London's largest living wall launched at the Rubens at the Palace hotel

Â
Measuring 350sq m and standing 21m high, the wall is packed with a collection of 20 herbaceous plants including buttercups, crocuses, strawberries, lavender, spring bulbs, and winter geraniums, which will ensure the wall is in-bloom all year round. It graces a side wall of the Rubens, as well as that of sister properties, Hotel 41 and the Bbar and Restaurant
Â
As well as providing an aesthetic boost to the surrounding Victoria area, the wall also boasts significant environmental benefits including attracting bees, butterflies and birds; improving air quality; and reducing the risk of urban flooding.
Â
Malcolm Hendry, general manager of the Rubens, said: “The buzz about the Living Wall is palpable. People are stopping to admire it, take photos of it and generally wonder what it’s all about.
Â
“But the wall has a very serious purpose beyond just looking great â€" we’re excited to be able to positively impact the people living and working in, as well as the huge amount of visitors passing through.”
Â
To celebrate the launch of the living wall, the Rubens â€" located opposite Buckingham Palace - is offering a garden-inspired afternoon tea featuring wild strawberry cheesecake, lavender cupcake and rose petal macaroon, for £29.50 per person, alongside a selection of cocktails using elderflower, mint and lemon verbena.