Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
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
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
Green wall panel for Dallas
August 21, 2007 - We are working on a green wall panel for a hotel near SMU--I see your list of recommended species for green roofs, & wondered if you have any ideas for vertical applications. Probably will have someth...
view the full question and answer
Can you grow wildflowers on a Zoysia greenroof?
June 09, 2015 - I have a 700 square foot zoysia grass roof with irrigation on a pool cabana that I would like to sprinkle with wildflower seeds (bluebonnets, indian paintbrush etc) Is this possible? What is the best ...
view the full question and answer
Native perennial roof garden plants for New York
November 09, 2006 - I am looking for perennial roof gardens plants, sedum, hen and chickens, native plants. I am in zone six. They will have three inches of perilite, gravel, and compost. Can you give me a good local so...
view the full question and answer
Soil mixes for green roofs
November 23, 2008 - We are trying to set up a green roof system on our own. What do you suggest for soil? It seems the soils are proprietary and unavailable to individuals.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |