All Organic Roofs specs are based on GRO Code guidance on green roof build ups, but we encourage deeper substrate depths wherever possible to increase biodiversity potential.
For impartial, project-specific advice prior to appointing us as installers, book a Project Surgery. Ask us about our Habitat Upgrade package: a range of specially selected biodiversity hotspots for bees, butterflies and other invertebrates to improve the biodiversity contribution of whichever green roof you choose.
Typical flowering season
Feb/March – November (depending on plant palette – add bulbs for early flowering)
Recommended maintenance regime
Minimum once per year in late July/August (before you’ll want to!), with a recommended second aggressive cut either Autumn or in exceptional circumstances late Winter (February)
Biodiversity contribution
Good (Excellent if good green roof management practices are followed)
Advantages
Excellent food source for pollinators when in flower.
Clump forming plants provide excellent shelter and overwintering for invertebrates.
Taller plants eliminate visual distruption from invasives.
Expect these plants to brown off from mid-summer: our maintenance partners www.greenroofrevival.com can bring down beautiful sprays of dried wildflower stems for you to use in long-lasting floral arrangements.
No need to feed. Plants survive in root zone, drought tolerant within reason.
Planting mix can be tailored to include specialists for eg shady spots, exposed coastal locations etc
Drawbacks
These plants survive in the root zone, so browning off is normal – but this not to everyones taste.
You’ll need to cut them before you want to, but where weather conditions are favourable a second show can happen into late Autumn.
No need to ever feed. shade and poorly draining roofs. Download our ‘Honesty Box’ below for a candid summary of what to expect when growing native wildflowers on your roof in the UK’s increasingly extreme/extended weather patterns.
Download the PDF PREGROWN MEADOW SPEC MEADOW HONEST BOX
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