Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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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.

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 plant matures. This fast growing plant adds a lush, jungle like feel to indoor spaces and sheltered NZ gardens. Ideal for climbing supports or large containers, it offers bold foliage and strong visual impact.

Buy Rhaphidophora decursiva

From $53.75

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

Philodendron scandens

Philodendron scandens, commonly known as Heart Leaf Philodendron, is a popular indoor vine with glossy, heart shaped leaves that emerge bronze and mature to deep green. It grows quickly and can trail from hanging baskets or climb a support, making it ideal for adding lush greenery to homes across New Zealand. Easy to care for, it thrives in bright, indirect light with moderate humidity and free draining soil. Its elegant foliage and forgiving nature suit beginners and collectors alike.

Buy Philodendron scandens

From $24.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical

Plant type: Indoor Plants

Height: 15 cm

Spread: 60 cm

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical

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.

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.

wild climbing plants

Rhaphidophora decursiva

Philodendron scandens

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Why Choose Wild Climbing Plants?