Best trailing plants for walls transform vertical spaces into vibrant living walls, adding a touch of nature and architectural charm to any property. Whether you have a south-facing wall basking in sunlight or a north-facing wall seeking shade, there’s a trailing plant perfectly suited to enhance your outdoor decor.
Discover the best trailing plants for walls with varying exposures, learn how to choose plants that complement your architectural style, and explore creative ways to incorporate these cascading beauties into your vertical gardens.
Best Trailing Plants for Walls with South-Facing Exposure
South-facing walls receive the most sunlight throughout the day, making them ideal for sun-loving plants. When selecting trailing plants for these walls, it’s crucial to choose varieties that can tolerate intense heat and well-drained soil.
Trailing Plants for South-Facing Walls, Best trailing plants for walls
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-*Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis)
This vigorous evergreen vine produces clusters of vibrant, multicolored flowers in shades of pink, yellow, orange, and red. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for south-facing walls.
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-*Trailing Verbena (Verbena rigida)
Known for its low-growing, trailing habit, trailing verbena features clusters of small, fragrant flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white. It tolerates drought and heat well, making it a suitable option for sunny walls.
-*Trailing Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’)
When choosing the best trailing plants for walls, consider their growth habits, foliage density, and light requirements. For example, pothos and philodendrons are popular choices due to their cascading stems and adaptability to various lighting conditions. If you’re looking for a plant that thrives in hanging baskets or as a wall accent, explore our guide to the best plant for hanging indoors . By incorporating trailing plants into your vertical spaces, you can add a touch of greenery and create a lush and inviting atmosphere in your home.
This aromatic herb has a trailing habit and produces needle-like leaves with a distinct rosemary scent. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and its culinary uses make it a practical choice for kitchen gardens.
-*Trailing Geranium (Pelargonium peltatum)
With its cascading habit and vibrant blooms, trailing geranium adds a touch of color to south-facing walls. It comes in various flower colors, including pink, red, white, and purple, and prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
-*Trailing Mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.)
Traditionally used to soften the hard lines of walls, trailing plants like ivy and pothos continue to offer a unique way to add greenery indoors. When paired with best indoor plant hangers , these trailing plants create a vertical garden that not only adds life to a room but also purifies the air.
Hanger styles range from macrame to metal, offering options that complement any décor.
Known for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers, trailing mandevilla is a vigorous vine that requires full sun and well-drained soil. It produces an abundance of flowers in shades of pink, red, yellow, or white, making it a stunning addition to any south-facing wall.
Planting and Care
When planting trailing plants on south-facing walls, ensure the soil is well-drained and amended with organic matter. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets.
Water deeply after planting and continue to water regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Best Trailing Plants for Walls with North-Facing Exposure
North-facing walls receive less sunlight than other orientations, creating a challenging environment for plant growth. The lack of direct sunlight can result in moist soil conditions, making it crucial to choose plants that can tolerate shade and moisture.
- Trailing Begonias: These shade-loving plants produce cascading foliage and delicate flowers in a range of colors.
- Creeping Jenny: This fast-growing groundcover forms a dense mat of foliage that tolerates moist soil and shade.
- Ivy: Ivy is a classic trailing plant that comes in a variety of species, including Boston Ivy and English Ivy, which can tolerate low light conditions.
- Japanese Spurge: This low-growing perennial produces attractive variegated foliage that brightens up shady areas.
- Hosta: Hostas are shade-tolerant plants that produce large, heart-shaped leaves in a variety of colors and textures.
To enhance plant growth on north-facing walls, consider providing supplemental lighting or choosing plants with variegated foliage, which can reflect more light and improve photosynthesis.
Best Trailing Plants for Walls with East- or West-Facing Exposure
East- and west-facing walls offer a balance of sun exposure, making them ideal for growing trailing plants that prefer partial sun or dappled shade. These plants can thrive in the morning or afternoon sun while avoiding the intense midday heat.
Suitable Trailing Plants
- Ivy:Boston ivy, English ivy, and Virginia creeper are vigorous climbers that provide dense foliage and can quickly cover large areas.
- Clematis:Early-blooming varieties like Clematis montana and Clematis armandii can produce a profusion of flowers in spring.
- Honeysuckle:Lonicera japonica and Lonicera sempervirens are fragrant climbers that attract pollinators.
- Jasmine:Trachelospermum jasminoides and Jasminum officinale offer glossy foliage and sweet-scented flowers.
- Wisteria:Wisteria sinensis and Wisteria floribunda are vigorous climbers that produce showy clusters of purple or white flowers.
Creating a Vertical Garden or Trellis System
To create a vertical garden or trellis system on east- or west-facing walls, consider the following tips:
- Choose a suitable support structure:Trellises, arbors, or wires can provide support for climbing plants.
- Plant in well-drained soil:Trailing plants require well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Provide regular watering:Water plants deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilize regularly:Feed plants with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
- Prune regularly:Prune plants to control growth and encourage new foliage.
Best Trailing Plants for Walls with Trellises or Arbors
Trellises and arbors provide vertical support for trailing plants, allowing them to climb upwards and create a lush, cascading effect on walls. These structures offer numerous benefits, including:
- Improved plant health: Trellises and arbors promote better air circulation, preventing diseases and encouraging vigorous growth.
- Enhanced aesthetics: Trailing plants can transform a dull wall into a vibrant, living tapestry.
- Space-saving: Vertical gardening with trellises or arbors maximizes vertical space, especially in compact urban environments.
Trailing Plants Suitable for Vertical Structures
When selecting trailing plants for walls with trellises or arbors, consider their growth habit, flowering characteristics, and tolerance to local climate conditions. Some popular options include:
- Climbing roses: Known for their fragrant blooms and elegant trailing stems.
- Clematis: A diverse group of vines with showy flowers in various colors and shapes.
- Morning glory: A fast-growing annual with trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in vibrant hues.
- Jasmine: A fragrant climber with star-shaped flowers and glossy foliage.
- Honeysuckle: A vigorous vine with fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers and attractive foliage.
Designing and Installing a Trellis or Arbor System
When designing a trellis or arbor system, consider the following factors:
- Material: Choose materials like wood, metal, or vinyl that are durable and weather-resistant.
- Size and shape: Select a trellis or arbor that is proportional to the wall and the desired plant coverage.
- Placement: Position the trellis or arbor securely against the wall, ensuring it receives adequate sunlight.
- Installation: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation, using screws or bolts for secure attachment.
Best Trailing Plants for Walls with Different Architectural Styles
When choosing trailing plants for walls, it’s important to consider the architectural style of the building to create a harmonious and cohesive look. Here are some tips and examples to help you select the right plants:
Modern homeswith clean lines and geometric shapes can be complemented by trailing plants with a minimalist and contemporary aesthetic. Consider plants with variegated foliage, such as Scindapsus pictusor Philodendron scandens, or plants with cascading growth habits, such as Ceropegia woodiior Senecio rowleyanus.
Traditional homeswith classic details and symmetrical facades can benefit from trailing plants that evoke a sense of history and elegance. Choose plants with traditional foliage shapes, such as ivy ( Hedera helix) or clematis ( Clematisspp.), or plants with trailing stems that can be trained to climb trellises, such as climbing roses ( Rosaspp.)
or jasmine ( Jasminumspp.).
Victorian homeswith intricate ornamentation and vibrant colors can be paired with trailing plants that add a touch of whimsy and charm. Consider plants with showy flowers, such as bougainvillea ( Bougainvilleaspp.) or honeysuckle ( Loniceraspp.), or plants with variegated foliage, such as coleus ( Solenostemon scutellarioides) or trailing geraniums ( Pelargonium peltatum).
Best trailing plants for walls can be a great addition to any home, adding a touch of greenery and life to your walls. If you’re looking for plants that will thrive in low light conditions, consider opting for best hanging low light plants . These plants are ideal for those who don’t have a lot of natural light in their homes, and they can still add a beautiful touch to your walls.
Mediterranean-style homeswith whitewashed walls and terracotta accents can be complemented by trailing plants that evoke the warmth and beauty of the Mediterranean region. Choose plants with silvery or gray foliage, such as lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia) or rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis), or plants with trailing stems that can be trained to climb trellises, such as grapevines ( Vitis vinifera) or passionflower ( Passifloraspp.).
When integrating trailing plants into the overall design of a wall or facade, consider the size and scale of the plants in relation to the architectural features. Use plants to create a focal point, to soften harsh lines, or to add a touch of greenery to a plain wall.
Train plants to climb trellises or arbors to create vertical interest and to define outdoor spaces.
Ultimate Conclusion
With the right selection and care, trailing plants can create a stunning vertical tapestry that adds depth, color, and life to your walls. Embrace the beauty of these cascading wonders and transform your outdoor spaces into verdant havens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best trailing plants for full sun?
Trailing lantana, trailing geraniums, and trailing rosemary are excellent choices for south-facing walls with ample sunlight.
Can I grow trailing plants on a north-facing wall?
Yes, shade-tolerant trailing plants like English ivy, creeping Jenny, and vinca minor can thrive on north-facing walls with limited sunlight.
How do I care for trailing plants on walls?
Water regularly, fertilize occasionally, and provide support structures like trellises or arbors to guide their growth.
