Building Gorgeous Planter Gardens for Urban Spaces with the Best Plants For Rooftop Gardens
A rooftop garden is a beautiful way to bring nature into an urban environment. Whether you’re looking to create a peaceful retreat, grow fresh herbs, or add greenery to a concrete skyline, choosing the best plants for rooftop gardens is essential for success. Since rooftops face unique challenges like wind, direct sunlight, and weight restrictions, planter and container garden design plays a key role in ensuring plants thrive.
At Borst Landscape & Design, we specialize in designing stunning rooftop gardens that are sustainable, low-maintenance, and perfectly suited to your space.
Call us at (201) 785-9400 or contact us online to start creating your dream rooftop garden today!
How to Choose the Best Plants for Rooftop Gardens
When selecting plants for a rooftop garden, it’s important to consider:
- Sun & Wind Exposure: Rooftops often get intense sun and wind, so opt for hardy, drought-tolerant plants.
- Weight Limitations: Lightweight planters and soil mixes help reduce structural stress.
- Drainage & Irrigation: Good drainage prevents water buildup, while a drip irrigation system ensures consistent watering.
- Privacy & Aesthetics: Use tall grasses, shrubs, or vertical gardens for a lush, secluded space.
By selecting the right plants and containers, you can create a thriving rooftop garden with minimal maintenance.
Best Plants for Rooftop Gardens
1. Drought-Tolerant Plants for Rooftop Gardens
Since rooftops experience high heat and limited moisture, choosing drought-resistant plants is key.
Succulents & Sedums – Water-efficient and low-maintenance. (e.g., Stonecrop, Echeveria, Hens and Chicks)
Lavender – Aromatic, hardy, and attracts pollinators.
Russian Sage – Resilient and adds striking color.
Thyme & Rosemary – Edible and naturally drought-resistant.
Tip: Use self-watering containers or a rooftop irrigation system to keep plants hydrated without frequent watering.
2. Best Plants for Privacy & Wind Protection on Rooftops
Strong winds are common on rooftops, so adding tall plants in sturdy planters helps create a natural windbreak while enhancing privacy.
Bamboo (Clumping Varieties) – Lightweight and fast-growing.
Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis) – Sways beautifully in the breeze.
Boxwood Shrubs (Dwarf Varieties) – Provides year-round greenery.
Arborvitae (‘Emerald Green’ Thuja) – A great evergreen screen.
Pro Tip: Group plants together for better wind resistance and use heavier planters to prevent tipping. Just make sure your roof can carry the load.
3. Flowering Plants for Colorful Rooftop Gardens
Bright flowers attract butterflies, bees, and birds, bringing life to your rooftop.
Geraniums – Long-lasting, vibrant blooms.
Coneflowers (Echinacea) – Hardy and pollinator-friendly.
Marigolds – These are Pest-resistant and cheerful.
Black-eyed Susans – Drought-tolerant with golden blooms.
Best Practice: Combine flowering plants with perennials and evergreens for year-round beauty.
4. Edible Plants for Rooftop Kitchen Gardens
Want to grow fresh produce on your rooftop? The best plants for rooftop edible gardens thrive in containers and require minimal space.
Cherry Tomatoes – Compact and high-yielding.
Lettuce & Kale – Perfect for raised beds or shallow planters.
Strawberries – Grow beautifully in hanging baskets.
Basil & Mint – Hardy, fragrant, and great for cooking.
Tip: Use raised beds or tiered planters to maximize growing space in a small rooftop garden.
5. Best Shade-Loving Plants for Covered Rooftops
If your rooftop has partial shade, these plants will flourish without full sun exposure.
Hostas – Lush green foliage in a variety of colors.
Ferns – Adds texture and thrives in indirect sunlight.
Impatiens – Colorful, shade-tolerant blooms.
Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Gorgeous, multicolored leaves.
Expert Tip: Add mulch to rooftop planters to retain moisture, even in shaded areas.
Choosing the Best Planters for Rooftop Gardens
The right planters and containers are essential for rooftop garden success.
Fiberglass & Resin: Lightweight and modern.
Metal Containers: Sleek but can get hot in direct sun.
Wood Planters: Rustic and breathable—opt for cedar or redwood.
Self-Watering Planters: Reduces maintenance and ensures hydration.
Bonus Tip: Vertical gardens and hanging planters are great for small rooftop spaces and can add privacy and intimacy.
Rooftop Garden Design Tips
Layer Heights for Depth: Combine tall grasses, shrubs, and trailing plants.
Create Functional Zones: Dedicate areas for seating, dining, and greenery.
Use Outdoor Lighting: String lights, lanterns, and solar fixtures enhance ambiance.
Incorporate Hardscaping: Trellises, pavers, and pergolas add structure and style.
Design Inspiration: A mix of edible plants, flowering shrubs, and greenery creates a relaxing rooftop retreat.
Bring Your Rooftop Garden to Life with Borst Landscape & Design
A stunning rooftop garden is more than just plants—it’s about creating a functional, beautiful outdoor space that thrives in an urban environment.
At Borst Landscape & Design, we specialize in:
✔ Custom rooftop garden designs
✔ Planter and container garden solutions
✔ Landscaping lighting, irrigation and maintenance
Let us help you transform your rooftop into a lush, green oasis! Call us at (201) 785-9400 or contact us online today!
Photo by Sarah O’Shea