Native Plants
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Friday - August 22, 2008
From: Laredo, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Green Roofs
Title: Plants for green roof in Laredo
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hello, I am working on a green roof, and I saw your section of "Native Green Roof", and I saw good plants that I would like to use, but I am not sure if they will be suitable because of the roots (maybe they are tap roots). I've researching but I haven't been able to find out, the plants that I am interested in are Penstemon triflorus, Phyla nodiflora, Salvia greggii, Salvia farinácea, and Dalea greggii. Thanks! P.S. My green roof would be between 6" and 16" deep, depending on the slope.ANSWER:
Please look at the Species List from Wildflower Center Research recommended for green roofs and you will find all the species you have listed are on this list along with 18 other species. They would work very well. You might also look at native wildflowers growing in your vicinity—especially ones growing in tough situations like in ditches or vacant lots with constant sun and heat. If they are doing well there with no particular care from anyone, they should do well on your green roof. I suggest, also, that you read the answer to a previous question about green roof plants for Monterrey, Mexico.
More Green Roofs Questions
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August 06, 2008 - Hello! I am checking local plants to plant on a Green Roof, and am researching on which are mostly to survive better. Is it possible to plant the following on a green roof?? (Root depth needed, basica...
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August 26, 2007 - Hi, I am interested in planting native plants on green roofs in New York City. I am wondering how deep your soil is on the center's native plant green roof and if it is irrigated, or was it ever irr...
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June 12, 2011 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
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March 02, 2013 - Where do you buy your expanded clay or shale, your decomposed granite and your rice husks for a green roof?
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July 04, 2012 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants,
I live just north of Seattle and want to build a green roof (outdoor kitchen) I'm concerned about the weight of the soil (saturated), drainage etc. am building from scratch and...
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