Full Wall Greening

Full-surface greening can actually improve the microclimate in summer, especially in densely populated urban areas. Birds and insects welcome the extra room ~ so you are indeed supporting biodiversity / animal protection / wildlife conservation when you fully green! The vegetation filters out particles like dust or exhaust fumes and reduces ambient temperature through evapotranspiration.

Covering a facade with a climbing plant is generally a simple affair with very low initial costs; costs arise when the plants reach the roof and need routine trimming. And depending on the plant, a considerable amount of foliage must be disposed of in autumn. Structural damage is quite possible when certain vigorous climbers go unchecked. Overgrown growth (with potential little critters) reaching towards windows has also been known to provoke the ire of residents / tenants. Regular maintenance is the key. 

*A design tip: leave the facade un-greened in some places to create contrast and maintain a facade's elegance.

Self climbers (plants with adhesive 'organs' that climb naturally) almost never need a support, so they can be used to cover the facade at low cost. This is especially true for ivy, which keeps its leaves all year round. Boston ivy and Virginia creeper are usually fast-growing and have bright red autumn leaves, though in winter are less impressive.

Most climbing plants need climbing support to completely cover a wall. In the past, the classic full greening was done with espaliered grapevine because greeningwas seen and valued in terms of yield. But grapevines need regular care, and specific know-how is required (which we offer in our climbing plants section). Larger green areas can also be created with climbing roses, for example, and team up well with clematis and other annuals.