. With the right selection, small climbing plants are easy to maintain and can be seamlessly integrated alongside your favourite indoor or outdoor plants.

Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' purple-pink flowers and variegated foliage.

Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch'

Bougainvillea ‘Purple Patch’ is a dazzling climbing plant that delivers an abundance of rich purple bracts through the warmer months. Perfect for brightening fences, pergolas, and garden walls, it brings tropical vibrancy and structure to New Zealand gardens. This hardy and low-maintenance variety thrives in full sun and provides months of eye-catching colour, making it a standout choice for sunny outdoor spaces.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Arches, Containers, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
A Monstera 'Monkey Mask' plant with lush, green foliage growing in a pot.

Monstera 'Monkey Mask'

Monstera 'Monkey Mask' is a very popular indoor plant due to its striking foliage. It produces dark green, heart-shaped leaves with distinct holes. They are produced off stems that can be left to trail or to climb a peat post or the like. It typically grows to 15 cm tall and 40 cm in length, but this depends on how the plant is trained. Monstera 'Monkey Mask' is commonly grown as a potted plant and is well-suited to an office environment where it can trail from a shelf or the like.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 15 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern
pittosporum-small-ball-
Pittosporum 'Small Ball'

Pittosporum 'Small Ball' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its naturally rounded growth habit, dense foliage, and tidy appearance. This dwarf...

From$22.01
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
vinca-elizabeth-cran-1
Vinca Elizabeth Cran

Vinca Elizabeth Cran is a variety of the commonly known, Lesser Periwinkle, features small, dark green leaves which are held densely on stems that...

From$20.01
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
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
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
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$53.75
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
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
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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
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
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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
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
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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$36.00
pb-three-quarter-planter-bags-
PB¾ Planter Bags (Planting Bags)

The PB ¾ Planter Bags are 80 microns thick and ags hold 0.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$15.47
pb-12-planter-bags-
PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$57.76
pb-18-planter-bags-
PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$77.47
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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$13.40
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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
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
pb-2-planter-bags-
PB2 Planter Bags (Plastic Plant Bags)

These PB2 planter bags are 80 microns thick and hold 1.2 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$20.54
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
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
Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Bougainvillea, Chlorophytum, and Cistus, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Groundcover Plants, and Indoor Plants.

Search small climbing plants for containers

Why Choose Small Climbing Plants for Containers?

Growing plants in containers opens up endless possibilities, especially when you incorporate climbers. Small climbing plants for containers tend to be less vigorous than their garden-planted cousins, making them well-behaved and easier to train. They suit modern, minimalist spaces as much as classic cottage settings, perfect for renters or anyone wanting to experiment with portable plantings.

Many climbers like Rhaphidophora decursiva thrive indoors or out, offering glossy, textured leaves that bring a touch of the tropics to your home. Sturdy containers keep their roots in check, ensuring the vines remain manageable and display their best features right where you want them.

Top Small Climbing Plants for Container Growing

Building Your Own Container Climbing Display

Start by choosing a strong, well-drained container and a rich, moisture-retentive potting mix. Add a support structure like a moss pole or obelisk to guide your climber skyward. Consider pairing your small climbing plants for containers with companion plants that thrive in the same environment, such as low-maintenance focal pieces like Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant) or the boldly patterned Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant). For outdoor combinations, small evergreen shrubs like Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum) add year-round structure beneath climbing displays.

Tips for Success

More Compact Options for Inspiration

Not every container needs a climber—sometimes, compact foliage is the star. Consider lush perennials like Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' (Small Leaved Ligularia) or uniquely textured varieties for variety and long-term appeal.

Small climbing plants for containers make it easy to transform even the smallest garden, patio, or living room into a green retreat. Explore our selection and get inspired to grow vertically, beautifully, and with minimal fuss.


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.

Rhododendron Vireya 'Pink Jazz' and Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Camellia 'Nuccio's Pearl', Hibiscus 'Red Knight', and Michelia 'Fairy Blush'.
–The Plant Company

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