Green Roof Plants For Shade
Plants for extensive green roofs should have low growth height rapid growth spreading and fibrous roots that have high drought tolerance.
Green roof plants for shade. 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. We get most of our native plants from nature by design and typically the plants below would work well in partial or full shade. Succulents such as sedum are often chosen for extensive green roofs because they withstand harsh conditions and minimize water loss. Shade tolerant plants are most likely to flower in spring and tend to offer foliage rather than colour for most of the year.
Species such as sedum delosperma euphorbia and sempervivum are popular choices. The leaf coloring of iresine can vary immensely depending on light with brightest color generally in full sun. If your roof is shaded by trees or by other buildings you will need to choose shade tolerant plants such as woodland bulbs bluebells aconites etc woodland grasses red or white dead nettle and primrose. We are active in green roof plant research.
Succulents particularly colourful sedums dominate shallow substrate green roofs across temperate europe and north america. Flowers give much needed color later in the season. Succulent plants are well adapted to the conditions often found on extensive green roofs because of their ability to limit transpiration and store excess water. Founded the first green roof nursery in north america.
Think of a green roof as a lasagne of ingredients. This plant thrives in partial shade or sun and is great as a ground cover. First down is the waterproof root barrier layer which will protect the surface of the roof. Sedum ternatum mossy stonecrop 8 1 qt.
Emory knoll farms inc. Green roofs of creeping plants and herbs need some sort of frame around the perimeter to hold everything in place. This can be made out of timber while off the shelf installations are typically metal. Glaucum interesting foliage plant adds texture to a green roof with spiraling blue green leaves.
Carex pennsylvanica pennsylvania sedge 8 1 qt. The soil mix we like to use is 50 expanded shale 25 usda sand and 25 organic compost.