So, you’ve decided you want to install a plant wall to beautify the exterior of your property but you don’t know which plants would be most appropriate for your needs. Will they prosper in a pot? Are they suited to self watering systems? Do you want a touch of colour or fantastic layers of greenery that display just how glorious foliage can be, in its full technicolour?
Luckily, as horticultural experts, Walls of Plants can help.
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Heuchera often thrives when given the consistency of a plant wall environment, preferring soil that stays moist but not permanently wet, and an environment with dappled light. The lower levels of a plant wall where the top layers of plants will provide a good contrast of light is therefore the ideal position for this vibrant shrub.
Coral bells are likewise evergreen so they will keep the exterior of your property colourful all year round.
One of their most exciting benefits is that they are not regulated to one colour; coral bells come in greens, greys, purples, oranges, browns, and sometimes even with marbled leaves that will brighten up any plant wall. You can choose just one colour or multiple to add more interest to your display.
Hebe
Hebes are bushy, full of life, and characterised by clusters or white, pink or purple flowers that bloom in summer. Despite only blooming in the warmer months, the shrubbery will stay full at all times of the year.
Hebes grow well in containers and are very attractive to pollinators. This makes them a great choice for gardens in need of some life, or cities looking to draw bees and butterflies back between the buildings. For coastal homes with more salty air, hebe can flourish.
Ivy
Ivy is known to be a durable plant; it’s really hard to kill. So if you struggle to care for plants or are worried about your less than green fingers tarnishing the plant display that you’ve invested in, Ivy is definitely the leafy option to you.
Ivy can be grown in more contained shrubs, or in its most iconic form: hanging. Whichever you prefer aesthetically. If you would like a wilder wall or one that looks bigger or has a more cottage-like feel to it, then we can’t recommend ivy enough. Likewise, if you do choose to let it grow outwards, ivy is known to protect properties from weathering, damp and pollution.
Cineraria Silverdust
Silverdust is a beautiful frosty looking plant that contrasts nicely with bold colours and darker leaves. Silverdust is a non toxic plant, so if you have any pets that use your garden and might come into contact with it, then you need not worry.
This plant is a perennial so it will disappear during the winter months and reappear when it has greater exposure to sunlight, so if you prefer a full wall for the whole year then it might be best to avoid this plant. However, the stunning appearance they create is worth it.
Heather
If you’ve ever been to a heather topped moor, you’ll be familiar with the sweeping vibrancy this flower can provide, and although you won’t get the expanse of colour across your plant wall, it will add pops of purple that bring your display to life.
Heather is a truly hardy plant, tolerant of even the most extreme British weather conditions, and grows best in nutrient deprived soil. Unlike some other plants that will be recommended on plant walls, heather needs no pruning, and can actually be harmed if pruning is attempted. Because of this, alongside Ivy, heather is a great low maintenance garden plant and perfect for difficult to reach areas.
Cityscapes and gardens will love it.
Festuca
Festuca will add an additional texture to any plant wall. With a grass-like appearance, they are perfectly happy growing in the containers of a plant wall, as long as the pots are free draining. They are resistant to most common garden plant diseases and funguses, so act as an anchor amongst plant displays.
Some varieties grow spiked flowers that turn the tufted curiosity from one shaded greenery to a two tone extravaganza reminiscent of a sunset.
Bergenia
Bergenias are happy to grow in any light conditions presented to them, including shade, dappled light and direct sun, so wherever you plan to position your plant wall, these flowers will thrive. They do require a tad more care with their watering, so self drainage pots and irrigation systems will help keep them healthy.
Their leaves are bold, big and glossy with thin stems of bright flowers that open fully; pollinators will unite in their midst. Light pruning is advised in early spring to give them the best chance to bloom.
Aubrieta
Aubrieta is often seen growing out of cracks in the walls or on large cascade displays because their purple flowers are striking in an understated manner. This is exactly why they are so often recommended for plant walls; similar setting, different planting method. And, they easily stand out amongst other foliage choices.
If you want singular spots of purple peeking out from between the green or picture a varicoloured wall to act as a backdrop to your garden, terrace, restaurant or balcony, we cannot endorse the aubrieta enough.
It needs draining soil, full or partial sunlight and moderate watering, but like a lot of European flower species, is hardy.
Lavender
Lavender is one of our most iconic garden flowers, and that’s the case for a reason. It can survive almost every temperature presented to them in England and can be left to their own devices all year round. They may require light pruning after flowering.
It makes a really lovely addition to any plant wall with their hardy and pretty nature, and will, without a doubt, draw pollinators to wherever it may be.
Paperplant
Paperplants Fatsia Japonica is a leafy plant that needs very little maintenance and can be repotted yearly if cared for properly. Luckily, proper care isn’t difficult with dappled light or full shade and regular watering with good drainage.
Paperplants will benefit from pest control measures and are toxic to some pets so it’s best to keep them in a higher spot on your plant wall.
If you wish to transform an external wall on your home, restaurant, office, balcony, school or any other space that needs an extra touch of greenery, look no further than Walls of Plants.
Our GreenWalls are designed to create a more sustainable urban environment through the introduction of green spaces that support a wide range of wildlife. Our horticultural expert carefully selects plants that bring new microhabitats to built up areas, with pollinators and biodiversity in mind. We know all the best plants to suit the placement of your plant wall and are more than happy to advise depending on your gardening skills, and your aesthetic taste.
