Climbers: The Smart Way to Add Height, Colour, and Character

on 1 October 2025, 15:31

Want to soften a fence, frame an entryway or bring life to a bare wall? You don’t need a full landscape overhaul. Climbers give you structure, flowers, and fragrance without eating up ground space or blowing out the budget.

By growing upwards, climbers transform hard edges into living features. They can cover a pergola, shade an outdoor room, or simply add romance to your garden. With the right plants, you’ll enjoy long-term performance and plenty of seasonal impact.

Why Climbers Belong in Your Garden

The best climbers don’t just look good, they work hard too. Plant once and they’ll reward you year after year with:

Vertical greenery that makes small spaces feel lush
Seasonal displays of flowers and foliage
Shade and cooling on hot days
Natural privacy and screening
A softer, more welcoming garden atmosphere

Choose proven performers, give them good support, and you’ll have a living wall or archway in no time.

Wisteria (1)

Where and How to Use Climbers

From courtyards to large country gardens, climbers fit just about anywhere. Use them to:

Dress up fences and walls with greenery and flowers
Frame entrances or pathways with arches and pergolas
Shade patios and decks while creating outdoor rooms
Add interest and fragrance where you relax or entertain

Three Proven Climbers to Try

Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine) – Evergreen Fragrance All Year

Mature size at 5 yrs (H × W): 2-3 m x 1.5-2 m (can be clipped smaller)
Recommended spacing: 1 m apart
Best NZ regions / conditions: All except very cold inland sites
Key strengths: Evergreen, highly fragrant summer flowers, glossy foliage
Maintenance level: Low; light prune after flowering
Why it works: A reliable, hardy climber with year-round good looks and summer perfume

Wisteria – The Dramatic Spring Showstopper

Mature size at 5 yrs (H × W): 3-4 m x 3 m (needs strong support)
Recommended spacing: Plant with room to spread
Best NZ regions / conditions: Warm, sunny sites with well-drained soil
Key strengths: Cascading racemes of lilac or white flowers in spring
Maintenance level: Medium; prune in summer and winter
Why it works: Adds instant drama and timeless romance to pergolas and arbours

Climbing Roses – Classic Colour and Romance

Mature size at 5 yrs (H × W): 2-3 m x 2 m (variety dependent)
Recommended spacing: 1-1.5 m apart
Best NZ regions / conditions: All regions with full sun and good soil
Key strengths: Repeat-flowering, fragrant blooms in a wide colour range
Maintenance level: Medium; regular feeding, deadheading, and tying in new stems
Why it works: Nothing beats roses for classic beauty and fragrance climbing over arches, walls or trellises