Green Roof Alliums

Alliums have no serious insect problems as the sulfur compounds they produce apparently help ward off insect pests.

Green roof alliums.

Posted in uncategorized with tags alliums bio tray drainage layer edge restraint extensive green roof filter fabric green roof green roof edging green roof media green roof plants green roof solutions green roof technology green roofs hybrid roof intensive green roof moisture retention roof garden rooftop planters sedums. Nodding onions are also sometimes referred to as lady s leek. However some species of alliums dianthus and phlox have shown promise as accent species in some. Species could include allium schoenoprasm and cultivars allium cernuum allium senescens and subspecies etc.

Green roofs are hostile sites. Various low growing 6 10 tall alliums can be used for accent and they typically have green or bluish foliage and flowers of white pink or purple. Nodding onions on a green roof in edmonton canada. The combination of elevated temperatures wind exposure and high light provide challenging conditions for plant growth.

Contains a blend of available allium bare root bulbs from our range of green roof appropriate allium stock. One of the favourites that we have seen in canada is nodding onion allium cernuum. Alliums north america. Plant selection requires careful consideration of site microclimate substrate and maintenance factors linked to the desired aesthetic functional and management outcomes for the project.

Another allium that is native to the north america is the prairie onion allium stellatum. Two alliums that are useful on green roofs are allium cernuum and allium. Most herbaceous perennials have limited drought tolerance and the ability to thrive in an extensive vegetative green roof without supplemental irrigation. Aside from chives there are a few native ones in north america that can used.

Foliage colors can vary from green to yellow red and blue and flowers from white yellow and pink to reddish. It is native across canada and the eastern us. An allium is a member of the onion family hence the name. Nodding onions on a green roof in edmonton canada.

Root rot may be a problem in waterlogged growing media but poor drainage should never be a problem on a properly designed and installed green roof. It works well when planted in groups in rock gardens border fronts containers and window boxes its pink flower heads are 3 6 inches across held above 3 4 inch wide gray green leaves. Sedums and other low growing succulents that need little water and can survive in. Like chives it is also edible.

For a green roof you need small hardy perennial plants that don t need much tending.