Green Roof Plants Australia

They are designed not only to bring back the natural element in the urban environment but also to provide solutions for important issues such as urban heat island effect and stormwater management.

Green roof plants australia.

Annual to biennial plants can be used successfully on green roofs and tend to fall into the groups of quick growing annuals and ephemerals. Species that attract insects and birds double as a strategy to control pests and diseases in the rooftop garden it s about creating a healthy eco system. Urbanscape green roof system concepts go beyond the meaning of contemporary architecture and give a new value to the role of buildings within urban planning. Australian native plants for harsh green roofs by todd layt 9.

Although there is limited experience in australia of such roofs it is likely that many native plants from coastal and arid inland regions are suited to use in such harsh and demanding environments. Plants for extensive green roofs. Flowering plants such as native daisies brachyscome multifida banksias and kangaroo paw are especially good at this. Flowering perennials are used mainly for display and seasonal interest and many indigenous flowering plants used will also have significant habitat values.

Based on the selection process the native myoporum parvifolium creeping myoporum eremophila debilis winter apple and sedum sexangulare tasteless stonecrop showed the greatest survival and coverage on an extensive green roof. Succulents such as sedum are often chosen for extensive green roofs because they withstand harsh conditions and minimize water loss. Extensive green roofs often situated in urban areas require low maintenance vegetation tolerant of heat cold drought and wind. Local governments in sydney melbourne and adelaide have created guides and policies to support green infrastructure and councils have estimated that there are over 50 green roofs in melbourne and 80 000 square metres of green roofs and walls across sydney.

Plants suitable for extensive green roofs include low growing succulents and herbaceous perennials originating from dryland habitats. In australia green roofs are also on the rise. Green roofs australasia is the leading provider for education advocacy research and professional development. Plants for extensive green roofs should have low growth height rapid growth spreading and fibrous roots that have high drought tolerance.

The most useful herbaceous perennials for melbourne green roofs are those originating from dryland habitats.