13 Fast-Growing Climbing Plants in Australia

Climbing plants are increasingly capturing the interest of garden enthusiasts, transforming even the most ordinary balcony, courtyard, or side garden into a space of wonder and inspiration. Most climbing plants, particularly the fast-growing varieties, are resilient and adaptable, needing minimal maintenance to thrive.

For anyone looking for a fast-growing climbing plant type, it's important to be mindful of which to choose to avoid those that could potentially cause harm to your structures. But fret not; in this guide, we'll explore the most impressive fast-growing climbing plants in Australia, categorised by use cases, that you can choose for your lawn or garden.

At a Glance

Here are the 13 fast-growing climbing plants that you can grow in Australia:

1. Baby bougainvillaea
2. Bower vine
3. Bridal wreath
4. Chocolate vine
5. Creeping fig
6. Banksia rose
7. Wisteria
8. False sarsaparilla
9. Orange trumpet creeper
10. Star jasmine
11. Boston ivy
12. Grapevine
13. Passionfruit

Below, we delve into a detailed exploration of each of these plant types. If you have a little extra time, we highly recommend reading through to discover the ideal choice for your garden or landscape.

Fast-Growing Climbing Plants for Pots

For fast-growing climbing plants that thrive in containers or pots, consider the following:

1. Baby bougainvillaea

The Baby Bougainvillaea, also known as Bougainvillea 'Baby', is a compact and dwarf variety of the popular Bougainvillea plant. It is a member of the Nyctaginaceae family and is native to South America, particularly Brazil, Peru, and Argentina. This variety is a hybrid developed to be smaller in size compared to its larger counterparts.

The climbing plant typically grows to a height of about 30 to 60 cm with a spread of 30 to 90 cm. Its growth habit is dense and bushy, making it an excellent choice for containers, hanging baskets, and small gardens. It also has small and ovate leaves, usually around 2.5 to 5 cm long. With a bright green foliage, the climbing plant provides an attractive backdrop for its vibrant bracts—a distinctive feature of the plant.

Baby Bougainvillaea thrives in full sun and requires direct sunlight each day to produce abundant blooms. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered thoroughly but allowed to dry out slightly between waterings; it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Regular pruning is also beneficial to maintain its compact shape and promote more flowering. We recommend pruning after each bloom cycle to remove spent flowers and shape the plant as desired.

2. Bower vine

The Bower vine (Pandorea jasminoides), also known as Vine pandorea, is a beautiful climbing plant native to Australia. This vigorous vine is renowned for its stunning flowers and ability to create an enchanting display in gardens and landscapes.

With its lush foliage and cascading growth habit, the Bower vine adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, providing a lush backdrop for the abundant clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowers come in shades of pink, white, and sometimes red, creating a striking contrast against the foliage.

The Bower vine thrives in the warm climate of Australia, making it well-suited to gardens in regions with mild winters and long, hot summers. It is a hardy plant that can withstand a variety of soil conditions, but it prefers well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded position. The vine is also known for attracting butterflies and other pollinators, making it a delightful addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

3. Bridal wreath

The Bridal Wreath (Stephanotis floribunda) is a charming flowering vine native to Madagascar. This delicate plant is highly regarded for its elegant appearance and sweet fragrance, making it a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions. Stephanotis features glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of small, waxy, star-shaped white flowers. The blooms emit a captivating scent that intensifies during the evening, attracting nocturnal pollinators.

In Australia, the Bridal Wreath thrives in temperate and subtropical regions, where it can be grown both outdoors in well-draining soil or in containers on balconies and patios. Stephanotis requires a sunny location with partial shade to protect it from intense heat, and adequate watering is crucial to maintain its health. Prune only after flowering to encourage a compact shape and promote new growth. Be aware that this plant is sensitive to cold temperatures, so it may require protection during winter in cooler regions.

Despite its beauty, Stephanotis can be a bit demanding to grow successfully. It's essential to provide proper support, such as trellises or wires, for the vines to climb on. Additionally, keep an eye out for pests like aphids and scale insects, which may occasionally attack the plant.

4. Chocolate vine

The Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata) is a unique and charming vine that is native to East Asia. Its popularity in Australian gardens is due to its attractive foliage, delicate flowers, and intriguing fruits. This woody vine is known for its vigorous growth and ability to provide abundant coverage, making it a great choice for trellises, fences, and arbors.

The foliage of the Chocolate Vine is composed of glossy, deep green compound leaves with five leaflets, giving it a lush and tropical appearance. In early spring, the vine produces clusters of fragrant flowers that are typically purplish-brown or maroon in colour and have a sweet scent. It also produces elongated fruits that resemble dark brown or purplish sausages and are edible, though they may not have a strong chocolate flavour as the name suggests.

In terms of care, the Chocolate Vine is relatively low-maintenance. It thrives in well-draining soil and prefers a position with partial shade to full sun. Regular watering is necessary to keep the vine adequately hydrated, especially during dry periods. You may also prune the plant in the late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and control its growth. Note that the vine can spread vigorously through its underground runners, so proper management and containment are necessary to prevent it from becoming invasive.

5. Creeping fig

Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is a versatile and popular vine native to East Asia and parts of Australia. This evergreen plant is highly valued for its vigorous growth and ability to cover walls, fences, and other surfaces with its dense foliage. It has small, leathery leaves and wiry stems that create a lush green carpet-like effect as it creeps and climbs. It also has a unique clinging habit, using aerial roots to attach itself to surfaces and establish a strong grip. This makes it an ideal choice for covering unsightly walls or creating green curtains of foliage.

Creeping fig thrives in a wide range of conditions. It prefers a position with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Regular watering is essential to keep the plant hydrated, especially during dry periods. Pruning can help maintain its desired shape and prevent overgrowth. And while it's generally a hardy plant, it may require protection from extreme temperatures, particularly during hot summers or frosty winters. Additionally, it is important to be cautious of its rapid growth and potential to become invasive if not managed properly.

Fast-Growing Climbing Plants for Arches

If you have an arch structure that you're looking to decorate with a fast-growing plant, the Banksia Rose and Wisteria are excellent options. Let's explore both plants.

6. Banksia rose

The Banksia Rose (Rosa banksiae), commonly known as the Banksia Rose or Lady Banks' Rose, is a charming and vigorous climbing rose native to Australia. It is named after the botanist Joseph Banks, who first discovered it during Captain James Cook's voyage to the South Pacific in the late 18th century.

The climbing plant, growing 4.5 to 6m tall and 1.8 to 2.5m wide, features delicate and dainty flowers that bloom in clusters that create a breathtaking display of beauty. The flowers are small and usually come in shades of white or pale yellow, exuding a sweet fragrance that fills the air. Its abundant and cascading blooms create a stunning visual spectacle, making it a favourite choice for trellises, fences, and pergolas.

One of the remarkable characteristics of the Banksia Rose is its ability to withstand Australia's harsh climate conditions. It is incredibly hardy and can tolerate drought, heat, and even poor soil conditions. When properly cared for, it rewards gardeners with an abundance of blooms throughout the flowering season. It requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Likewise, ample sunlight and well-draining soil are essential for its optimal development.

7. Wisteria

Wisteria (Wisteria chinensis) is known for its cascading clusters of fragrant, pendulous flowers that add a touch of elegance and beauty to any landscape. This deciduous vine is native to China but has found a welcoming home in Australia's temperate regions. The plant is capable of reaching impressive heights of up to 9m or more. Its twining stems wind their way around structures, such as arches, pergolas, fences, or trellises, creating a stunning display of cascading blooms in various shades of purple.

Wisteria prefers well-draining soil and a sunny position. It is important to provide sturdy support for the vine's growth, as its woody stems can become quite heavy when fully matured. Pruning is equally crucial to control the plant's size and shape. We recommend pruning only in the dormant season to encourage robust flowering in the following year.

With proper care and maintenance, Wisteria can become a stunning focal point in gardens, providing a picturesque backdrop for outdoor gatherings or a peaceful spot to relax under its alluring canopy. Plus, it also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the overall biodiversity of your garden. However, it's important to note that all parts of the Wisteria plant are toxic if ingested, so caution should be exercised, especially if there are children or pets around.

Fast-Growing Fence Climbing Plants

Fast-growing climbing plants can also enhance the aesthetics of your fence or walls. For the ideal varieties, consider the following:

8. False sarsaparilla

False Sarsaparilla (Hardenbergia violacea) is a native Australian plant that belongs to the pea family. It is a versatile and attractive evergreen climber that is highly valued for its ornamental qualities and suited to various climates, including coastal regions and inland areas. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is known for its ability to tolerate drought and poor soil conditions.

False Sarsaparilla can reach heights of up to 2 to 3m when provided with proper support. Its twining tendrils allow it to climb fences, trellises, and other structures, making it a great addition to pergolas and arbor setups. The plant's slender stems are adorned with dark green, lance-shaped leaves that create an attractive backdrop for the profusion of purple pea-like flowers that appear in late winter to early spring.

Once established, False Sarsaparilla requires minimal maintenance. It benefits from occasional pruning to control its growth and shape. Regular watering during dry spells will help keep the plant healthy and promote abundant flowering. We also recommend applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.

9. Orange trumpet creeper

The Orange Trumpet Creeper (Pyrostegia venusta) is a stunning flowering vine native to Brazil. It's also referred to as "Flame Vine," is widely admired for its vibrant display of orange trumpet-shaped flowers. The climbing plant exhibits vigorous growth habits and can quickly cover fences, trellises, and pergolas. Its twining vines can reach impressive lengths, sometimes extending up to 5 metres. The plant produces an abundance of trumpet-shaped flowers during the late winter and spring months.

The vine thrives in warm and sunny climates, making it particularly well-suited for Australian gardens. It requires full sun exposure to bloom at its best and should be planted in well-draining soil. Once established, the Orange Trumpet Creeper is relatively drought-tolerant, though regular watering during dry periods can help promote healthy growth and flowering. We recommend pruning after the flowering period to maintain its desired form. The climber is also generally resilient against pests and diseases.

10. Star jasmine

Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), commonly known as "Madagascar jasmine" or "Chinese star jasmine," is a fragrant and versatile evergreen vine that is popular in Australian gardens. This plant, native to China and Japan, is prized for its beautiful glossy leaves and abundant clusters of white, star-shaped flowers.

Star Jasmine is well-suited to the Australian climate, thriving in both warm and temperate regions. It can tolerate a variety of soil types but prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It's an excellent choice for covering walls, fences, and trellises, providing a lush and green backdrop to your outdoor spaces. The climber also adds a delightful scent to the garden, particularly in the evenings. It attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies and has attractive foliage all year round.

While the climbing plant can thrive in full sun to partial shade, it requires protection from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter regions. Regular watering is essential during the plant's establishment period, but once it is established, it becomes more drought-tolerant. Like Orange Trumpet Creeper, we recommend pruning to maintain its shape and encourage new growth after flowering.

11. Boston ivy

Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is a hardy and vigorous climbing vine with attractive foliage and the ability to provide natural shade and cooling effects to buildings and structures. It features large, lobed leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple during autumn and climbs by attaching tendrils to surfaces using adhesive pads. This makes it an excellent choice for covering walls, fences, and pergolas. The climber can reach impressive heights, with mature plants reaching up to 20 metres.

Boston Ivy is well-suited to Australia's diverse climate. It is highly adaptable and can thrive in both temperate and subtropical regions. It withstands hot summers and can tolerate mild frosts during winter. The vine prefers full sun to partial shade but can tolerate some shade as well. To cultivate, use well-drained soil and regularly water during dry spells. You can also prune it in the late winter or early spring to control its growth and maintain the desired shape.

Notably, the Boston Ivy provides natural insulation to buildings. Its dense foliage acts as a thermal barrier, reducing heat absorption and contributing to energy efficiency. It also offers aesthetic value, transforming plain walls into vibrant vertical gardens. Plus, the climber is an excellent habitat for birds and insects, attracting wildlife to your garden.

Fast-Growing Climbing Plants for Pergolas

How about pergolas? Yes, there are fast-growing climbing plants particularly suited to bring vibrancy and colour to your pergola or patio. Two of such are the Grapevine and Passionfruit. Let's explore.

12. Grapevine

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is a popular and widely cultivated plant in Australia, renowned for its production of delicious grapes used for winemaking, table consumption, and raisins. They thrive in various regions, including the famous wine-producing areas of the Barossa Valley, Margaret River, and Hunter Valley, and exhibit great diversity in terms of varieties, flavours, and growing conditions. The vine's leaves are typically large and lobed, and depending on the variety, grapes can be red, green, purple, or black.

The climate in Australia favors grape cultivation, with warm summers and mild winters providing ideal conditions for the vine's growth. They require well-draining soil and ample sunlight to thrive and are often trained on trellises or pergolas to provide support for the sprawling vines. Likewise, pruning is crucial to maintain vine health, promote fruit production, and manage the plant's canopy density.

13. Passionfruit

Passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) is a fast-growing climbing plant that thrives in the Australian climate. With its vigorous growth habit and delicious fruits, it is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a productive and ornamental vine to their outdoor spaces. It is a vigorous climber that uses tendrils to latch onto structures such as trellises, fences, or pergolas. With proper support, it can quickly cover large areas, providing shade and privacy in the garden.

One of the main attractions of the passionfruit vine is its delectable fruits. The fruit is oval or round, with a tough outer rind that ranges in colour from purple to yellow. Inside, the fruit contains a jelly-like pulp filled with numerous small seeds. The pulp has a tangy and tropical flavor, making it a sought-after ingredient in desserts, beverages, and sauces.

Passionfruit thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Prior to planting, prepare the soil by incorporating compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. We also recommend regular pruning, especially in late winter or early spring before the start of the growing season, to manage its vigorous growth and encourage the development of new growth and flowers. Similarly, regular watering, particularly during dry periods, is crucial.

Types of Climbing Plants

Before we deep dive, we'll go over the various types of climbers available. For starters, all climbers are a type of vine, but not all vines are climbers. Climbing plants come in various types, each with distinctive characteristics that define them. Here are the commonly found types in Australian homes:

Scramblers

The scrambler is a common type of climbing plant. They have flexible, long stems that look like vines but are unable to climb on their own. They sometimes have thongs that may help them grip other stems. An excellent example of a scrambler is the Bougainvillea, a vibrant and fast-growing plant commonly found in Australia. Its beautiful flowers come in a variety of colours, making it a popular choice for adding a dash of colour to any landscape.

Twiners

Twiners are another climber type that twists around poles, posts, and other rigid surfaces. They can be broken down into two types; twinning stems or twinning leaves. The former involves their stems coiling around anything they touch in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, contingent on the species. Conversely, twining leaves use their foliage to ascend. The Common Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea) is a great example of a twining plant, adorning fences and walls with its trumpet-shaped flowers in the summer.

Tendrils

Tendrils are climber types with a small coil-like structure along the stem or near their leaves. These structure reaches out in the air until they come in contact with a structure they can hold on to. Tendrils can also come in the form of stem tendrils and leaves tendrils. Grapevines (Vitis vinifera) are well-known climbers that use tendrils to shoot up. They wrap themselves around anything they come into contact with while producing delicious fruit.

Adhesive Pads

Another category of climbing plants is those with adhesive stem tendrils. These pads allow the plant to stick to surfaces and grow. If these climbers don't find vertical support to grow upwards, they can crawl sideways. The Boston Ivy plant (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is a classic example of a plant that uses adhesive pads. It's known for its attractive red autumn foliage and for its ability to cover entire walls or buildings, given enough time.

Clinging Stem Roots

Finally, there are climbing plants with stems that produce stout roots. These roots can then cling to different surfaces for support and to draw nutrients, as the case may be. The Ivy (Hedera) is a prime example of a climber with clinging stem roots. This hardy plant can cover large areas quickly, making it a favourite for many gardeners despite its aggressive growth.

Caring for Your Climbers: Tips and Tricks

Growing climbers is just the first step towards achieving a stunning vertical garden. It's the ongoing care that helps these plants to thrive and to showcase their beauty fully. In this section, we'll discuss some essential pointers to keep your climbers flourishing throughout the year.

Tip #1 - Regular Pruning

Pruning is crucial to maintain the health and aesthetics of your climbers. It helps manage their growth, encourages flowering, and prevents diseases. For most climbers, the best time to prune is just after the flowering season, though some may have specific requirements.

Tip #2 - Proper Watering and Fertilising

Climbers, like any other plant, need water and nutrients to grow. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells, but be careful not to overwater, as this could lead to root rot. Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser during the growing season to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients.

Tip #3 - Providing Adequate Support

Climbers need support to grow upwards and showcase their beauty. Whether it's a trellis, pergola, or a simple wall, ensure it's sturdy enough to handle the weight of a mature plant. Some climbers, like twining vines or those with tendrils, need thinner supports they can easily wrap around or grip.

Tip #4 - Monitoring for Pests and Diseases

Watch out for common pests like aphids and caterpillars that might damage your climbers. Also, be vigilant for signs of fungal diseases, which can affect the health of your plants. If you spot any signs of trouble, treat them promptly to prevent further spread.

Tip #5 - Selecting the Right Spot

Finally, the location plays a significant role in how well your climbers grow. Most climbers prefer sunny spots, but some can also tolerate shade. Remember to consider the plant's natural growth habits and environmental preferences when selecting the perfect spot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about fast-growing climbing plants in Australia.

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Wrapping Up

There's a wide range of fast-growing climbers that thrive in the Australian climate. The country’s sunny, moisture-rich weather creates the perfect environment for these plants. Still, when choosing a climber, pay special attention to their unique requirements, aesthetics, and the specific area where you plan to plant them.

Whether you want to adorn your garden with stunning flowers, enhance the aesthetic appeal of your fence and wall, or create a natural privacy screen, climbing plants are an ideal solution. They offer beauty, practicality, and a natural flourish to the Australian landscape, and we hope you find the plant type of your choice here.