Best Plants For Outdoor Wall Garden

Outdoor wall gardens are a beautiful and practical way to add greenery and life to any space. They can be used to cover unsightly walls, create privacy, or simply add a touch of nature. But with so many different plants to choose from, it can be difficult to know which ones are best suited for a wall garden. This article will explore some of the best plants for outdoor wall gardens, considering factors such as light requirements, water needs, and overall suitability for vertical growing.

Light Requirements

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting plants for a wall garden is the amount of light the location receives. Some plants thrive in full sun, while others prefer shade. Consider the amount of direct sunlight your wall garden will receive throughout the day. If it is in a shady location, you will need to choose plants that are tolerant of low light conditions.

For sunny locations, consider plants like:

Succulents: These drought-tolerant plants require minimal watering and can handle full sun. Examples include sedum, echeveria, and sempervivum.
Trailing herbs: Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano can add fragrance and flavor to your garden while tolerating full sun.
Vines: Climbing plants like ivy, honeysuckle, and clematis can add vertical interest to your wall garden and thrive in full sun.

For shady locations, consider plants like:

Ferns: Ferns are low-maintenance and can tolerate low light conditions. They come in various shapes and sizes, adding texture to your wall garden.
Hostas: These shade-loving plants are known for their attractive foliage, which comes in various shades of green, blue, and yellow.
Impatiens: Impatiens are colorful and vibrant flowers that can add a splash of color to your shady wall garden.

Water Needs

Another crucial factor to consider is the water needs of your plants. Some plants require regular watering, while others can tolerate drought conditions. The frequency of watering depends on the plant's type, the climate you live in, and the type of wall garden system you use. For example, a wall garden with a built-in irrigation system will require less frequent watering than a system that relies on manual watering.

For plants with low watering needs, consider:

Succulents: As previously mentioned, succulents are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering.
Sedums: These groundcover plants are drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of conditions.
Grasses: Ornamental grasses are low-maintenance and can tolerate dry periods.

For plants with moderate to high watering needs, consider:

Petunias: These colorful annual flowers require regular watering to thrive.
Fuchsias: These flowering plants prefer moist soil but can tolerate some drought conditions.
Begonia: Begonias are beautiful flowering plants that thrive in moist soil with partial shade.

Suitability for Vertical Growing

It's important to choose plants that are suitable for vertical growing. Some plants naturally grow upwards and are easily adaptable to wall gardens. Other plants might require more support or training to grow vertically. Consider the plant's growth habit and whether it can thrive in a vertical environment.

Plants that naturally climb or trail are well-suited for vertical growing:

Vines: Ivy, honeysuckle, and clematis are all beautiful vines that can add vertical interest to your wall garden.
Trailing herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and oregano can all cascade over the edges of your wall garden.
Hanging baskets: Many flowering plants, like petunias and fuchsias, thrive in hanging baskets and add a beautiful cascading effect to your wall garden.

Plants that may require some support or training for vertical growing:

Tomatoes: Tomatoes can be trained to grow up a wall using stakes or cages.
Beans: Pole beans can climb up a wall or trellis, adding vertical interest with their climbing habit.
Strawberries: Strawberries can be grown in hanging baskets or vertical planters, providing a tasty treat while adding vertical interest.

When selecting plants for your outdoor wall garden, consider these factors to create a beautiful and thriving vertical garden. With careful planning and selection, you can create a wall garden that is not only visually appealing but also practical and beneficial to your outdoor space.