While any plant can technically grow for a short time in a vertical garden, the plants that can stay in a vertical garden full-time are plants with small but strong root systems and plants that climb. Vines typically do well, as do ferns and succulents.

Nearly any trailing or climbing plant can be grown vertically as long as they are given the right growing conditions and proper support. Plants to grow include perennial or annual vines, small perennials, sedums and succulents, ornamental grasses, ferns, annual flowers, edibles, and houseplants.