Climbers usually have a purpose for covering fences or walls but they are simply effective over garden frames or gazebos given the right plant. Some climbers are also very effective ground cover plants!
As with other plants, there are a range of climbers suited to different soils and climates. They are evergreen and deciduous, with spectacular flowers, foliage and scent.
There are a range of different climbers to choose from depending on what you want to achieve.
Vigorous strong growers will totally cover a large shed if left un- checked. Only one plant is normally required if this is what you need.
Stem clinging climbers are the ones where the stems root into the support such as a tree or host plant. They usually overpower it over time. Examples are ivy or NZ Rata. Low growing climbers or trailers are often used as ground cover, while medium vigour climbers are the most common climbers gardeners will plant.
Popular Climbers
Vigorous Climbers |
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Grapes – Fruiting or Ornamental |
Virginian creeper |
Wisteria |
Bougainvillea |
Pandorea - some species |
Kiwifuit |
Medium vigour climbers |
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Pandorea - some species |
Clematis |
Climbing roses |
Allamanda |
Bougainvillea – some species |
Campsis |
Dipladenia |
Hardenbergia |
Gelsemium |
Hibertia |
Sweet Pea – Lathyrus |
nicera – Honeysuckle |
Mandivillea |
Passiflora – Ornamental passionfruit |
Potato vine Solanum jasminoides grandiflora |
Blue Potato vine Solanum wendlandii |
Black eyed susan –Thunbergia alata |
Thunbergia species |
Stem Clinging Climbers |
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Ivy |
NZ Rata – Metrosideros carminea |
Ficus pumila or climbing fig |
Hydrangea - Self Clinging |
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Low growing or trailing |
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Star Jasmine – trachelospermum |
Pelagonium peltatum
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Climbing Lasiandra – Heterocentron roseus |