Best Groundcovers For Living Walls

Are you interested in creating a green and luscious environment in your home or office without taking up too much space? Do you want to know how to make use of the vertical surfaces available to you? If so, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will introduce you to living walls and groundcovers, and explain what they are, their benefits, and what to consider when choosing the best ones. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to create a living wall that suits your specific needs.

Introduction to Living Walls and Groundcovers

Living walls, also known as green walls, vertical gardens or bio walls, are excellent solutions for small outdoor or indoor spaces. In a living wall, plants are grown vertically on a wall, creating a striking vertical garden. The majority of living walls consist of a waterproof base, a growing medium for plants, irrigations systems, and the plants themselves. The base is usually made of a sort of waterproof fabric, plastic sheets, or sometimes even metal panels, which attach to a wall or fence. Living walls can be free-standing structures or attached to existing walls. They provide a great solution to urban landscaping and are increasingly becoming popular for use in commercial and residential spaces to enhance indoor and outdoor environments.

Groundcovers, on the other hand, refer to plants that grow horizontally to cover the ground beneath them. They can occupy the outdoor spaces in between paving stones, garden walkways or patio areas, driveways, or any sparse patch of land. Groundcovers can be used alone or can complement other plants in landscaping design. They serve several purposes such as weed control, soil conservation, and providing an attractive background for other plants.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Groundcovers for Living Walls

When choosing groundcovers for your living wall, it is essential to consider various factors to ensure you get the best results. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting groundcovers for living walls:

1. Growth Rate: Consider how quickly the groundcover will grow and spread. Slow growth can lead to sparse coverage, while fast growth can quickly overrun the wall.
2. Maintenance: Choose a groundcover that is easy to maintain and doesn't require too much care or attention. Some groundcovers may require frequent pruning or watering, which may be difficult to manage if the living wall is in a hard-to-reach area.
3. Environment: Make sure the groundcover you select is suitable for the environment and weather conditions in your area. Some groundcovers require full sun, while others prefer shade or partial sunlight.
4. Appearance: Consider the aesthetic appeal of the groundcover you choose. Choose a groundcover that complements the overall design and color scheme of your living wall.
5. Compatibility: Ensure that the groundcovers you choose are compatible with the other plants in your living wall. You don't want the groundcover to compete with or outgrow the other plants or detract from the overall appearance of the wall.
6. Durability: Choose a groundcover that is durable and can withstand the elements, especially if your living wall is located outdoors. Some groundcovers may be more resistant to pests, disease, or harsh weather conditions than others.
7. Growing Requirements: Some groundcovers prefer well-drained soil, while others can tolerate wet or damp conditions. Make sure you understand the growing requirements of the groundcover you select and can provide the right environment for it to thrive.

By considering these factors when selecting groundcovers for your living wall, you can ensure that you choose a groundcover that will thrive in your space and complement the overall design of your wall.

Top 3 Groundcovers for Living Walls: Characteristics and Benefits

Living walls can add greenery to any space, from homes to commercial buildings. Groundcovers are an essential component of living walls as they cover the soil and prevent weeds from germinating, while also regulating moisture and temperature levels. Here are the top 3 groundcovers for living walls and their characteristics and benefits:

1. Irish Moss

   Irish moss, or Sagina subulata, is a low-growing and densely packed groundcover that creates a lush, green mat-like cover. It is ideal for living walls as it can withstand dry and hot conditions. Irish moss is also easy to maintain and tolerates various soil types. It is perfect for tight spaces, as it can grow in between pavers and stones. One unique feature of Irish moss is that it forms delicate white flowers that bloom in spring, providing visual interest to the greenery.

2. Creeping Thyme

   Creeping thyme, or Thymus serpyllum, is a drought-resistant groundcover that is perfect for sunny spots on your living walls. It is a slow grower, creeping or crawling across the soil. Creeping thyme also produces small purple or white flowers that release a pleasant scent once stepped on or crushed. Like Irish moss, creeping thyme is easy to maintain and can grow in various soil types. It is an excellent addition to any living wall due to its ability to tolerate foot traffic and ability to resist deer and other common garden pests.

3. Sedum

   Sedum, or stonecrop, is a versatile plant that can grow in poor soil conditions and hot, dry environments. It comes in many varieties, from tall and slender to low and spreading. Sedum's green and succulent foliage adds texture and color to living walls. It is easy to maintain and is a great choice for low-maintenance living walls that require little watering. Additionally, Sedum can also be used to create dynamic patterns and designs that add uniqueness to your living walls.

Choosing the right groundcover for your living walls require effort and consideration. These top 3 groundcovers offer different benefits to living walls and are sure to enhance their beauty and health. Irish Moss, Creeping Thyme, and Sedum are perfect for those looking for resilient, attractive, and low-maintenance groundcovers for their living walls

Other Groundcovers to Consider for Living Walls: Pros and Cons

While there are many great groundcovers for living walls, there are also some other options to consider. Here are a few of the pros and cons of some of the other groundcovers you might want to think about:

1. Creeping Jenny

   Pros: Creeping jenny is a fast-growing groundcover that has small yellow flowers and unique foliage that can add visual interest to your living wall. It is also relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a range of conditions.

   Cons: While creeping jenny is generally a low-maintenance plant, it can become invasive if left unchecked. You may need to prune it regularly to prevent it from taking over your living wall.

2. Irish Moss

   Pros: Irish moss is a carpet-like groundcover that can create a beautiful, lush look in your living wall. It also has small, delicate white flowers that can add a touch of elegance.

   Cons: Irish moss can be finicky and difficult to grow, especially if you are new to gardening. It requires plenty of moisture and careful attention to light levels and soil conditions.

3. Ajuga

   Pros: Ajuga is a low-maintenance groundcover that can thrive in a range of conditions. It has lovely blue-purple flowers and can help to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to your living wall.

   Cons: Ajuga can be less visually interesting than some other groundcovers, as it has plain green foliage rather than more colorful or textured leaves. It may also struggle in extremely dry or hot conditions.

As you can see, each groundcover option has its own unique benefits and challenges. When choosing a groundcover for your living wall, consider your own gardening experience, the conditions in your space, and the look you are hoping to achieve. With the right care and attention, any of these groundcovers can help to create a beautiful and thriving living wall.

Maintenance Tips for Groundcovers in Living Walls

Living walls have become increasingly popular for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of homes and offices, while also contributing to better air quality. Groundcovers are a great choice for living walls as they help create a harmonious and natural environment. However, to ensure that they thrive, they require proper maintenance. Here are some maintenance tips for groundcovers in living walls:

1. Watering: Groundcovers need regular watering to stay healthy. Ensure that the living wall has a proper irrigation system that will provide an adequate supply of water to the roots. An ideal time to water is early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This will help prevent the water from evaporating too quickly.
2. Pruning: Trim the groundcovers to keep them neat and well-groomed. This not only enhances the appearance of the living wall but also promotes better growth. Pruning should be done at regular intervals, and it is essential to avoid cutting too close to the roots.
3. Fertilizing: Fertilizers are a great way to provide essential nutrients to the groundcovers. Choose a slow-release fertilizer that will gradually release nutrients over an extended period. It is best to fertilize during the growing season, which is typically from spring to early fall.
4. Managing Pests: Pests such as aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs can cause significant damage to groundcovers in living walls. To avoid damage, regularly monitor the living wall for pests and take proactive measures to control them. Natural remedies such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, and horticultural oil can effectively control pests without harming the groundcovers.
5. Inspection: Regular inspection of the living wall ensures that any issues with the groundcovers are addressed promptly. Check for signs of disease, pests, or lack of water and take corrective measures immediately.

By following these maintenance tips, your groundcovers in the living wall will thrive, helping to create a beautiful and natural environment. With proper care, your living wall can become an attractive focal point and an excellent addition to your home or office.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Best Groundcovers for Living Walls

Living walls have become a popular way to add greenery and life to indoor and outdoor spaces. They not only beautify the places but also bring numerous benefits to the environment. Whether it's for a residential or commercial setting, choosing the right groundcovers is crucial for the success of living walls.

After discussing several options for groundcovers in living walls, we can conclude that each has its unique set of features that make them ideal for different scenarios.

1. Moss: Moss is ideal for creating a natural look on a living wall. It has excellent moisture retention capabilities and is easy to maintain. It's perfect for indoor spaces that receive low to medium light.
2. Creeping fig: Creeping fig is a fast-growing plant that's great for covering large spaces. It's perfect for outdoor spaces that receive bright light. Ensure even growth, and trimming is essential to maintain the wall's aesthetic.
3. Creeping Jenny: Creeping Jenny is a hardy groundcover that's perfect for indoor and outdoor living walls. It requires adequate sunlight and moisture to thrive. It's perfect for creating a vibrant green wall.
4. Spiderwort: Spiderwort is a beautiful and resilient plant that's great for indoor and outdoor living walls. It's ideal for vertical walls that receive low to medium light. It doesn't require too much water, making it ideal for low maintenance living walls.

When choosing a groundcover for living walls, it's essential to consider factors such as lighting, moisture requirements, and maintenance needs. A professional landscaper can guide you on the right groundcover choice for your living wall.

With the right groundcovers, living walls can transform any space into a natural masterpiece. Investing in living walls not only enhances the aesthetic of the surrounding but also contributes to the environment in several ways.