Climbing Plants

Climbing trees and flowers are versatile and resilient with some of the most common in New Zealand including the following. Creeper plants use different support structures, depending on how their stems attach.

Flexible stems wrap themselves around nearly any support structure that is thick enough. They work well for climbing stronger poles and posts.

Tiny structures that resemble tentacles protrude. These can have tiny hooks on the ends or little coils that resemble springs. They are ideal for covering fences or latticework.

Thorns or spikes on stems that point backwards cling to any surface. Train them along wires for the easiest method of control. A wire trellis for climbing plants can give these stems a defined route while keeping their weight off fence panels. A plant climbing frame can give climbing stems a route to follow.

These climbers use small appendages that resemble suction cups or clumps of aerial roots to cling to nearly any surface.

Wisterias are robust, deciduous twining climbers that are easily identified by their enormous sprays of fragrant spring blossoms. Most have beautiful buttery-yellow leaves in the fall.

A prolific tendril climber that is deciduous, beautiful and appealing. This vine's twisted structure, which the trunks and branches acquire as they mature, contributes to its charm.

This twining, evergreen climber is a true friend to landscapers. It will look fantastic with very little maintenance and function brilliantly in a variety of situations.

Using the right climbing and trailing plants from good suppliers in New Zealand means they will suit the area they are in and thrive for many years to come. Plants of lower quality might look great on the shelves, but once they are in, can die off or show signs of disease. Experienced and reputable professionals will only offer climbing plants that will naturally succeed in the given environment which is why you should always find the right experts for advice. They also tend to have a great range of other garden options like hedges that you can also consider.

As with other plants in New Zealand, the key is to put the correct one in the appropriate spot, and because there are so many options, you’ll have multiple choices to consider. The main things to think about are their likely growth, their appearance, the ongoing maintenance required to keep them healthy and their eventual weight once fully grown (as this will impact the structure they are climbing). Most of these answers will come from the suppliers themselves so it pays to select those that are extremely knowledgeable as they’ll be better able to advise you specifically on the best options that’ll meet your needs. For a climbing bean plant, choose support suited to its eventual growth and weight.

For sheltered rooms, indoor climbing plants need suitable light, a container and a support matched to their eventual size. Productive gardens can use climbing fruit plants, while pet owners should check plant toxicity before choosing dog safe climbing plants.