roof terrace plants - what to get and where to get them???

[Minitoots]

We have a small roof terrace on the 4th floor which is very exposed to wind and sun which we need to re-stock with plants that can survive up there. We have cordylines, yuccas and bottlebrushes which all thrive but also would like other suggestions. Is there anything with larger leaves that might survive? Any climber that might grow round the railings?

Also as we are on a tight budget, where are the best places to get plants? We used to go to Columbia road but wonder if it would be cheaper to buy online. Any suggestions welcome thanks.

[KidKruger]

cheapest climber would be ivy, which should be fine for railings. Just tear some off a tree in the woods and pot it or use rooting compound to get it going, 4 floors up will be fine as it's used to climbing higher up at the tree tops. Just nake sure you cut it back when/if it approaches brickwork or masonry or woodwork.

[maxxi]

We also have a roof terrace that is sunny & can get quite windy; we grow lots of different things in pots from lobelia and alyssum to poppies, lupins and foxgloves.

For climbers/cover; nasturtiums (great for climbing , leaf cover and colour - and both leaves and flowers are delicious), Jasmine (good climber and scent), Honeysuckle (particularly good in shady spot).

We planted lots of stocks this year too which are pretty robust and have great perfume and colour and attract lots of bees.

As for budget we grew most of these from seed or v small plants - no ground frost on a roof terrace and things thrive which you'd think wouldn't.

[yeknomyeknom]

Jparkers online is very cheap for basic plants.

[TE44]

Passion fruit (passiflora) is great and grows so easy from a cutting.

[Nigello]

Heathers and lavenders are tough plants and will attract bees and butterflies, etc. Hang a basket or three with a tradescantia and/or spider plant. (Karavan has lovely macrame ones, holding one or two pots.) Ivies are fast growers. A hydrangea - climbing variety, like petiolaris - could work along a wall.