Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Thursday - April 20, 2006
From: Beijing China, Other
Region: Other
Topic: Green Roofs
Title: Plants for green roof gardens in Beijing, China
Answered by: Dean Garrett
QUESTION:
I`m wondering if you would know what plants native to the area around Beijing China would be good candidates for extensive green roof gardens? Also, do you think that those hearty little pesky plants and bushes that grow along the sides of highways with seemingly little or no toehold on good growing conditions might be suitable? Thank you for any advise you can offer me.ANSWER:
Since our expertise is with plants native to North America, I'm going to refer you to the recently published Flora of China for ideas about what to plant near Beijing.Extensive green roofs can be planted with a variety of shallow-rooted, low-weight plants, likely including the lovers of disturbed soil you see along highways, at least those with shallow root systems. Garden soils are also disturbed and roadside plants often do very well there, as long as they receive the requisite sunlight and rainfall. Here are some green roof links for more information:
Green Roof Research
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
Scandinavian Green Roof Institute
More Green Roofs Questions
Resources for a green roof project from Wayne PA
April 14, 2013 - Hello! I am researching a project to create a native wildflower/ turf mix for a green roof. I would ideally like to grow it as a sod mat, and then install it in rolls. I am currently working as an i...
view the full question and answer
Need Plants and Soil for a Green Roof in Buffalo, TX
September 13, 2010 - I'm building a green roof on my cabin in the Buffalo, Texas, area. Would you know what soil and plants would be best suited for that area? I have a lot of sand I could use, but didn't know if that...
view the full question and answer
plants for a green roof
June 12, 2011 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
We have a small, homemade green roof with a 4" medium on our sunroom, which faces south, however, a portion is partially shaded a Sweet Gum tree. Native Iris cristata, phlox...
view the full question and answer
Plants for green roof in Laredo
August 22, 2008 - 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 (m...
view the full question and answer
Kinnikinnick for a green roof
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...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
