The Power of Plants

Living green walls add great visual appeal to an exterior space. However, the question is, how do we keep these lush vertical gardens permanently green? The answer lies in the plant selection. Thanks to their extensive knowledge of plants, Sempergreen’s experts select only the strongest perennial plant varieties for their SemperGreenwalls.

Extensive research into climatic conditions

“Sempergreen is an organization that constantly evolves. This is reflected in the planting of our green facades” says Joep van Vilsteren, Program Director Sempergreen Services. “Prior to each new project, extensive research is conducted into the climatic conditions of the country, and into the plants that are suitable for that specific climate.” This kind of research is crucial for the success of a project. If the wrong plants are chosen for a project, they won’t thrive, or could even die, which would be disastrous for the project.

Choosing the best plants for each living wall

“Knowing this, we’ve developed three standard assortments for different climate zones: the shadow, half shadow and sun assortment. All three assortments have been thoroughly tested and there is a wide variety of planting possible within these ranges. We also have to take into account that environmental factors, such as the influence of sea wind (salty air), play a role in the success or failure of an outdoor green wall. For example, for a project in Boston, MA we have selected plants that can tolerate salty air, like dune plants and grasses.”

Large SemperGreenwall in Boston, close to the sea, with plants that can tolerate salty air.

We make sure that the wall has a green appearance throughout the year!

"It’s also important that both hardy plants and wintergreen plants are used to ensure that the facade has a green appearance throughout the year. And of course your wishes as a customer are also taken into consideration when making the planting plan for a green wall. The quality of a SemperGreenwall is our business card, so we leave nothing to chance."

Reading tip: Green Walls Surviving the Cold

Outdoor wall specialist

The list of successful projects with our outdoor green walls is growing steadily. For example, in Warsaw, Poland, which is an inland climate similar to Chicago and Toronto, Sempergreen has installed an outdoor SemperGreenwall that has already successfully survived multiple winters. The company also installed several green facades in Canada and Sweden, both countries known for their harsh winters. In addition to the high quality requirements set by Sempergreen, aesthetics are of course also of the utmost importance.

Two beautiful examples of outdoor living walls in locations with cold winters: Philadelphia, PA and Falls Church, VA.

Good maintenance is vital for a green facade

To achieve the best result, pruning is necessary at least twice a year. On the other hand the unique Plant Care System reduces maintenance needs by making certain that the plants receive their daily nutrients and are protected against frost.

The combination of careful plant selection and the intelligent Plant Care System certifies that Sempergreen is the specialist to look for if you are interested in a green wall. In addition, Sempergreen offers a maintenance contract to guarantee that your project will be sustainable, green and attractive all year round.

Flowering plants in an Outdoor SemperGreenwall

Knowledge through experience

“You don’t become a plant expert overnight. We have hit a few bumps in the road before we got to the point where we can really say that our plant knowledge is outstanding. At first, we didn’t have the necessary knowhow regarding to how plants would react to extreme weather conditions. That is something we have gradually learned over the course of many years”, according to Van Vilsteren.

“Ultimately, our goal is to deliver a beautiful living wall that reflects the natural environment, meets up to your wishes, and stays green all year round.”

Contact

If you would like to know more about all the options, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Request a free quote    Contact Sempergreen

Rooftop terrace with SemperGreenwall close to the sea in Hong Kong