Vertical gardening is a great way to add color and interest to any space, and the UK has a number of great plants to choose from. Climbers and evergreen shrubs, succulents, and drought-tolerant plants are all ideal for vertical gardens in the UK, offering a wide range of colors, textures, and fragrances for your outdoor space. With the right plants, you can create a beautiful, eye-catching vertical garden that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Benefits of vertical gardening
Vertical gardening is an efficient way to make the most of a small space. Not only can it provide a pleasing aesthetic by creating a living wall, it also has many practical benefits. Vertical gardens are an excellent way to reduce wind, glare, noise and dust, as well as providing extra insulation in the home.
Growing a vertical garden can save you time and money on maintenance and watering, as the plants can access water from both the top and bottom. Vertical gardens also provide a great way to grow your own herbs, fruits and vegetables. You can harvest from your garden without having to bend over or kneel down, making it much easier and more comfortable.
Popular plants for a UK vertical garden
If you’re looking for plants to create a vertical garden in the UK, climbers and evergreen shrubs are a great place to start. Most vines and climbers can be easily trained and pruned to grow up a wall or fence, providing lots of foliage.
Look out for evergreen varieties such as ivy, clematis, and jasmine to give your garden interest and colour all year round. For a low maintenance option, succulents and drought-tolerant plants are ideal as they require little water.
Succulents come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and some even flower. Hardy varieties such as sedum and echeveria will stand up to the elements and look great, too. With the right choice of plants and a little bit of TLC, you’ll have a vibrant vertical garden in no time.
Climbers
Climbers make a great addition to any vertical garden in the UK. If you’re looking for a way to add a bit of life to your garden walls, climbers are your answer.
Not only do they look great, but they also take up very little space. You can choose from a wide variety of flowering and evergreen climbers, such as clematis, ivy, and jasmine.
With such a wide range of options, you can be sure to find something that will look perfect for your garden. They are also relatively low maintenance, making them a great choice for busy gardeners. When choosing climbers for your vertical garden, it’s important to consider your local climate and whether or not the plants you choose will be able to flourish in the UK weather.
You’ll also need to make sure the soil is well drained, as this will help the plants thrive. If you’re looking for a vertical garden that will last for many years, climbers are the perfect choice. With the right care and attention, they can provide a fantastic backdrop for your garden that will last for years.
Evergreen shrubs
Evergreen shrubs are an excellent choice for a UK vertical garden because they provide year-round structure and greenery. Look for varieties of box, Portuguese laurel, or holly for a dense, colourful hedge.
Plant these in a line to create a bright green wall, or stagger them for a more natural effect. If you’re looking for something with colour, then consider the popular Ilex crenata (Japanese holly).
The small, dark green leaves form a dome-shaped shrub with a beautiful display of white flowers in spring. For an even more dramatic effect, an evergreen clematis is an excellent choice. The foliage is dense and the leaves are a deep, glossy green.
Plant it at the base of a wall or trellis and it will quickly scramble up and provide year-round interest and structure.
Need some seasonal colour? Try the evergreen jasmine, which provides a wonderful display of white flowers in summer. Evergreen shrubs are great for providing structure and texture to your vertical garden, as well as colour and interest all year round. Choose wisely, and you’ll be rewarded with a wall of lush greenery that will look beautiful for years to come.
Succulents
Succulents are a great choice for vertical gardening in the UK. Not only do they look stunning with their unique shapes and colors, but they also require very little maintenance. They are low-maintenance, hardy plants that require minimal watering.
You can place them in sunny spots and they will thrive, and they make a great addition to a wall or trellis. They come in lots of beautiful varieties, so you can find the perfect plant to complement your garden design.
For a real wow factor, succulents make a great choice.
If you’re looking for a plant that will last a while, succulents are a great option. They’re tough little plants that can handle just about anything.
They can withstand both cold and hot temperatures, and they’re drought-tolerant, making them perfect for the unpredictable British weather. If you’re looking for a plant that’ll keep your vertical garden looking great for years to come, you can’t go wrong with succulents. They’re a great choice for any vertical garden in the UK.
Drought-tolerant plants
Drought-tolerant plants are an ideal choice for UK vertical gardens. These tough plants can survive with little water, making them a great option for busy gardeners or those who want to save water.
Their upright growth and bright foliage will create a stunning visual effect in any vertical garden. Some of the best drought-tolerant plants to consider for a UK vertical garden include sedum, agave, yucca, and echeveria. If you’re looking for a more unique option, consider growing strawflowers or ice plant.
For a burst of color, try growing nasturtiums or alyssum. All of these plants are easy to care for and will provide your vertical garden with beautiful texture and color.