The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

Hi, we are looking for a screen climber for our tennis court. Would this work? Finding it hard to decide what we want to climb along and up one corner to give privatisation without sacrificing the mesh of the court ( older tennis court with strong mesh fencing )

Hi Nicky, I recommend you go to Ribbonwood Nurseries or Blueskin Bay nurseries. Both have a range of native plants suitable for Dunedin's climate that could be suitable for your needs. Metrosideros fulgens does not occur this far south and is not common in cultivation.

Tecomanthe speciosa (Three Kings Vine). I grow it in the most windy spot on my property, its screen off the area. Never looks tatty..

Tecomanthe might find Dunedin a bit cold! I grow Muehlenbeckia complexa up a screen at my place in Southland and it looks great - plus not too robust to tear the screen apart. You could mix in a Clematis too (C. paniculata or C. foetida) for some more obvious seasonal colour.