The Best Cascading Plants for Decorating Your Outdoor Walls
If you’re looking to add some vertical greenery to your outdoor space, cascading plants are a beautiful option. Hanging over walls, railings, and planters, trailing vines and flowering climbers can transform a bare surface into a lush and fragrant canvas. But with so many varieties to choose from, it can be tough to pick the right plants for your walls. In this article, I’ll discuss some of the top cascading plants and provide tips on caring for them so they thrive for years to come.
What Types of Walls Can Support Cascading Plants?
To start, consider what structure you want to cover. Many trailing plants prefer walls that get direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. Masonry, brick, stone, and wood siding are all suitable surfaces as they allow water to drain away from the plants. Vinyl and stucco walls may also work if you drill holes to prevent water from pooling. Just be sure the wall is sturdy enough to handle the additional weight as the vines mature.
Top Cascading Plant Choices
- Ivy (Hedera spp.): English ivy is a classic evergreen choice renowned for its ability to clamber up virtually any vertical space. ‘Baltica’ has attractive dark leaves while ‘Hibernica’ turns burgundy in fall. Just be aware ivy can invade surrounding areas if not contained.
- Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris): A superb deciduous vine valued for its June-July clusters of white flowers. The new lime green leaves emerge tinged with pink. Well-draining soil suits it best.
- Climbing Rose: Whether opting for fragrant miniatures or large-flowered hybrids, roses make a stunning addition. Consider disease-resistant varieties like ‘Joseph’s Coat’ with its pink flowers.
Additional Great Choices
Other top contenders for walls include Mandevilla (vivid trumpet blooms), Morning Glory (ephemeral blue-purple blooms), Winter Jasmine (starry white flowers in winter), Bougainvillea (eye-catching bracts), and Trumpet Vine (hummingbird favorite with tubular orange blooms).
Tips for Planting and Care
Now that you’ve selected plants suited to your space, follow these steps for success:
- Prepare the wall by removing any crumbling material. Drill drainage holes if using non-porous surfaces.
- Attach trellises, grids, or wires for support. Ideal tiles are 3-4 inches thick.
- Enrich the soil at the base with compost for better root development.
- Water deeply once per week, applying more in heat waves. Too much water can cause root rot.
- Fertilize monthly April-September with an all-purpose product diluted to label instructions.
- Prune off dead stems and train new growth onto the supports.
Potential Challenges and Solutions
There will undoubtedly be hurdles along the way, but don’t get discouraged. Here are some common issues and remedies:
- Pests like spider mites can cause leaf drop. Spray with insecticidal soap as needed for minor infestations.
- Flowers are getting shabby in rain. Prune faded blossoms to encourage reblooming.
- Growth is leggy or thin. Increase sunlight and fertilizer or swap in a more compact variety.
- Vines have outgrown supports. Trim back hard in winter or early spring before new buds form.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
To keep cascading plants lush all season, consistency is key. Some things I’ve learned from experience are to check soil moisture regularly, especially in pots, which dry out fast. Rotating plants occasionally helps prevent one side from getting more sun. I also like to change up plantings every few years to enjoy different textures, colors, and blooming times. With the right care, wall plantings can become cherished landscape features for many years.
In Summary…
Whether you want a formal ivy hedge, an informal bower overflowing with blossoms, or modern geometric forms, cascading plants open up myriad design possibilities for outdoor walls. With some research into lighting, irrigation needs, and compatible varieties, you’re sure to find beautiful vines and trailers to transform your space. Be sure to share photos of your finished planting – I’d love to see how it turns out!
I hope this gives you a good starting point for choosing and caring for cascading plants. Feel free to contact me if you have any other gardening questions down the road. Happy planting!
Top Cascading Plants for Vertical Walls
| Plant | Sunlight | Water Needs | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Ivy | Partial Shade – Full Sun | Moderate | Fast |
| Money Plant | Bright Indirect Light | Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings | Moderate |
| Spider Plant | Bright Light | Let soil dry out slightly before watering | Moderate |
| Pothos | Low Light | Let soil dry out slightly before watering | Fast |
| Wandering Jew | Bright Indirect Light | Let soil dry out slightly before watering | Moderate |
FAQ
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What kinds of plants can be used for walls?
There are quite a few different plants that can basically grow on walls. Some good options are ivy, climbing hydrangea, climbing roses, and clinging vines.
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Do all plants need special care to grow on walls?
While some wall plants need a little extra TLC, many can grow with not too much effort. Ivy tends to be pretty hardy and will sort of attach itself. Climbing hydrangea is also fairly low maintenance once established. But more delicate vines might need assistance like tying or trellising at first.
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How much sunlight do wall plants need?
Sunlight requirements can differ a fair bit depending on the plant. In general, most wall plants love lots of sun. But some, like climbing hydrangea, will tolerate partial shade. Always check tags or ask at the garden center to be sure what amount of light something needs. Too little sun and it may not thrive too well.
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Do wall plants damage the surface they grow on?
For the most part, wall plants won’t hurt typical surfaces. However, some heavy climbers over time could possibly cause minor cracking of brick or stone. Ivy has gotten a bad reputation, but it usually causes no harm. The plant just uses the wall for support versus embedding roots into it. So as long as the surface is in good shape to start, wall plants shouldn’t damage it.
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How far in advance should I plan wall plantings?
Good planning is key with wall plants. While some filler plants can go in mid-summer, it’s best to put the main features in the early spring or fall. This gives them time to get established before hot weather or frost. Perennials may need a full season to settle, while woody shrubs or roses perform better with at least 6 months. So strategize your design over winter for a breathtaking spring display!
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What’s the best way to add plants to an existing wall?
Existing walls offer challenges but don’t despair! First, inspect for strong attachment points like ledges or trellises. Carefully drill holes for secure hooks or ties if needed. Then consider adding stakes or latticework for twining plants to interweave with. Or, for heftier climbers, position them in heavy pots by the bottom and guide shoots up as they grow. While not effortless, some wall greenery is better than none at all!
At the same time, wall plants can add wonderful dimension and beauty to outdoor living areas. They soften hard surfaces, provide shade and color, and attract pollinators. While each site brings its own dilemmas, getting wall greenery established is really worthwhile. With some ingenuity and diligence, you too can enjoy cascades of flowering vines or evergreen foliage tumbling down your walls for years to come!