Do you have a shaded wall or a fence that you want to transform into a lush and vibrant vertical garden? If so, you might be wondering which plants will thrive in this type of environment. In this article, I’m going to discuss the question: what plants thrive in shaded vertical gardens?
After all, shade-loving plants can be just as beautiful and rewarding as their sun-loving counterparts, and with the right selection, you can create a stunning vertical garden that brings life and colour to any space, no matter the size.
Discover What Plants Thrive in Shaded Vertical Gardens

Ferns, for example, are a great choice for a shady spot as they are humidity-resistant and can quickly cover large areas. Other options include ivy, climbing hydrangeas, and hostas, which can all grow well in partial shade. Herbs like mint, parsley, and chives can also thrive in a shady vertical garden, as can many types of succulents and mosses.
With the right selection of plants, you can create a beautiful and thriving vertical garden that brings life and colour to any space.
Before you start selecting plants for your shaded vertical garden, it’s important to understand the different types of shade that can affect plant growth.
Deep shade, moderate shade, dappled shade, partial or semi-shade, and light shade all have different levels of sunlight and shade exposure.
Some plants can tolerate deep shade, while others need a bit more light. By understanding the shade levels in your vertical garden, you can choose plants that will grow and flourish in your space!
I’ve previously discussed the best plants for your vertical garden – both indoors and outdoors β now, let’s take a look at what plants you should pick for shaded areas in your garden β top 9 options!
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the different types of shade is important when selecting plants for a shaded vertical garden.
- Ferns, ivy, climbing hydrangeas, herbs, succulents, and mosses are all great plant choices for a shaded vertical garden.
- With the right selection of plants, you can create a stunning garden and liven up your space!
Table of Contents
- What Plants Thrive in Shaded Vertical Gardens: Understanding Shade and Light
- Best Plant Types for Shaded Vertical Gardens
- What Plants Thrive in Shaded Vertical Gardens: Designing Your Shaded Vertical Garden
- What Plants Thrive in Shaded Vertical Gardens: Caring for Shaded Vertical Gardens
- What Plants Thrive in Shaded Vertical Gardens: Common Challenges and Solutions
- What Plants Thrive in Shaded Vertical Gardens: Final Thoughts
What Plants Thrive in Shaded Vertical Gardens: Understanding Shade and Light
When it comes to choosing the best plants for vertical gardens, understanding the amount of shade is crucial. Shade is the amount of light that is blocked by an object, and in vertical gardens, it can be caused by buildings, walls, or other structures.
In shaded areas, plants receive less sunlight, which affects their growth and development.
But, some plants are more tolerant of shade than others. To succeed with your garden, it’s important to choose plants that can tolerate the amount of light available in your vertical garden.
For example, you may have a balcony garden where you don’t have as much light. Or, a backyard area that’s shaded. You’ll need to consider this before you get started with your garden.

One way to determine the amount of shade in your vertical garden is to observe the area at different times of the day.
Plants require different levels of sunlight, so it is important to know how much light your garden receives and at what times.
For example, some plants require several hours of direct sunlight, while others tolerate partial shade or indirect sunlight.
Also, consider the orientation of your vertical garden. Depending on the direction it faces, the amount of sunlight it receives can vary.
South-facing walls receive the most sunlight, while north-facing walls receive the least. East and west-facing walls receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the day.
Even if you build an indoor vertical garden in your kitchen, it will receive varying degrees of sunlight, so you’ll need to consider which plants work best.
Best Plant Types for Shaded Vertical Gardens

Let’s take a look at some of the best plant types for shaded vertical gardens.
1. Ferns
Ferns are a great choice for shaded vertical gardens.
They’re easy to grow and require little maintenance. Ferns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can choose the ones that best suit your garden.
Some popular ferns for shaded vertical gardens include the maidenhair fern, the bird’s nest fern, and the Boston fern.
2. Hostas
Hostas are another great choice for shaded vertical gardens. They’re known for their beautiful foliage and are available in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes.
Hostas are low-maintenance and can grow well in partial to full shade. They’re also resistant to pests and diseases, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners.
3. Ivy
Ivy is brilliant for shaded vertical gardens as it’s a climbing plant that can grow well in low light conditions.
Ivy is known for its ability to purify the air. It’s also easy to grow and requires little maintenance. Some popular varieties of ivy include English ivy, Algerian ivy, and Boston ivy.
4. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are a super popular choice for shaded vertical gardens as they’re famous for their beautiful blooms.
They come in a variety of colours, including pink, blue, and white.
Hydrangeas require partial to full shade and regular watering. They are also easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil types.
5. Mint
Mint has vigorous growth and resilience, making it well-suited to various environmental conditions, including partial shade.
In partially shaded areas, mint benefits from the protection against intense sunlight, which can scorch its leaves and cause stress.
Partial shade also helps maintain a cooler temperature, preventing the soil from drying out too quickly and reducing the risk of heat stress. Mint’s ability to thrive in partial shade allows it to grow lush and flavorful leaves, ideal for culinary use.
6. Parsley
Parsley is a versatile herb that can flourish in partially shaded conditions. Similar to mint, parsley appreciates protection from direct sunlight, as excessive heat can cause its delicate leaves to wilt or become scorched.
Partial shade provides a more stable and moderate environment, allowing parsley to grow steadily without the risk of stress or sunburn.
And, the cooler temperatures in partially shaded areas help preserve parsley’s vibrant green colour and delicate flavour, making it an excellent addition to salads, soups, and garnishes.
7. Chives
Chives have slender stalks and a mild onion flavour and thrive in partially shaded environments.
By providing filtered sunlight, partial shade helps maintain chives’ lush green appearance and encourages continuous growth.
And, the moderated temperature in partially shaded areas prevents chives from overheating, ensuring they remain vigorous and full of flavour throughout the growing season.
8. Succulents
Succulents, such as echeveria, sedum, and aloe vera, are well-adapted to thrive in partially shaded conditions. While some succulents can tolerate full sun, many species prefer partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Partial shade shields succulents from excessive sunlight, preventing sunburn and dehydration of their fleshy leaves.
Also, partial shade helps regulate the temperature, reducing the risk of overheating and allowing succulents to conserve moisture more effectively.
This makes them resilient and attractive additions to partially shaded gardens and indoor spaces.
9. Mosses
Mosses are very well-suited to partially shaded environments because they can dry out and become dormant in direct sunlight. Mosses can maintain a consistent level of moisture, promoting lush growth and bright colours.
Partial shade also helps prevent extreme evaporation, meaning that mosses have access to the moisture they need to, so ideal for shady spots in gardens, backyards or balconies.
What Plants Thrive in Shaded Vertical Gardens: Designing Your Shaded Vertical Garden

Choosing the Right Structure
When designing a shaded vertical garden, it’s important to choose the right structure.
There are many different structures you can use, including a trellis, a living wall, or a hanging garden. Make sure the structure is sturdy and can support the weight of your plants.
Soil and Water Considerations
The soil and water requirements of your plants are important considerations when designing a shaded vertical garden.
Choose a high-quality potting mix that’s designed for container gardening. This will ensure that your plants have the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
When watering your plants, be sure to water them deeply and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This will prevent overwatering and root rot.
Arrangement and Aesthetics
Arranging your plants in a shaded vertical garden is both an art and a science!
Consider the colours, textures, and sizes of your plants when arranging them. You can certainly create a harmonious look by grouping plants with similar colours or textures together.
Another option is to create a more eclectic look by mixing and matching different types of plants. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different arrangements until you find one that you love!
What Plants Thrive in Shaded Vertical Gardens: Caring for Shaded Vertical Gardens
When it comes to caring for your shaded vertical garden, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Apart from watering, which I’ve already discussed, fertilising, pruning, and maintenance are all essential to ensure your plants thrive. Here are some tips to help you care for your shaded vertical garden...
Fertilising your Plants
Fertilising your shaded vertical garden is essential to provide your plants with the nutrients they need to grow.
Personally, I prefer to use organic fertilisers, and I often take the opportunity to make them myself in my kitchen.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning your shaded vertical garden is necessary to keep your plants looking neat and tidy. Regular pruning also encourages new growth and can prevent diseases. Remember to remove any dead or diseased leaves and stems to prevent the spread of disease.
Maintenance is also vital to keep your vertical garden healthy. Regularly check for pests and diseases and take appropriate measures to control them (see more below). You should also remove any weeds that may grow in your vertical garden.
By following these tips, you can ensure your shaded vertical garden thrives and provides you with beautiful plants to enjoy!
What Plants Thrive in Shaded Vertical Gardens: Common Challenges and Solutions

Pest Control
When asking the question: what plants thrive in shaded vertical gardens ? it’s important to consider the challenges.
And, one of the biggest challenges of growing plants in a shaded vertical garden is pest control.
After all, insects and other pests can easily infest your plants, especially if they are already struggling due to a lack of sunlight.
To prevent pest infestations, it’s important to keep a close eye on your plants and act quickly if you notice any signs of trouble.
Some effective pest control methods for shaded vertical gardens include using natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, using organic pesticides like neem oil, and practicing good hygiene by removing any dead or decaying plant matter from your garden.
Disease Prevention
Another challenge of growing plants in a shaded vertical garden is disease prevention.
Without adequate sunlight, plants can become more susceptible to diseases like powdery mildew and black spot. To stop these diseases from taking hold, it’s important to keep your plants healthy.
Some effective disease prevention methods for shaded vertical gardens include using disease-resistant plant varieties, keeping your garden clean and free of debris, and practicing good hygiene by removing any infected plant matter from your garden.
What Plants Thrive in Shaded Vertical Gardens: Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve enjoyed this article about what plants thrive in shaded vertical gardens, looking at the top 9 options.
As discussed, growing plants in a shaded vertical garden can be challenging but is definitely possible. After all, you need to choose the right plants that can thrive in low light conditions to succeed.
Plants such as ferns and hostas are great choices for a shaded vertical garden. And, mint and parsley are an excellent option for those of you who want to grow fresh herbs in your garden!
Overall, creating a shaded vertical garden can be a fun and rewarding part of increasing self-reliance in your urban area.
With the right plants, soil, and care, you can create a colourful hub that will add life to any space. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Happy gardening!
What Plants Thrive in Shaded Vertical Gardens: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which trailing plants thrive in shaded vertical gardens?
If you’re looking for trailing plants that can thrive in shaded vertical gardens, consider succulents, English ivy or the golden pothos. These plants are low-maintenance and can tolerate low light conditions. They also grow quickly and can add a lush, green backdrop to your living wall.
What are the top perennial choices for shaded living walls?
Perennial plants are a great option for shaded living walls as they can thrive in low light conditions and require less maintenance. Some of the top options include hostas, astilbe, and bleeding heart. These plants can add texture and colour to your vertical garden and will come back year after year.
Can you recommend any flowering plants suited for shaded vertical gardens?
Yes, there are many flowering plants that can thrive in shaded vertical gardens. Some of the best options include hostas and hydrangeas. These plants are known for their vibrant blooms and can add a pop of colour to your vertical space.
What are some suitable evergreen options for a shaded green wall?
Evergreen plants are a great option for a shaded green wall as they can add year-round interest and require less maintenance. Some of the best options include the boxwood, Japanese holly, and yew. These plants can add texture and structure to your vertical garden.
Could you suggest indoor plants that flourish in vertical gardens with low light?
There are several indoor plants that can flourish in vertical gardens with low light. Some of the best options include ivy, which is known for its air-purifying properties.
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