Facade Greening with Edible Plants: Kiwi, Fruit & More on Your House Wall
Facade greening is more than just ivy or wisteria: Discover the diversity of flowering, lush-leaved, and especially fruit-bearing climbing plants! From kiwi, grapes, and pears to stone fruit – learn how to not only beautify your facade but also make it productive.
More Than Wisteria: The Diversity of Climbing Plants for Facades
When people think of climbing plants, the Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) often comes to mind first – an impressive and beautiful plant. However, facade greening with climbing plants offers far more possibilities. Climbing plants can generally be divided into three categories:
- Flowering climbing plants (e.g., clematis, honeysuckle, climbing hydrangea, various rambler roses)
- Climbing plants with dense foliage (e.g., Virginia creeper, scarlet runner bean, ivy, Boston ivy)
- Fruit-bearing climbing plants (e.g., various fruit varieties such as apple, pear, kiwi)
The Highlight: Fruit-Bearing Edible Plants
While the first two categories are well-known for facade greening, fruit-bearing climbing plants surprise many people. These include kiwi, various grapevines, hops, as well as fruit varieties like apple, pear, apricot, plum, or nectarine – each on vigorous rootstocks. South- or southwest-facing facades are particularly well-suited for these edible plants, as they provide plenty of sun and warmth. These plants not only make the facade green but also productive: Imagine harvesting fresh grapes, kiwis, or even apples directly from your house!
Support and Climbing Aids
Fruit-bearing climbers generally require sturdy climbing aids, as they can become heavier (especially with abundant fruit). Steel cables or robust trellises are ideal for maintaining a safe distance from the facade and distributing the weight. For fruit trees like apple or pear, traditional espalier training works well: The shoots are tied horizontally or in a fan shape to steel cables or trellises, which saves space and improves fruit quality.
Low-Maintenance, with a Few Tips
Maintenance is manageable: An annual prune in winter or early spring promotes yield and keeps the plant in shape. Ensure sufficient nutrients (e.g., organic fertilizer) and protection from pests. During dry periods, additional watering helps, especially in the first few years. With proper care, these plants reward you not only with shade and beauty but also with a bountiful harvest – sustainable and space-saving.
Key Requirements for Success
For all climbing plants, in addition to suitable climbing aids and care, the following factors must be right:
- Location (appropriate light conditions, protected from harsh winds depending on the plant)
- Soil quality (well-drained and humus-rich to prevent waterlogging)
- Space available (sufficient area for the plant to spread)
- Watering (is additional irrigation needed, or is rainfall sufficient?)
Let us advise you on which climbing plant is suitable for your facade to achieve a beautiful result. Our selection of climbing plants and more information on facade greening can be found at www.klettergruen.ch.
