Looking for a way to breathe some life into those rocky crevices or stone walls? These hardy wall-dwellers thrive in stony soil and will turn your masonry into a vibrant, living vertical garden. Here’s a look at some of the best picks and how to choose the right one for your space.
[[pflanzen]]
++Basket of Gold (Aurinia saxatilis)
Commonly known as Basket of Gold, this deciduous perennial grows in a shrub-like fashion and can reach heights of about 15 inches. Starting in April, it lives up to its name by covering your wall in a sea of intense, tiny yellow blossoms. To keep it looking natural and encourage a healthy bloom for the next season, give it a good trim after the flowers fade in the summer. It’s a breeze to get started with this one.
++Running Rockcress (Arabis procurrens)
If you’re dreaming of an evergreen carpet dotted with delicate white flowers, Running Rockcress is your go-to. This low-grower stays between two and six inches tall. The tiny white blooms stand out beautifully against the dark green foliage, reaching upward to catch the eye from across the yard. It’s a versatile little plant that’s just as happy in full sun as it is in partial shade.
++Saxifrage (Saxifraga)
Saxifrage is a classic choice for stone walls, known for forming dense, rosette-shaped cushions. While it’s tough enough to handle rocky cracks, it does appreciate a little extra love—make sure it has some decent substrate tucked in there or give it an occasional nutrient boost. For the best results, pick a bright spot with partial shade. You can expect a lovely display of flowers typically from May through June.
++Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)
With Hens and Chicks, you’re bringing a piece of the Alps to your backyard. These succulents are incredibly cold-hardy and form those iconic rosettes with thick, fleshy leaves. Those leaves aren’t just for show—they store water, making the plant extremely drought-tolerant. They are a staple in rock gardens and will usually send up flower stalks between July and August.
++Stonecrop (Sedum)
Sedum, or Stonecrop, offers a winning combo of lush foliage and attractive blooms. During its blooming season, the clusters of tiny flowers become a favorite snack for bees and other beneficial insects. It’s a great way to make a barren wall more pollinator-friendly! Plus, their thick leaves are experts at storing water, so they’ll breeze through a dry summer without breaking a sweat.
++Rock Cress (Aubrieta)
Aubrieta creates a stunning “waterfall” effect of colorful blossoms cascading down your wall. This plant loves soaking up the sun and prefers its “feet” to stay dry, so avoid planting it in soggy spots. The upside? You’ll rarely need to pull out the watering can. Its bloom time kicks off in April, turning your stonework into a purple or blue masterpiece.
++Serbian Bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana)
Gardeners love the Serbian Bellflower for its charming, star-shaped blossoms. When this plant is in full swing, it produces so many flowers that the foliage almost disappears under a blanket of color. It’s particularly good for covering sloped wall sections. While it thrives best in the sun, it’s a tough cookie and can handle partial shade if needed.
%%Mountain Sandwort (Arenaria montana)
Mountain Sandwort is a pro at living in lean, sandy conditions. Whether in high-altitude regions or tucked into a garden wall, it feels right at home. It’s a bit of an insider secret among gardeners because of its gorgeous white flowers that pop from May to June. If you look closely, you’ll notice the leaves of this cushion-forming plant have a fine, downy coating.