How to Use Climbing Plants

How climbing plants can be used on façades

Climbing plants can be used on façades in two basic ways: on a support structure or as self-clinging plants directly on the plaster. The choice depends on whether the façade is new, insulated, renovated, and also on what effect is expected from the greenery.

1. Self-clinging plants directly on the façade

Self-clinging species attach directly to the surface using adhesive pads or clinging roots. A typical example is Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus), which is suitable mainly for repaired and solid façades, wooden walls, fences, bridge pillars, columns and noise barriers. With self-clinging plants it is important that the façade is not cracked or damaged, because the plant can penetrate precisely into these weak spots and speed up their degradation. If the plant is planted directly in the ground, it will take root within 2 years, then take care of itself and fully cover the area. An inexpensive, effective and simple option.

Best suited for:

• Already insulated façades, where they will not significantly help cool the interior, but will greatly benefit the exterior – they absorb heat, trap dust, cool the space in front of the façade, create shade and reduce the heat island effect.
• Façades with no planned insulation – if a non-insulated building has a façade facing the sunny side and there are no plans to insulate it in the coming years (at least 10), climbing plants can create an additional insulating layer for winter and reduce façade temperature by several degrees in summer, plus provide the benefits for the immediate surroundings mentioned in the first example.
• Unsightly walls, shelters for bins or bicycles, and courtyards.

2. Plants on trellises or cables

If the plant should not be in direct contact with the wall (glass wall, new façade, too many openings in the wall), or if plants that require support are to be used, a trellis, posts, stainless-steel mesh or cable system can be installed to guide the climber a few centimetres away from the wall. This method allows the plant to grow in a controlled way. Suitable plants include Dutchman’s pipe, clematis, hydrangea, honeysuckle, grapevine, jasmine, wisteria, akebia, actinidia, trumpet vine, etc. The house or space then looks well maintained, the plants grow along the tensioned “tracks” and do not touch the façade.

Best suited for:

• In front of a glass wall as a shading surface – let Virginia creeper cover a stainless-steel mesh stretched in front of a glazed supermarket / restaurant / reception / shop window / offices / apartment building and it will dramatically improve the quality of life or work there.
• On new / insulated façades – when in the process of renovation or insulation and climbers are to be kept under control, “green blocks” / spacer anchors should be added to the project. These are anchored in the masonry, pass through the insulation layer and do not compromise the insulating effect. Cables / meshes are then stretched on them. Advice is available.
• Heavy plants such as wisteria need a robust structure (for example above the entrance to a café), but they reward with great beauty.
• Shading public spaces from above – a small square, seating area, car park, passageway, market – places where trees are not an option, but shade must be created so the space can serve its purpose even in hot summers.

How a trellis, net and cable system works

A trellis, net or cable system is a supporting structure that holds the plant a few centimetres away from the façade. It is possible to use wooden or stainless-steel trellises, stainless-steel cables or stainless-steel nets with various mesh sizes. The advantage is that the greenery can be guided precisely where it is needed, while leaving enough space between the plant and the wall for ventilation, maintenance or passage. The net can be stretched into the space as overhead shading, or openings can be created for windows.

For an insulated house

For insulated houses, the cables are anchored through the insulation layer all the way into the load-bearing structure beneath it. This is done using long spacer anchors or special brackets that transfer the load through the insulation into the masonry or load-bearing wall. The aim is to keep the insulation fully functional and avoid damaging the thermal envelope of the house. It is necessary to know the exact composition of the façade, the thickness of the insulation and to choose the anchoring points with regard to the load of a mature plant and its expected growth. Expert advice is provided.

For a renovated / newly built house

For a house that is currently being renovated, installation is easier because the system can be designed already during façade repairs or in the planning stage. If greenery is considered in advance, anchoring points can be prepared so that the structure does not have to be retrofitted later through the finished plaster. Expert advice is provided.

When to Use Which Plants

A trellis and cable system is especially suitable for plants that need support and guidance: clematis, honeysuckle, trumpet vine, Dutchman’s pipe, mock orange, or akebia. A self-clinging façade is mainly suited to Virginia creepers and similar climbers that can attach themselves directly to the surface. The choice of plant depends on the orientation and height of the façade, whether it can be planted in the ground or in a container, the available irrigation, the desired level of maintenance, growth speed, and other conditions. A suitable plant can be selected for every location. Wisteria or grapevines require very robust support, such as pergolas or posts, as cables would eventually be pulled down by their weight and thickening trunks. Wisteria must grow diagonally to horizontally; otherwise, it will not bloom.

Risks of Climbing Plants

Not every climbing plant is suitable for every type of support. For example, wisteria or grapevine need a really strong structure, ideally wooden or metal (pergola, garage, column). Lighter wires will not be sufficient in the long run, because the stem gradually thickens and can deform them or pull down the entire structure; at the same time, the weight of a mature plant itself can become a problem, as it will eventually overload a weak construction.

Using ivy on façades is not recommended, because it deliberately seeks out dark spots on the façade – cracks, gaps in the cladding, in windows, in air conditioning units – so its roots grow into the substrate, gradually become woody, expand and take up more and more space. Climbing plants have a bad reputation largely because of ivy. It is suitable only where there is no risk of damage (standalone walls, noise barriers).

Moisture and insects are not generally confirmed as negative consequences of climbing plants. If the façade is in good technical condition, properly designed and regularly maintained, climbers themselves do not cause increased moisture or any major insect problems. These issues usually appear rather where the façade is already damaged, cracked or poorly ventilated, or where maintenance has been neglected for a long time. In such cases, plants may simply draw attention to an existing problem, but they are not its main cause. And if birds and insects make their home in a climbing plant, it is a reason to be happy. This means becoming part of an ecosystem and helping to increase biodiversity in concrete cities.

Necessary maintenance

Some species need to be regularly pruned, have anchors and cables checked (loosened if needed), be guided in the right direction, and monitored so they do not grow into unwanted areas. For self-clinging species, it is important to check the facade, especially where there are cracks or older plaster.

Maintenance usually includes:

• Spring or autumn pruning (only for some species)

• Checking the tension of the cables and the stability of the trellis

• Removing shoots from windows, gutters, and the roof

• Checking irrigation if the plant is in a container

• Regular inspection of the condition of the plaster and anchoring

Practical recommendations

Climbers should always be installed on a stable façade. This minimizes the risk of damage and gives the investment in greenery a better chance of working in the long term. It is also important to keep in mind that this is a long-term project — it takes several years for the plant to fully cover the area and start to have a strong visual impact. If it turns out that the plant is not suitable for the façade or grows too aggressively, it is better to intervene in time and adjust the training method or the type of planting.

Make sure that the plants are not invasive and do not spread aggressively. There is no need for another black locust-gate or tree-of-heaven-gate.

Benefits of climbers

• Improve the microclimate and reduce overheating of buildings and their surroundings.

• Shade façades, helping to save energy for cooling in summer and partly for heating in winter.

• Protect the façade from direct sunlight, UV radiation, rain and temperature fluctuations.

• Provide an alternative where there is no space for trees.

• Capture dust and some harmful substances from the air.

• Support biodiversity and create a refuge for insects and small animals.

• Enhance the appearance of the house and the whole street, giving the space a more pleasant character.

• Help mitigate the urban heat island effect.

• Contribute to better acoustics and partially dampen noise.

What we do not do and do not recommend

Modular vertical gardens on façades are not part of the offer. These systems may be impressive (for a short time), but they are technically and operationally demanding: they require complex irrigation, regular maintenance, structural checks and moisture protection, and are often significantly more expensive than simple climbing-plant solutions. The designs focus on living, functional and long-term sustainable greenery that makes sense not only aesthetically, but also in terms of climate and ecology, and that has a stronger impact on helping cities adapt to climate change.

How to do it in front of a house or apartment building?

Looking for a green street like in Brussels or Arles? Unfortunately, it’s not always enough to just dig out four paving stones under the gutter and plant a flower in the ground. Here are the steps for how to do it, for example in Prague:

1. Find out who owns the land and the façade

• If it is public land (sidewalk, park, space in front of the house managed by the city), the owner’s consent is required, i.e. from the city district or the City of Prague.

• If it is land in front of an apartment building, it usually belongs to the common parts of the building or is managed by the HOA / property manager.

• If it is a private house standing on private land that happens to be owned by the same person, congratulations. It is possible to go and dig out a paving stone and start planting.

2. Consent of the HOA (Association of Unit Owners)

• For an apartment building, the façade and surroundings are common parts of the building.

• Any change to the appearance of the building (including planting climbers on the façade) requires the consent of the HOA.

• According to the Condominium Ownership Act (§ 13 para. 3), changes that alter the appearance of the building require the consent of all unit owners.

• In practice, the consent of a simple majority of HOA members at a meeting is often sufficient, but for major changes to the appearance, 100% consent may be required.

3. Permit from the city district (if it is public land)

• If planting is planned on a public area (sidewalk, strip of greenery in front of the house), it is necessary to apply for a permit at the local town hall.

• Some city districts (e.g. Prague 8, Prague 6) allow planting after consultation and with the consent of the landowner.

• Other districts (e.g. Prague 12) recommend concluding a lease agreement with the City of Prague.

• It is necessary to check whether there are any utility lines (water, electricity, gas, sewage) running through the site. Plants usually do not damage them, but if pipe repairs are needed, the plants will be affected.

4. Technical conditions of the façade

• The façade must be in good condition – without cracks, flaking plaster, or damage.

• If the building is insulated, it is not possible to anchor directly into the insulation – a special ETICS system must be used (anchoring through the insulation into the load-bearing masonry).

5. Choosing suitable plants

• For apartment building façades, undemanding and resilient species are recommended: Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), ornamental grape, clematis, honeysuckle.

• Avoid aggressive species that can damage joints (ivy).

• Accept that most climbers shed their leaves in autumn, although this may change with climate change and more warmth-loving species may overwinter here.

6. Access to soil and watering

• If planting directly into the ground is not possible (e.g. asphalt), plants can be grown in containers. However, this requires watering throughout the summer, or the installation of an automatic irrigation system. It is possible to connect with the Zalejme.cz initiative, which monitors plant watering in cities and allows local residents to participate.
• If the plant is planted in the ground (often it is enough to remove a single paving stone to reach soil), it will take root within a year or two and will then require very little care.
• There is a special attachment for downpipes that directs rainwater straight to the plant. It was developed in Prague by the team behind Živé svody.

7. Maintenance and long-term care

• During the first 2–3 years, it is advisable to check the plant, guide and, if necessary, tie it to the structure, if there is one.

• Regularly check windows, gutters, and the roof – the plant can quickly overgrow them.

• Prune the shoots once a year so they do not block light from entering windows or encroach on shared areas.

• Agree within the HOA (SVJ) who will be responsible for care and for covering the costs (watering, pruning, repairs).

• Ensure that the plant does not obstruct passage along the sidewalk or access to the building.

8. Safety and Neighbourly Relations

• Communicate with neighbours to prevent complaints and conflicts.

• If a broader discussion, workshop, or moderated debate on the use of shared spaces or changes in the use of the courtyard with neighbours would be helpful, take a look at how Bieno does it.

9. Financing

• In Prague, from July 2026, the subsidy scheme “Clean Energy Prague 2026–2027” will be running, which will cover up to 50% (CZK 200,000) of the costs of installing climbing plants (as well as green roofs, solar panels, rainwater tanks, etc.). The part for climbing plants is intended for apartment buildings – that is, for homeowners’ associations. For help or advice with this, the team can be contacted.