Imagine transforming your bare, dull rooftop into a vibrant and thriving oasis with our handpicked selection of the top 10 plants for green roof gardens. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, these plants will not only add beauty and color to your rooftop but also provide a host of other benefits, such as improving air quality and reducing energy costs. From cascading vines to blooming perennials, this article will guide you in selecting the perfect plants for your green roof garden, ensuring your urban sanctuary thrives in all its green glory.
Sedum
Sedum is one of the most popular plant choices for green roof gardens due to its ability to thrive in harsh conditions and its low maintenance requirements. There are several different varieties of sedum that are well-suited for green roofs, including Sedum spurium ‘John Creech’, Sedum reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’, and Sedum kamtschaticum.
Sedum spurium ‘John Creech’
Sedum spurium ‘John Creech’ is a low-growing sedum that forms a dense mat of small, rounded leaves. This variety is known for its vibrant green foliage, which turns a beautiful reddish color in the fall. It produces tiny pink flowers in the summer, adding a splash of color to the roof garden. ‘John Creech’ is a hardy sedum that can tolerate drought and extreme temperatures, making it an excellent choice for green roofs in a variety of climates.
Sedum reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’
If you’re looking for a sedum variety that adds a unique touch to your green roof garden, consider Sedum reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’. This sedum features needle-like leaves that resemble the foliage of a blue spruce tree, hence its name. The bluish-green leaves create an interesting texture and color contrast against other plants in the garden. ‘Blue Spruce’ produces bright yellow flowers in the summer, attracting pollinators to your rooftop oasis.
Sedum kamtschaticum
Sedum kamtschaticum, also known as the Kamchatka stonecrop, is a versatile sedum variety that adapts well to various soil conditions. It forms a low-growing mat of succulent leaves that turn reddish-orange in the fall. This sedum produces clusters of yellow flowers in the summer, attracting bees and butterflies to your green roof garden. Sedum kamtschaticum is a hardy plant that can withstand drought and is resistant to pests and diseases, making it a great choice for low-maintenance green roofs.
Sempervivum
Sempervivum, commonly known as hens and chicks, is another popular plant choice for green roof gardens. These succulent plants are known for their charming rosette-shaped leaves and their ability to withstand harsh growing conditions. Some recommended varieties of sempervivum for green roofs include Sempervivum tectorum, Sempervivum arachnoideum, and Sempervivum calcareum.
Sempervivum tectorum
Sempervivum tectorum, also known as the common houseleek, is a hardy succulent that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including full sun and poor soil. It forms rosettes of fleshy leaves that come in various shades of green, red, and purple. Sempervivum tectorum produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in the summer, attracting beneficial insects to your green roof garden. This variety is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, making it a perfect choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.
Sempervivum arachnoideum
If you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching plant for your green roof garden, consider Sempervivum arachnoideum, also known as the cobweb houseleek. This variety gets its name from the fine white hairs that cover its leaves, giving them a spiderweb-like appearance. The leaves are typically green or reddish-brown and form tight rosettes. Sempervivum arachnoideum produces pink or white flowers in the summer, attracting bees and butterflies to your rooftop sanctuary. This succulent is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance, making it a great addition to any green roof garden.
Sempervivum calcareum
Sempervivum calcareum, also known as the Scottish rosette, is a stunning succulent with rosettes of fleshy, pointed leaves. The leaves come in various shades of green, red, and purple, adding a pop of color to your green roof garden. Sempervivum calcareum produces clusters of pink or red flowers in the summer, attracting pollinators and adding visual interest to your rooftop oasis. This variety is well-suited for green roof gardens as it can tolerate drought and thrives in rocky and well-drained soil conditions.
Allium
Allium plants, commonly known as ornamental onions, are a popular choice for green roof gardens due to their unique and striking flower heads. These plants are easy to grow and require minimal care, making them an excellent option for green roof enthusiasts. Some recommended varieties of allium for green roofs include Allium schoenoprasum, Allium ‘Millennium’, and Allium ‘Mount Everest’.
Allium schoenoprasum
Allium schoenoprasum, also known as chives, is a versatile herbaceous perennial that is valued for both its culinary and ornamental qualities. This allium variety produces slender, cylindrical leaves that have a mild onion flavor and are often used as a garnish or ingredient in various dishes. In addition to its culinary appeal, Allium schoenoprasum also produces beautiful pink or purple flowers in the summer, attracting bees and butterflies to your green roof garden. This variety is low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for rooftop gardens.
Allium ‘Millennium’
If you’re looking for an allium variety that adds a bold and vibrant touch to your green roof garden, consider planting Allium ‘Millennium’. This cultivar features large, round flower heads with clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of purple and pink. The blooms are long-lasting and provide a stunning display in the summer garden. Allium ‘Millennium’ is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including full sun and well-drained soil. Its compact size makes it ideal for green roofs of any size.
Allium ‘Mount Everest’
For a show-stopping centerpiece in your green roof garden, consider planting Allium ‘Mount Everest’. This tall allium variety features large, dense flower heads that can reach up to three feet in height. The flower heads are composed of individual star-shaped white flowers, creating a stunning visual display. Allium ‘Mount Everest’ blooms in the summer and can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your green roof garden. This variety prefers well-drained soil and full sun, making it a perfect choice for rooftop gardens with ample sunlight.
Echinacea
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflowers, is a genus of flowering plants that are well-loved for their vibrant and long-lasting blooms. These plants are not only aesthetically pleasing but also attract pollinators, making them an excellent choice for green roof gardens. Some recommended varieties of echinacea for green roofs include Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea ‘Hot Papaya’.
Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple coneflower, is a hardy perennial that is native to North America. This echinacea variety produces large, daisy-like flowers with prominent, cone-shaped centers. The flowers come in shades of purple, pink, and white, adding a burst of color to your green roof garden. Echinacea purpurea blooms from summer to fall and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. This plant is easy to grow and can tolerate a variety of growing conditions, including full sun and well-drained soil.
Echinacea pallida
If you’re looking for a subtle and elegant echinacea variety for your green roof garden, consider Echinacea pallida. This echinacea species features long, slender petals in shades of pale pink or white. The flowers have distinctive drooping petals, giving them a unique and graceful appearance. Echinacea pallida blooms in the summer and attracts bees and butterflies to your rooftop oasis. This variety is drought-tolerant and thrives in well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for green roofs with limited water availability.
Echinacea ‘Hot Papaya’
For a bold and fiery addition to your green roof garden, consider planting Echinacea ‘Hot Papaya’. This echinacea cultivar features vibrant, orange-red flowers with prominent, dark cones. The flowers are held on sturdy stems and create a striking visual contrast against the green foliage. Echinacea ‘Hot Papaya’ blooms in the summer and attracts pollinators to your rooftop sanctuary. This variety is low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making it a great choice for green roofs.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are a great addition to any green roof garden as they add texture, movement, and visual interest to the space. These grasses are known for their resilience and ability to withstand harsh conditions, making them ideal for rooftop gardens. Some recommended varieties of ornamental grasses for green roofs include Panicum virgatum, Festuca glauca, and Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’.
Panicum virgatum
Panicum virgatum, also known as switchgrass, is a versatile and hardy grass that can be used in a variety of landscaping applications, including green roofs. This grass variety forms dense clumps of narrow, upright leaves that turn a stunning shade of golden yellow in the fall. Panicum virgatum also produces feathery panicles of flowers in late summer, adding a unique touch to your green roof garden. This grass is low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, making it a great choice for rooftop gardens.
Festuca glauca
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance and visually striking grass for your green roof garden, consider Festuca glauca, also known as blue fescue. This grass variety forms dense tufts of blue-gray foliage that create a soft and textured look. Festuca glauca blooms in the summer, producing small, inconspicuous flowers that add visual interest to the garden. This grass is drought-tolerant and thrives in well-drained soil, making it a perfect choice for green roofs with limited water availability.
Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
For a tall grass that adds vertical interest and movement to your green roof garden, consider planting Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’, also known as feather reed grass. This grass variety features upright clumps of slender, green leaves that turn a golden yellow color in the fall. Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ produces tall flower stalks with feathery plumes that sway gracefully in the breeze. This grass is drought-tolerant and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for green roofs.
Lavender
Lavender is a beloved plant known for its enchanting fragrance and stunning purple flowers. It is a popular choice for green roof gardens due to its ability to attract beneficial insects and its drought-tolerant nature. Some recommended varieties of lavender for green roofs include Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’, Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’, and Lavandula stoechas.
Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’
Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ is a compact lavender variety that is perfect for smaller green roof gardens. It produces dense spikes of fragrant, purple flowers in the summer, attracting bees and butterflies to your rooftop oasis. ‘Hidcote’ has gray-green foliage and a compact growth habit, making it a great choice for confined spaces. This lavender variety is heat and drought-tolerant, making it ideal for rooftop gardens with limited watering capabilities.
Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’
For a classic and versatile lavender variety, consider planting Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’. This variety features aromatic, gray-green leaves and spikes of fragrant, purple flowers. ‘Munstead’ blooms in the summer and attracts pollinators to your green roof garden. This lavender variety is heat and drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for rooftop gardens. ‘Munstead’ is also known for its compact growth habit, making it suitable for smaller green roofs.
Lavandula stoechas
Lavandula stoechas, also known as French lavender, is a unique and visually stunning lavender variety. It features aromatic gray-green leaves and distinctive flower spikes topped with colorful bracts that resemble bunny ears. Lavandula stoechas blooms in the summer and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your rooftop sanctuary. This lavender variety is heat and drought-tolerant, making it well-suited for green roofs with limited water availability. Lavandula stoechas adds a touch of Mediterranean charm to your green roof garden.
Verbena
Verbena is a versatile and colorful plant that is well-suited for green roof gardens. These plants produce clusters of vibrant flowers and attract pollinators, making them a valuable addition to any rooftop garden. Some recommended varieties of verbena for green roofs include Verbena bonariensis, Verbena rigida, and Verbena hastata.
Verbena bonariensis
Verbena bonariensis is a tall and airy plant that adds vertical interest and movement to your green roof garden. It produces clusters of small, purple flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Verbena bonariensis blooms from summer to fall, providing a splash of color to your rooftop oasis. This plant is drought-tolerant and can thrive in well-drained soil, making it suitable for green roofs.
Verbena rigida
If you’re looking for a low-growing and spreading verbena for your green roof garden, consider Verbena rigida. This variety forms mounds of vibrant purple flowers that bloom from summer to fall. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your rooftop sanctuary. Verbena rigida is drought-tolerant and thrives in well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for green roofs with limited watering capabilities. The low-growing nature of this verbena makes it suitable for confined spaces.
Verbena hastata
Verbena hastata, also known as blue vervain, is a native perennial that is well-suited for green roof gardens. It produces spikes of small, blue-violet flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Verbena hastata blooms from summer to fall and provides a stunning display of color in your green roof garden. This plant is drought-tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, making it a great choice for rooftop gardens.
Heuchera
Heuchera, commonly known as coral bells, is a versatile and visually appealing plant for green roof gardens. These plants are valued for their ornamental foliage, which comes in a wide range of colors and textures. Some recommended varieties of heuchera for green roofs include Heuchera americana, Heuchera sanguinea, and Heuchera villosa.
Heuchera americana
Heuchera americana is a native perennial that is known for its stunning foliage and durability. It forms low-growing mounds of leaves that come in various shades of green, purple, and bronze. Heuchera americana produces tall, slender stalks with tiny pink or white flowers in the summer, attracting bees and butterflies to your green roof garden. This variety is drought-tolerant and can thrive in well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for green roofs.
Heuchera sanguinea
For a vibrant and eye-catching heuchera variety, consider planting Heuchera sanguinea. This variety features lobed, semi-evergreen leaves that come in various shades of red, purple, and green. Heuchera sanguinea produces slender spikes of flowers in shades of red, pink, or white, adding a burst of color to your green roof garden. This variety is low-maintenance and can tolerate a variety of growing conditions, including partial shade and well-drained soil.
Heuchera villosa
Heuchera villosa, also known as hairy alumroot, is a hardy and low-maintenance heuchera variety that is well-suited for green roofs. It forms clumps of large, rounded leaves that come in various shades of green, silver, and bronze. Heuchera villosa produces tall stems with tiny, bell-shaped flowers in shades of white or pink in the summer. This variety is drought-tolerant and can thrive in well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for green roofs with limited watering capabilities.
Phlox
Phlox is a beloved perennial plant that is known for its fragrant and colorful flowers. It is a popular choice for green roof gardens due to its ability to attract pollinators and its tolerance for a variety of growing conditions. Some recommended varieties of phlox for green roofs include Phlox subulata, Phlox paniculata, and Phlox divaricata.
Phlox subulata
Phlox subulata, also known as creeping phlox, is a low-growing and spreading perennial that is perfect for green roof gardens. It forms dense mats of needle-like leaves that come in various shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. Phlox subulata produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers in the spring, attracting bees and butterflies to your rooftop sanctuary. This variety is drought-tolerant and can thrive in well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for green roofs with limited watering capabilities.
Phlox paniculata
If you’re looking for a tall and showy phlox variety for your green roof garden, consider planting Phlox paniculata. This variety features upright stems with clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers in various shades of pink, purple, and white. Phlox paniculata blooms in the summer and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your rooftop oasis. This variety is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a great choice for green roofs.
Phlox divaricata
Phlox divaricata, also known as woodland phlox, is a native perennial that is well-suited for green roof gardens. It forms clumps of lance-shaped leaves that come in various shades of green, blue, and purple. Phlox divaricata produces clusters of fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of lavender, blue, or white in the spring. This variety is low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of growing conditions, including partial shade and well-drained soil.
Hardy Geraniums
Hardy geraniums, also known as cranesbills, are a versatile and low-maintenance plant choice for green roof gardens. These plants produce delicate flowers and attractive foliage, adding beauty and color to any rooftop garden. Some recommended varieties of hardy geraniums for green roofs include Geranium macrorrhizum, Geranium x cantabrigiense, and Geranium sanguineum.
Geranium macrorrhizum
Geranium macrorrhizum is a hardy geranium variety that is valued for its aromatic foliage and colorful blooms. It forms low-growing mounds of lobed leaves that come in various shades of green, red, and bronze. Geranium macrorrhizum produces clusters of small, five-petaled flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple, attracting bees and butterflies to your green roof garden. This variety is drought-tolerant and can thrive in well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for green roofs.
Geranium x cantabrigiense
If you’re looking for a compact and low-maintenance geranium variety for your green roof garden, consider planting Geranium x cantabrigiense. This variety forms clumps of deeply lobed and semi-evergreen leaves that come in various shades of green. Geranium x cantabrigiense produces clusters of small, colorful flowers in spring and summer, adding a splash of color to your rooftop oasis. This geranium variety is drought-tolerant and can tolerate a variety of growing conditions, making it a perfect choice for green roofs.
Geranium sanguineum
Geranium sanguineum, also known as bloody cranesbill, is a native geranium that is well-suited for green roof gardens. It forms clumps of deeply lobed leaves that come in various shades of green and red. Geranium sanguineum produces clusters of small, five-petaled flowers in shades of pink or white, attracting pollinators to your rooftop sanctuary. This variety is drought-tolerant and can thrive in well-drained soil, making it a great choice for green roofs with limited watering capabilities.
In conclusion, green roof gardens offer a unique and sustainable way to create a green space in urban areas. The choice of plants is crucial to the success of these gardens, considering the challenging growing conditions they often face.
The top 10 plants mentioned in this article, including sedum, sempervivum, allium, echinacea, ornamental grasses, lavender, verbena, heuchera, phlox, and hardy geraniums, are all excellent choices for green roofs. These plants are known for their resilience, low maintenance requirements, and ability to attract pollinators, making them ideal for creating beautiful and sustainable rooftop gardens.
So, go ahead and start transforming your rooftop into a green oasis with these fantastic plant choices!