There are hundreds of Sedum species that are used on green roofs but only a very few do well on roofs in the U.S. South.  The reason for this is that Sedums originate in cold, dry climates of Europe, Russia and Japan. As such they handle the climate of Pennsylvania and Northeast very well but often get diseased and die further south.  The problem is caused by a combination of factors – plant shape, heat (90+ degrees F), high humidity, afternoon/evening rains and 2 major diseases (rhizactonia and pythium).  Does this mean they shouldn’t be used on a Southeastern greenroof?  ABSOLUTELY NOT!

On southern roofs, plants should be chosen not just for their hardiness zone but also for their shape and robustness (which may be related).  Plant species that have open configurations allow moisture to escape thus depriving diseases of the water they need for expanded growth during high heat periods.  Remember, at 90 degrees and above, the Sedums are actually becoming somewhat dormant for heat protection but just the opposite is taking place for the diseases.  Really tight grown single species or mats exacerbate this problem as they hold moisture and allow diseases close quarters for spreading.

My personal experience observing roofs and modules grown in my nursery indicate the following levels of robustness (Note:  Not all recommendations are Sedums):

Most Robust:

Delosperma cooperi

Allium schoenpraesum (chives)

Sedum kamschaticum var ellecombianum

Robust:

S. kamtschaticum

S. floriferum ‘Weihenstephaner Gold’

S. hybridum ‘Immergrunchen’

S. middendorfianum diffusum

S. spurium ‘Roseum’

S. album ‘France’

Moderately Robust:

S. spurium ‘Fuldaglut’

S. spurium ‘John Creech’

S. reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’

S. rupestre ‘Angelina’

S. album murale

S. sexangulare

Poor:
S. spurium ‘White Form’ and Delosprema nubigenum

Expanded information on this topic is available in pdf. form at the Carolina Stonecrops website: http://carolinastonecrops.com/ or by requesting a bound hard copy by email at bob@carolinastonecrops.com.

Robert Long worked for GTE Sylvania for 30 years in chemistry, chem engineering, ceramic engineering and management.  For the last 8 years Bob has been the president/owner/grower at Carolina Stonecrops, Inc. nursery.  He attended Clarkson University (BS Chemistry 1965); University of Wisconsin (MS Analytical Chemistry 1967); and University of Alberta (PhD Analytical Chem 1969).

Publisher’s Note: Learn more about Carolina Stonecrops in The Greenroofs.com Directory.