Introduction
Overview
New Zealand native climbers (lianes) weave through forest canopies and shrublands, creating valuable habitat and seasonal displays. Notable species include Metrosideros perforata (Climbing Rātā), Parsonsia heterophylla (Kaihua), and Rubus cissoides (Bush lawyer). Many are excellent choices for trellises and fences, providing nectar, fruit, and shelter for native wildlife.
Climbing Rātā
Metrosideros perforata
A twining rata with masses of white flowers; great for fences and trellises.
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New Zealand Jasmine
Parsonsia heterophylla
Woody climber with sweetly scented blooms; a classic native for support structures.
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Supplejack
Ripogonum scandens
Iconic forest liane with strong, flexible stems and bright red berries.
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Kōhia NZ Passionfruit
Passiflora tetrandra
Fragrant greenish flowers and edible orange berries, excellent wildlife value.
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White Clematis
Clematis paniculata
Showy spring flowers; ideal for semi-shade and woodland edges.
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Pōhuehue
Muehlenbeckia complexa
Tough scrambling climber; good coastal performance and habitat support.
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Bush Lawyer
Rubus cissoides
Bush Lawyer is a native New Zealand plant with notable features; well suited to New Zealand plantings.
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White-Leaved Lawyer
Rubus schmidelioides
A New Zealand native climbing plant with prickly stems, glossy leaves, and edible berries.
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Three Kings Vine
Tecomanthe speciosa
Three Kings Vine is a vigorous and rare native climber featuring large clusters of bell-shaped flowers.
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Crimson Rata
Metrosideros carminea
Crimson Rata is a spectacular native climber featuring a profusion of vibrant carmine-red flowers in spring.
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Climbing Groundsel
Brachyglottis sciadophila
Trailing/clambering shrub daisy (Brachyglottis sciadophila): identification, habitat and cultivation on free‑draining sites.
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Forster's Clematis
Clematis forsteri
Forster's Clematis is a beautiful native New Zealand climber renowned for its masses of starry white flowers in spring.
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Fragrant Fern
Dendroconche scandens
Dendroconche scandens, or the Fragrant Fern, is a slender climbing fern with pleasant-smelling fronds, often found growing on tree trunks or rocks in damp forest environments.
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White Rātā
Metrosideros diffusa
Versatile native climber that produces masses of delicate white flowers, often seen festooning tree trunks in lowland forests.
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Scarlet Rātā
Metrosideros fulgens
Spectacular native climber famous for its vibrant orange-red flowers that bloom from late summer through autumn.
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