Green Roof Plants For Shade

Along with the makeup and depth of the growing medium selecting the right plants is crucial to the success of a green roof.

Green roof plants for shade.

Interesting foliage plant adds texture to a green roof with spiraling blue green leaves. On a sunny roof bear in mind that the temperature on the roof is likely to be at least a couple of degrees higher than the temperature on the ground. Common sedum species used include sedum acre s. Album delosperma could be tried in a sunny frost free area.

Vegetables are the other main group of annual plants used on green roofs. Tough plants for shade. When choosing plants for a green roof they need to be able to withstand wind and frost be drought resistant tolerate living in poor soil and be maintenance free. All plants need a little tlc when getting established.

The plants chosen must be appropriate for the roof type extensive intensive or semi intensive. As the nation s leading supplier of plants for green roof systems since 1998 our accomplished horticulture team has more experience than any other nursery in the united states growing plants for successful green roof projects. The soil mix we like to use is 50 expanded shale 25 usda sand and 25 organic compost. Climate clearly plays a major role in choosing the best plants for a green roof.

Plants for green roofs. Ferns such as polypodium vulgare and asplenium trichomanes could be used in dry shady conditions. Even those listed as shade plants or drought tolerant plants benefit from supplemental watering when rainfall is lacking. Try dry habitat perennials and.

We are active in green roof plant research. Some green roofs are constructed specifically to support sports turf. This is especially true when plants are young. Careful plant selection and maintenance is needed to ensure annuals do not become weeds on a green roof.

Carex pennsylvanica pennsylvania sedge 8 1 qt. It will also be more exposed to drying winds and therefore the plants on a sun baked green roof either need to be very drought tolerant or they will need an irrigation system. Mat forming species of sedum sempervivum and moss are good choices. Hosta heuchera dead nettle tiarella astilbe foxglove ferns hydrangea and more.

Emory knoll farms inc. Tolerates salt and shade. Green roof plants need to be chosen with care however as not all plants are suitable for growing in this way. Flowers give much needed color later in the season.

Founded the first green roof nursery in north america. Green roof plants should also be attractive and offer food and. Dark green to purple winter foliage. Armeria maritima shiny dark green narrow leaves form tufted clumps.

These require irrigation and a substrate depth of at least 200 mm. Learn about the top 20 shade loving plants. We get most of our native plants from nature by design and typically the plants below would work well in partial or full shade.