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tropical climbing plants

Tropical climbing plants are a stunning addition to any New Zealand garden, offering lush foliage, vibrant blooms, and unique textural interest. Whether you’re hoping to green up a wall, create a living privacy screen, or add a splash of colour to your outdoor space, these vigorous growers love to reach new heights. Their ability to twine, trail, or cling makes them perfect for trellises, fences, pergolas, or even as statement indoor plants. With so many options, you can craft your own slice of the tropics, even in cooler climates or sheltered spots.

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
Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' flower cluster.

Hoya pubicalyx 'Royal Hawaiian Purple'

5 from 1 customers

Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' is a stunning evergreen climber prized for its thick glossy foliage and clusters of richly coloured star shaped flowers. The blooms are beautifully scented and appear on mature plants over an extended period, making this variety a favourite among indoor plant collectors and tropical garden enthusiasts.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
Pandorea 'Ruby Heart' white flowers tinged with pink and lush, green foliage.
Pandorea 'Ruby Heart'

Pandorea 'Ruby Heart' carries glossy, dark green foliage, which is aesthetic in its own right. The foliage is adorned with showy clusters of...

From$24.95
phaseolus-caracalla-
Phaseolus caracalla

Phaseolus caracalla (Snail Vine) is a remarkable evergreen climber admired for its fragrant spiral shaped flowers that resemble colourful snail...

From$30.29
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
Pandorea rosea superba elegant pink flowers.
Pandorea rosea superba

Pandorea rosea superba is a climber that produces bright pink, trumpet-shaped flowers with a dark pink throat, which are produced from spring through...

From$24.95
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
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
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
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
strelitzia-reginae--3
Strelitzia reginae (Orange Bird Of Paradise)

Strelitzia reginae (Crane Flower, Bird Of Paradise) is an iconic tropical plant known for its bold orange and blue flowers that resemble a bird in...

From$44.09
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
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
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
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
A Radermachera sinica (Canton Lace) plant with lush and glossy, dark green foliage.
Radermachera sinica

Radermachera sinica, commonly known as the China Doll Plant or Canton Lace, is an evergreen shrub grown for its impressive foliage. This subtropical...

From$515.35
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
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
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
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 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
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
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
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
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
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
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
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
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
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
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
Rhaphidophora decursiva

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Hoya, Juncus, and Pandorea, or related Categories - Moss Poles, Deciduous Climbers, and Evergreen Climbers.

Search tropical climbing plants

Why Choose Tropical Climbing Plants for Your Garden?

Tropical climbing plants thrive in New Zealand’s milder regions, especially when given a sheltered position. Their rapid growth and lush greenery give you quick results, making them ideal for gardeners who want to see a transformation within a season. Not only do they provide a visual feast, but many also offer fragrant flowers, edible fruit, or wildlife habitat. The diverse leaf shapes and colours add tropical texture and drama, transforming decks, patios, or indoor spaces.

Popular Varieties for New Zealand Conditions

If you’re searching for tropical climbing plants that flourish locally, consider these standout varieties:

How to Grow and Care for Tropical Climbers

To get the best from your tropical climbing plants, give them a warm, sheltered spot with plenty of sunshine and well-draining soil. Mulch to retain moisture and feed during the growing season to boost flowering and vigour. Most climbers appreciate a sturdy structure to climb, such as trellis, wires, or pergola. Prune after flowering to control their shape and encourage fresh growth.

If you’re starting indoors, varieties like Rhaphidophora decursiva thrive in bright, indirect light. Outdoor options like Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' and Pyrostegia venusta love sunny spots and respond well to regular feeding.

Creating Your Tropical Oasis

With their unrivalled colour and lushness, tropical climbing plants are the secret to creating your dream oasis at home. Shop New Zealand’s best selection, including customer favourites like Bougainvillea 'Tropical Rainbow' and edible heroes such as Passiflora edulis, and watch your garden or living space transform. Let your imagination climb higher with these spectacular tropical wonders.


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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