The species of a plant is one, if not the most important thing to consider for vegetated assemblies. By choosing a species many other characteristics such as color and climbing mechanism and therefore material choices for structure are inter-connected.
A short list of useful species has been provided by Dr. Alexander Niemiera, of the Virginia Tech Horticulture Department.
Types:
Simplest: an ivy or other plant growing up the side of a building directly on the surface.
Intermediate: engineered trellis system with plants rooted in the ground, climbing up a separate structure. allows more variety and options.
Complex: these include all four elements: growing media, structural support, integrated irrigation and drainage system.
Plant species charactersitics:
- Vine or non-Vine multiple species
- evergreen or deciduous
- native or non-native
- aesthetic features
foliage (spring, summer, fall)
tracery (winter pattern)
flowers
fruit - Climbing Mechanism (wall features)
tendrils (not wood of vinyl)
rootlets (not wood or vinyl)
twining (needs matrix for support) - Growth rate
slow (1 ft / year)
Medium (1-2 ft / year)
Fast ( >2 ft / Year) - Cultural Requirements
Light
Full sun
Morning sun, afternoon shade
Morning shade. afternoon sun
Full shade - Soil Aspects
top soil or fill soil
soil type (sandy, loam, clay)
affect water retention
soil ph
Moisture - Maintenance
Leaf/flower/fruit litter
prune from windows
irrigation system upkeep
winter prep and repairs - potential pest issues
insect, mite, diseases, birds
