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I am an architect working on a project in Malibu, California. This is new construction of a single-family residence. The house features a green roof and the client is convinced that it must be planted with Bougainvillea. Aesthetically it will be important that the plants are densely distributed and that they reach a decent height.

My question is, what would be an appropriate soil depth? I have asked a number of consultants and received different answers, ranging from 8-12 inches. We would like to keep the number low, as the weight of the roof increases dramatically with each inch of soil. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with a similar situation. If we have to do 12 inches (which is our limit) we will, but we'd prefer to go lighter.

It is also worth mentioning that the "soil" is not really like normal soil, it is a growing media without a lot of organic matter, and retains less moisture than normal soil (I believe this helps keep the weight down).

newellt
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    It depends on how wide an area the plant can spread roots... Wide, shallow (even under 10") root systems should be fine as long as it's irrigated regularly. – J. Musser Oct 06 '15 at 18:29

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I saw a planting in Mexico of bougainvillea where the soil depth was about six inches. The planters were six or eight feet long. It looked fine but as J. Musser says if you don't irrigate then the soil dries out pretty fast.

If you are using a soil less mix and shallow planting depth the big issue is some plants are going to die out. Edges and corners are going to be hotter and drier. I sure hope that the planting area is accessible for maintenance and watering or it will look poorly after a while.

Green roofs normally use plants that spread by roots or rhizome so if one or two die the rest fill in. Bougainvillea with it's thorns and scrambling habit should be planted on a wider spacing but if one dies then there is big hole for weeds to start in.

I see a direct conflict here between the practice of a green roof: self sufficient, not requiring irrigation, low weeding requirements and using a sprawling vine which will need water and weeding.

The more I read about using this plant the less it seems appropriate for a green roof. From here

  • Unless they are pruned regularly, bougainvillea grows into a tangled mass of old and new growth, and overcrowding often leads to pests and diseases
  • It should not be planted in extremely windy, unprotected areas Bougainvillea is very susceptible to girdling during a storm. The bark will rub off at ground level when stems whip in high-speed winds.
  • needs regular fertilizing with formula­tions having NPK ratios of 1:1:1 or 2:1:2. Applications of soluble minor elements help prevent leaf chlorosis
  • Bougainvillea tolerates drying and if possible irrigation should be adjusted to be a little on the dry side. They are sensitive to over watering but should not be allowed to completely dry out.

So your client wants to put a plant on a roof where:

  • the recommended planting distance is six to nine feet spacing
  • it needs regular pruning
  • should not be exposed to high winds
  • fertilized regularly with all the issues that entails with salt buildup in the irrigation system and soil and ensuring consistent application levels
  • should not be left to dry out totally yet should not be over watered

How about you suggest an initial planting of ice plants to fill in the spaces until the bougainvillea grows in? That way there is something to stabilize the soil that looks good right away and if the bougainvillea does great it can shade out and out grow the ice plants in time?

kevinskio
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  • Good answer. Sometimes automated irrigation based on soil moisture sensors can make it kinda 'self-sufficient'. – J. Musser Oct 06 '15 at 22:01
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    I should have mentioned that there will be irrigation in the form of fleece-wrapped, perforated rubber tubing. Also I am thinking there will be mulch on top of the growing media--I would think this will help the the moisture content as well. I agree that the weeding issue is a concern. Sounds like we would be ok with shallower depth (I'm thinking 9 inches), as long as we have decent maintenance access and irrigation? (Trust me no expense will be spared on maintaining and irrigating the roof) – newellt Oct 06 '15 at 22:25
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It sounds were Very interesting. I do not know where in Malibu or Mexico they are growing. I live in Palo Alto, CA. There is a bougainvillea growing up the walls and over the roof on a 2-story residential building. It is huge.!!

I would skip planting on the roof, The soil will dry out quickly. I would plant it in the ground and train it to grow up and over the building. I have trained 2 bouganvillas Like this. A metal grid system above the roof could provide the armature or structure From which the vine can grow on and raise it above the roof.

I trained a bougainvillea Using EB Stone Fish emulsion and kelp To grow The main trunk 12-long. The foot of the plant is in the ground In the shade and The main trunk (12’) disperses Into 6 branches on the fence. I Have seen many huge bouganvillas making a home on the roof, the fence and many wallS. I think it could be achieved EB Stones/ Fish Emulsion and Kelp and a metal structure to hold the vine. Above the roof.

Sincerely, Alexis

Alexis
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