A rooftop terrace with a view over the city skyline is a dream, but it’s the right greenery that truly turns it into a relaxing urban oasis. To help you level up your space, I’ve put together a list of the most popular plants for rooftop gardens, along with my personal favorite “insider tip.”
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++Leatherleaf Sedge (Carex buchananii)
Leatherleaf Sedge is easily one of the most stunning ornamental grasses out there. Its unique reddish-bronze foliage adds a beautiful, warm glow to any rooftop. It grows in tidy clumps, reaching about 16 inches in height. In July, it produces subtle little spikes that blend right in. The best part? This grass is incredibly low-maintenance. It thrives in full sun, is totally winter-hardy, doesn’t need pruning, and is naturally resistant to pests.
++Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus)
As long as you give it a large enough container, Virginia Creeper is a fantastic choice for rooftop greenery. This vigorous self-climber is perfect for softening up plain brick walls or creating a lush, living privacy screen. Depending on the variety, the leaves are either five-lobed or three-pointed. In the fall, the foliage turns a breathtaking orange to deep red. While the summer flowers are small, they are packed with nectar, making your terrace a favorite spot for local pollinators.
++Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
If you want to add a touch of romance to your outdoor space, Honeysuckle is the way to go. From late May through July, this climbing vine (which definitely needs a trellis or support) produces delicate purple or reddish blooms. When the flowers fully open, they reveal a creamy white or yellow interior and release an intoxicating fragrance—especially in the evenings. It’s the perfect backdrop for a sunset cocktail!
++Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)
This charming, fast-growing climber loves to wind its way counter-clockwise up a trellis. Since it prefers warm, sunny, and airy spots but appreciates a little protection from heavy rain, it’s usually very happy in a sheltered corner of a rooftop. From May to October, you’ll see a profusion of white, yellow, or orange flowers with that iconic “black eye.” There are even newer varieties with solid colors if you’re looking for a specific aesthetic for your garden design.
++Lemon Tree (Citrus limon)
Nothing says “Mediterranean vacation” like a lemon tree on your terrace. They are surprisingly hardy and quite forgiving if you miss a watering here or there. The key is to give them a sunny, warm, and airy spot outdoors for as long as possible, though they do prefer to be shielded from harsh winds and driving rain. The glossy leaves release essential oils in the sun, making your whole terrace smell amazing. Plus, you get white blossoms starting in May and fresh fruit to follow!
++Clematis
There are so many varieties of Clematis that do exceptionally well in pots. The large-flowered hybrids are particularly popular for rooftops because they bring so much “wow” factor. The foliage is lovely on its own, but the flowers—which can have anywhere from four to eight petals—are the real stars. Depending on the variety, they even produce feathery, silk-like seed heads in the fall that look great even after the blooms are gone.
++Oleander (Nerium oleander)
This evergreen shrub can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet in a container if it’s well-cared for. All summer long, it shows off clusters of flowers in shades of pink, salmon, red, or white. To get the most blooms, place it in the sunniest, most wind-protected spot you have. It’s a very easy-going plant that branches out beautifully on its own, so you don’t even have to worry about regular pruning.
%%Common Fig (Ficus carica)
Fig trees are a fantastic choice for rooftop gardening. Their large, leathery leaves are incredibly architectural—they almost look like a hand with spread fingers. While they don’t have “flowers” in the traditional sense, the fruit develops beautifully on its own. Most varieties sold for home gardens are self-pollinating, so with a little love, you’ll be snacking on homegrown figs right off the branch!