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wild climbing plants

If you're on the hunt for wild climbing plants to bring life, texture, and a touch of adventure to your New Zealand garden, you've come to the right place. Wild climbing plants are nature’s way of turning blank fences, trellises, and trees into vertical masterpieces, lending aesthetics and greenery to spaces that might otherwise be overlooked. From filling a shady corner to covering a pergola with lush foliage and blooms, these plants are both beautiful and versatile. Explore how wild climbing plants can enhance your outdoor or even indoor oasis, and discover a few top choices that thrive in Kiwi conditions.

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

5 from 3 customers

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green leaves that create dense coverage. Growing up to 4 m wide and 2 m high, it’s perfect for fences, banks, or walls. Pohuehue tolerates wind, salt spray, and dry conditions once established.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Arches, Banks, Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Topiary, Walls
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
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'

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
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
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...

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$24.77
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...

From$44.09
Hoya 'Splash' variegated foliage.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Splash'

Hoya 'Splash' is a popular variety that is commonly grown as an indoor plant. It produces elongated leaves that are dark green and splashed with...

From$27.53
Elegant Dietes grandiflora flowers.
Dietes grandiflora (Fairy Iris)

Dietes grandiflora, also known as Wild Iris or Fairy Iris, is a robust, clump-forming perennial prized for its large white flowers with yellow and...

From$15.87
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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$30.29
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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$30.29
Hedera 'Silver Variegata' dark green and cream variegated foliage.
Hedera 'Silver Variegated'

Hedera ‘Silver Variegated’ is a striking evergreen ivy with silvery-green leaves edged in creamy white. Its elegant variegation brightens shaded...

From$14.95
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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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
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
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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
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
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
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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
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
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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...

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Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Bougainvillea, Dietes, and Grape, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Grapevines, and Groundcover Plants.

Search wild climbing plants

Why Choose Wild Climbing Plants?

Wild climbing plants add immediate character to gardens, with their natural, untamed growth habit creating a tapestry of foliage and flowers. These climbers are adept at finding their own paths upward, transforming walls, fences, and arbours into living architecture. They offer excellent privacy screening, shaded retreats, and beautiful habitats for native wildlife and pollinators. Many wild climbing plants are easy to care for, adapting well to local conditions with minimal fuss once established.

Popular Wild Climbing Plants in NZ

New Zealand gardens are perfectly suited to a wide range of wild climbing plants, from classic flowering climbers to lush, evergreen creepers.

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)

Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) is a favourite wild climbing plant for quickly covering walls or fences with small, heart-shaped leaves. Left to its own devices, this vigorous climber will spread over large vertical surfaces, softening harsh lines and creating a cool, green backdrop in sheltered spots.

Rhaphidophora decursiva

Looking for a wild climbing plant that makes a statement indoors? Rhaphidophora decursiva features dramatic, deeply lobed leaves and thrives in humid, indirect light, making it perfect for bringing the lushness of New Zealand’s bush indoors. Its versatile climbing habit means it can be trained up totems or allowed to ramble naturally.

Hydrangea petiolaris

For a solution in shady areas, Hydrangea petiolaris is a spectacular wild climbing plant. It impresses with lacy white summer flowers and dense, heart-shaped foliage. Ideal for growing up old tree trunks or walls, this climber brings cottage garden charm to even the darkest corners.

Rosa 'Iceberg' Climbing

Rosa 'Iceberg' Climbing adds classic romance to garden structures, with masses of white blooms throughout the season. This variety of wild climbing plant is perfect for training up arches or fences and requires minimal pruning to create a cascading waterfall of flowers.

How to Use Wild Climbing Plants in Your Garden

When planning your garden, wild climbing plants can be used creatively for privacy screens, living wall art, or to add vertical interest to small spaces. Train them along wires, pergolas, or garden walls, or allow them to scramble freely over banks and rocks. Try combining wild climbing plants with companions like Dietes grandiflora (Fairy Iris) for a multi-layered effect that ensures year-round interest.

Embrace the beauty and wildness that these climbers offer—your garden will thrive with the energy and vibrancy only wild climbing plants can provide.


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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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