Green Roof Trend Sees Sedum Resurgence

It’s been the hero of green roof systems for decades and now sedum is making a comeback after several years of wildflower living roof systems throwing shade on it. 

The low maintenance, heat and drought tolerant plants – also known as ‘stonecrops’ which gives a good indication of their hardiness – are increasingly being recognised by specifiers for their lengthy flowering season and eco benefits.

Julian Thurbin, of leading modular green roofing system manufacturer Wallbarn, described sedum as delivering a ‘sea of flowers’ for many months which not only looks beautiful but also give much needed support to wild bee communities.

“Wildflowers have proved a really popular choice but we’re seeing clients and specifiers circle back to sedum – the original extensive green roof plants of choice – because it delivers a longer flowering season and is being recognised for its ability to feed and support wild bees. There’s no compromise in terms of aesthetics, customers are often really surprised by the beauty and variety of flowering sedum when they see images of our modular M-Tray sedum roofs,” said Julian.

Including green roofs in projects from garden office roofs to vast commercial installations feeds into growing calls for the government to support green economic growth. A report from the Environmental Horticulture Group outlined how environmental horticulture is ‘essential to nature-based climate solutions’, with urban green spaces mitigating climate impacts and enhancing biodiversity, benefits valued at £27.4 billion in 2021, according to the EHG.