The success of a vertical garden starts with one essential decision: choosing the right plants. Unlike traditional gardens, vertical systems require greenery that can thrive in limited soil, vertical orientation, and varying light conditions. Whether you’re installing a lush indoor feature wall or an outdoor statement piece, plant choice directly affects how your garden looks, performs, and lasts.
Here’s what to consider when selecting plants, and how to make choices that suit your space and lifestyle.
Light, Location, and Longevity
One of the first factors to think about is light. Vertical gardens placed in bright, sunlit areas will support a very different range of plants than those installed in low-light interiors. Outdoors, you might go for hardy perennials, herbs, or flowering plants that can handle changing weather. Indoors, species like pothos, ferns, or peace lilies are popular for their ability to thrive in stable conditions with less sunlight.
It’s also important to consider whether the wall will be in a public, commercial, or domestic space. High-traffic areas often benefit from low-maintenance, robust species that don’t require frequent care.
Design with Purpose
A vertical garden isn’t just about coverage, it’s about balance. Think of combining plants that serve different roles. Trailing species like philodendron or ivy add flow and soften the wall edges. Compact varieties such as spider plants or heuchera can act as anchors, giving structure and form. Seasonal plants can provide colour bursts throughout the year, while evergreens offer year-round consistency.
If you’re looking for an edible wall, herbs like mint, thyme, or oregano work well and bring fragrance and function to the installation. However, these tend to need more regular trimming, so make sure you’re prepared for the upkeep.
Keep Maintenance in Mind
Even the most beautiful wall won’t stay that way without proper care. Choose plants based on how much time and effort you’re willing to invest. Fast-growing species might need regular pruning, while some tropical plants may be sensitive to temperature or humidity changes. For most residential or office setups, it’s best to start with hardy, low-maintenance options and introduce more delicate species later on.
At Life on Walls, we help clients find the right balance between visual impact and day-to-day upkeep, offering support well beyond installation.
Tailored to Your Space
There’s no one-size-fits-all list of “best plants” for a vertical garden. The right choice depends on your lighting, layout, climate, and personal preferences. What works in a south-facing London balcony may not suit a shaded office wall in Edinburgh.
That’s why every project we work on starts with a site-specific design — one that factors in technical requirements as well as aesthetic goals.
Let’s Bring Your Wall to Life
If you’re planning a vertical garden and unsure where to start, our team can guide you through the plant selection process, from concept to care.
Get in touch today to book a consultation or browse examples of our past installations.