If you think limited outdoor space means no gardening, think again! A flowering living wall can be a stunning feature, even in smaller yards.
With a plethora of living wall concepts available, choosing the right plants can be daunting. These vertical gardens are perfect for compact backyards, requiring minimal ground area while also benefiting wildlife and improving air quality. You can even install a living wall indoors!
So, which plants should you consider for your flowering living wall? We’ve consulted experts for their top recommendations.
5 Flowering Plants for Your Living Wall
Sprucing up your backyard with a flowering living wall is a great idea. Vertical gardening is increasingly popular for its efficiency, so let’s explore the best plants that can bring color and life to your space.
1. Geraniums
Geraniums are versatile, long-blooming flowers that add both color and attractive foliage to your living wall.
According to an expert, “Geraniums offer a variety of color options, allowing for creative designs with contrasting shapes.” They’re easy to care for and become drought-resistant once established.
These plants thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9, with many hardy varieties available.
For vertical growth, consider a specialized system, like this vertical planter from Amazon.
To create a vibrant wall, use a modular system with slots for plants. Some options even feature removable pots, making it easy to change your plant arrangement based on your mood.
Geraniums can also trail, giving your wall a fuller appearance. Be sure to deadhead them for continuous blooms next season.
Explore various geraniums online, such as the Rozanne Geranium from Nature Hills.
2. Fuchsias
If you're looking for trailing plants, fuchsias are an excellent choice. They thrive in shady spots, making them perfect for brightening darker areas.
“These beautiful, drooping flowers truly enhance living walls,” an expert notes. “Fuchsias prefer partial shade and moist soil.”
Caring for fuchsias is simple; just avoid letting them dry out, and remember to prune regularly for abundant blooms. They flourish in USDA hardiness zones 6 and 7, flowering from mid-spring to fall.
Plant them in a container on a living wall setup to enjoy a lovely cascade of color.
Fuchsias can be found online, like this fuchsia plant from Walmart.
3. Lobelias
If you love blue flowers, lobelia is a delightful addition. This flower comes in various shades from periwinkle to deep purple.
These flowers thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, blooming from summer to fall.
Their trailing nature makes them ideal for hanging baskets, enhancing your green wall while attracting wildlife, like hummingbirds.
Check out different lobelia varieties online, like this Great Blue Lobelia from Nature Hills.
4. Wallflowers
True to their name, wallflowers are perfect for a flowering wall. With their gorgeous, multi-colored clusters, they make a stunning visual impact.
If you have a fragrant garden, wallflowers can enhance the aroma. They’re popular spring blooms and fill gaps beautifully.
To create a striking contrast, pair wallflowers with vividly colored flowers like lobelia, which will accentuate each other’s hues.
Wallflowers thrive in USDA hardiness zones 7 and up, blooming from summer to early fall. Depending on the type, they can be biennial or perennial.
5. Petunias
Petunias are excellent filler plants, offering vibrant colors and lush foliage for your living wall.
These flowers are among the top choices for hanging baskets and can quickly grow bushy. Be sure to deadhead them regularly to promote further blooms.
To achieve a calming look, group plants with similar colors for a gradient effect. For instance, combine orange wallflowers, scarlet geraniums, and deep red petunias for a stunning display.
As an added bonus, petunias also act as a natural fly repellent.
They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, and you can find them from various suppliers, like this Supertunia Vista Bubblegum Petunia from Nature Hills.
FAQs
How do you water a flowering living wall?
Maintaining a flowering living wall requires proper watering techniques. Consider purchasing wall structures featuring built-in irrigation systems that filter water from a top reservoir. Alternatively, you can hand-water individual pots using a narrow-spouted watering can for precise application.
Enhance your yard with a flowering living wall, creating a stunning garden feature. If you plan to build one from scratch, make sure to research vertical gardening and DIY living wall techniques.
