Concrete Block Gardening: Best Plants to Grow in Blocks

Transforming concrete blocks from mere construction materials into thriving gardens might seem like an unlikely feat, but with the right plants, it's entirely possible. Urban gardening, vertical gardening, and green walls are all testament to the fact that plants can grow in the most unexpected places. So, let's explore what to plant in concrete blocks to create your own green oasis.

Concrete blocks offer a unique opportunity to grow plants in small spaces, vertically, or even indoors. They provide excellent support and drainage, making them ideal for a variety of plants. However, not all plants are suited to this type of growing environment. Let's delve into the best plants to grow in concrete blocks.

Plants for Vertical Gardening in Concrete Blocks

Vertical gardening is a great way to maximize space and create a lush, green wall. Concrete blocks are perfect for this, as they provide plenty of nooks and crannies for plants to grow into.

When choosing plants for vertical gardening, consider their size, growth rate, and root system. Trailing plants with shallow root systems are typically the best choice for concrete blocks.

Succulents and Cacti

Succulents and cacti are excellent choices for growing in concrete blocks. They have shallow root systems and require minimal water, making them low-maintenance. Plus, their unique shapes and textures add visual interest to your green wall.

Some great options include:

• Echeveria - A rosette-forming succulent with fleshy leaves that come in a variety of colors and patterns.
• Sedum - A low-growing succulent with small, fleshy leaves that form carpets of color.
• Haworthia - A small, compact succulent with interesting leaf patterns and textures.

Trailing Flowers

Trailing flowers add a burst of color to your concrete block garden. They typically have shallow root systems and grow well in vertical environments.

Some colorful options include:

• Petunias - Available in a variety of colors, petunias are easy to grow and produce an abundance of flowers.
• Bacopa - A trailing annual with small, blue or white flowers that grows well in partial shade.
• Iberis - A compact, trailing shrub with small, white flowers that grows well in full sun.

Plants for Shady Concrete Block Gardens

Concrete blocks can also be used to create green spaces in shady areas. While these areas may not be suitable for sun-loving plants, there are plenty of shade-tolerant options that thrive in concrete blocks.

When choosing plants for shady concrete block gardens, look for plants that prefer partial shade or full shade and have shallow root systems.

Ferns

Ferns are excellent choices for shady concrete block gardens. They have shallow root systems and prefer partial to full shade.

Some great fern options include:

• Boston Fern - A classic fern with lush, green fronds that prefers partial shade.
• Adiantum - A delicate, lacy fern that grows well in full shade.
• Polystichum - A tough, shade-tolerant fern with leathery fronds.

Shade-loving Perennials

There are many shade-loving perennials that grow well in concrete blocks. These plants provide color and texture to your shady garden and often come back year after year.

Some shade-loving perennials to consider are:

• Hellebores - Also known as Lenten roses, these evergreen perennials bloom in winter or early spring and prefer partial shade.
• Tiarella - A low-growing perennial with delicate, lobed leaves and small, white flowers that grows well in full shade.
• Heuchera - A shade-tolerant perennial with colorful, lobed leaves that provide texture and contrast in the garden.

With the right plants, concrete blocks can become a vibrant, thriving garden. Whether you're creating a vertical garden, a shady oasis, or something in between, there's a plant out there that's perfect for your concrete block garden. So, get creative, have fun, and happy gardening!