The world of gardening has seen a seismic shift in recent years, with many homeowners opting for vertical gardening. This innovative gardening option maximizes space use, transforms your living space aesthetically and cleans the air around your home. Fast-growing plants are the ideal choice for vertical gardens due to their ability to quickly cover the surface with lush greenery. This article covers a list of fast-growing plants suitable for vertical gardens and how to care for them.
Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
On top of our list is the pothos or devil’s ivy. It’s a popular plant for vertical gardens because of its fast-growing nature and minimalistic needs. Pothos can thrive in a wide range of light conditions, from low light indoors to bright light outdoors, and it requires minimal watering. This plant displays gorgeous heart-shaped leaves adding a beautiful streak of green cascading down your vertical garden.
Philodendron
The Philodendron is one of the easiest plants to grow, making it a fantastic choice for vertical gardens. It’s a uniquely striking plant, adorned with glossy heart-shaped leaves that cascade beautifully. This middle-to-high light requirement plant is perfect for both indoor and outdoor vertical gardens. Regular watering and well-draining soil ensure the plant’s health, and it does well in varying temperatures.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
Boston Fern adds a classic touch to any vertical garden. Distinguished by its lush, drooping fronds, the plant enhances the ambiance of your home with its vibrant greenery. Boston Ferns thrive in humidity and indirect light, making them an excellent choice for bathroom vertical gardens that receive sufficient light.
Sunflower (Helianthus)
With their explosive growth and mesmerizing beauty, sunflowers are a splendid addition to outdoor vertical gardens. These annual plants can grow several feet tall in just a few months, and their large, showy flowers add a burst of color to your garden. They require a lot of sunlight – at least six hours a day – and well-drained soil.
Clematis
When it comes to fast-growing vines for vertical gardens, Clematis is one of the best choices. With their large, vibrant flowers that bloom throughout summer, they easily turn any vertical surface into an eye-catching display. Most Clematis varieties prefer full sun, but they also need their roots to stay cool and moist. Mulching around the base of the plant keeps the roots in the desired condition.
English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
Ivy is a popular choice, known for its aggressive growing nature and tolerance to varying weather conditions. Despite its relatively high maintenance requirements, such as frequent trimming to control growth, English Ivy remains a favored choice for vertical gardens because of its aesthetic appeal.
Passionflower Vine (Passiflora)
Passionflower is a visually stunning, fast-growing vine that’s perfect for creating a dramatic effect in vertical gardens. Its unique purple-blue flowers and tropical-looking foliage make it a gorgeous addition to any garden. Give it full sun, regular watering, and something to climb on, and it will reward you with an exotic display.
Canary Creeper (Tropaeolum Peregrinum)
A vibrant and invigorating creeper, the Canary Creeper, is a colorful addition to vertical gardens. It boasts brilliant yellow flowers and delicate greenery that add splashes of cheer to your garden. This vine thrives in full or partial sun and is relatively easy to grow, needing only regular watering and well-drained soil.
Snap Peas (Pisum Sativum Var. Macrocarpon)
Snap peas are not just fast-growing, but also a bountiful producer, making them an excellent choice for green thumbs keen on edible vertical gardening. This plant also improves soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen – a win-win! The vine needs well-drained soil and full sun exposure but pays off with sweet, crisp pods and eye-pleasing white flowers.
Wisteria
With its romantic, cascading blooms, Wisteria is a stunning addition to any vertical garden. However, it comes with a cautionary note. Wisteria is an aggressive grower that requires strong support and meticulous pruning to remain manageable. Take the time to provide the necessary conditions, and you will be rewarded with spectacular spring and summer displays.
Transforming your vertical garden space with these fast-growing plants does not just yield a fantastic visual appeal; it also provides cleaner air, extra shade, and enhanced privacy. They are the perfect embodiment of combining functionality with aesthetics, making vertical gardening a satisfying endeavor.
Further, adopting organic methods like using natural fertilizers and non-chemical pest control methods boosts the plant health of vertical gardens considerably. Regular pruning, appropriate watering, providing the light conditions based on plant needs are the primary requirements for maintaining these vertical gardens.
Finally, vertical gardens are versatile and flexible gardening systems that can be custom-made for any location. Whether it is a small balcony, a sunny wall, or a shadowy corner, with the right choice of plants, your vertical garden can become a perfect green spot. Your plants will grow, proliferate, and ultimately reward you with a lush, beautiful garden space that conveys a sense of accomplishment.
