
10 fascinating facts about our Living Wall
Find out more about the Living Wall at The Rubens at the Palace, created to make London greener.
01 Jul 2025
Find out more about the Living Wall at The Rubens at the Palace, created to make London greener.
01 Jul 2025
Located just steps away from Buckingham Palace, our striking Living Wall soars over 21 metres high and is home to more than 20 seasonal plant species – from buttercups and crocuses to strawberries, lavender, spring bulbs, and winter geraniums. Fondly known as ‘The Green Lungs of Victoria,’ this vertical garden is more than just a visual delight; it brings vital environmental benefits by improving air quality and creating a haven for urban wildlife.
Here are 10 reasons why our Living Wall is so special:
The scale of our Living Wall is breathtaking – around 10,000 plants spanning 22 different species create a lush, ever-changing tapestry. Research shows that seeing greenery in urban spaces can lift our mood and boost wellbeing.
Forget watering cans and hoses – our inbuilt drip irrigation system delivers just the right amount of water (about one litre per square metre). It even stores rainwater for reuse, making it as sustainable as it is efficient.
Thanks to the incredible diversity of species, some plants can grow up to one metre out from the wall, adding depth, texture and creating a truly spectacular living display.
From six weeks to 51 seconds, watch our time lapse video showing how our wall was created.
We don’t use any chemical sprays on our plants, ensuring the Living Wall remains green in every sense of the word – healthy for people, wildlife, and the environment.
Unlike most living walls in London that rely heavily on evergreen species, ours features a lower percentage of evergreens. This thoughtful design means there’s always something new to see as the seasons change.
From vibrant spring blooms to rich autumn tones, our Living Wall is carefully planted to ensure there’s always something in bloom – transforming the wall into a living piece of art throughout the year.
With edible plants like wild strawberries and fragrant lavender, the Living Wall offers delicious treats for insects, birds and even foraging chefs alike.
By hosting such a wide range of plants, the wall attracts butterflies, bees (including endangered species), and a variety of birds – from summer visitors to robins that nest behind the ferns in winter. This biodiversity helps create a healthier, more sustainable urban ecosystem.
The Living Wall acts like a natural air conditioner, reducing the building’s temperature by up to 30 degrees in summer and cutting heat loss in winter. It’s a beautiful feature that delivers real energy savings.
This remarkable structure isn’t just for show – its substantial weight reflects our serious commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
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