Green Roof Plant Blog

Circle Onion

By Kat Harrold

Allium sensescens ~ Photo by Kat Harrold

Allium sensescens is a showy end of summer to early autumn bloomer that does well in both full sun and full shade.  Its light pink pompom is about an inch in diameter and somewhat resembles a beach ball floating across a sea of gray green wavy leaves.  A fragrant member of the Alliaceae family, it can contribute to a bouquet of scents in a floral herb garden.  This plant is most suited for extensive to semi-intensive green roofs and requires little maintenance.

Hieracium maculatum  - Kat Harrold

Hieracium maculatum is a great green roof plant for full to part shade green roofs.  Soft hairs on the leaves help it adapt to dry sunny locations as well.  Plants less than a year old may require extra attention in areas of full sun during extreme heat and drought conditions.  Given proper nutrients and water this herbaceous plant is repeat bloomer and can provide a spray of bright yellow flowers from early to late summer.

Hieracium maculatum may be grown on a green roof either from plugs or seeds.  It is best suited for extensive to semi-intensive green roofs.