The Overall Best Vertical Garden Plants to Grow
Vertical gardens are an innovative and sustainable way to cultivate plants in limited spaces. We found that choosing the right plants is very important for a successful vertical garden.
In this article, we will reveal 9 of the best plants for vertical gardening which we grew by ourselves so we have experience with them, but also their unique characteristics and growing needs.
In This Article
Spider Plant
Pothos
Known for its heart-shaped leaves and air-purifying abilities, Pothos is a low-maintenance ornamental plant that contrasts beautifully in hanging baskets or vertical gardens. Pothos, a versatile plant reaching lengths of 1-2 m (3-6 ft), and after growing it ourselves indoors we saw that is better for indoor vertical gardens and prefers indirect light and well-drained soil.
Spider Plant
Spider Plant, reaching lengths of 30-60 cm (12-24 in), is a popular choice for indoor spaces similar to Pothos. We concluded that it prefers well-drained soil and indirect light. Known for its easy propagation, Spider Plant adds a dynamic element with its long leaves and baby plantlets.
English Ivy
English Ivy, with its ability to climb up to 20-30 m (65-100 ft), is a classic choice for vertical gardens. It prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil. This evergreen vine is known for being a dense and leafy foliage plant, which provides year-round greenery and air-purifying qualities, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor vertical gardens.
Swiss Cheese Plant
Its distinctive split leaves create a dramatic tropical effect, making it a popular choice for adding a bold, green statement to any vertical garden or as a tropical garden plant. Swiss Cheese Plant, reaching heights of 2-3 m (6-10 ft) indoors, is ideal for larger vertical gardens. It likes indirect light and well-drained soil ideal for shade hanging basket settings.
Succulents
We saw that scculents, such as Echeveria and Sedum, are excellent for vertical gardens because of their low water needs and compact size. When you are vertically growing these small plants for containers and pods you need to give them full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. These plants come up in varied colors and shapes and are a popular choice for tinyer, modern, low-maintenance vertical gardens.
Ferns
These shade garden plants, ranging widely in size, prefer shady areas and consistently moist soil. They're excellent for creating a thriving woodland garden and are known for their air-purifying qualities. Ferns add a nice appearance to any shady spot in the garden.
Begonias
Begonias, with a range of 15-60 cm (6-24 in) in height, are great for adding color to vertical gardens. They prefer well-drained soil and partial shade. With their vibrant flowers and lush foliage, Begonias are ideal for creating a visually striking vertical display in woodlands or shaded vertical gardens.
Lavender
Lavender is one of the best herbs, with its fragrant flowers, grows 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) tall. This evergreen herb prefers full sun and well-drained soil. The purple flowering evergreen bush is celebrated for its calming properties and is widely used in aromatherapy and as an herbal plant for cooking. Its vibrant blooms bring beauty and a soothing aroma to gardens and it's worth adding to your herb list.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry Tomatoes, ideal for edible vertical gardens, can grow up to 1.5-2 m (5-6.5 ft) in height. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. These small, flavorful tomatoes are perfect for vertical growing, providing both a culinary treat and a splash of color. Regular pruning and support help manage their growth in a vertical setup for most vertical garden benefits.
Sources
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Begonia: How to Grow Begonia Plants (10+ Care Tips) | Garden Design
Cherry Tomatoes: Tomato | Description, Cultivation, & History | Britannica
Lavender: How to Plant and Grow Lavender (bhg.com)
Succulents: Succulent plant - Wikipedia
English Ivy: Hedera helix | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu)
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