How to Green Your Concrete Stairs: Planting Solutions for Native Australian Plants

When you want to add a touch of nature to your concrete stairs, especially in a large and curved set of concrete that can present a glare in the sun, finding the right plant is essential. This guide explores the best native Australian plants suitable for such areas, and offers practical solutions to create a visually appealing and practical space.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Concrete Stairs

One of the challenges of planting on concrete stairs is ensuring the plants not only thrive but also cover the steps effectively. When we recently received a query about planting on a set of concrete stairs, we needed to consider several factors, including the presence of planting strips between steps and the angle at which sunlight reflects off the treads and risers.

Creeping Figs: A Durable Gardening Solution

Creeping figs, scientifically known as Ficus pumila, are a versatile and hardy plant that can be a great choice for your concrete stairs. Creeping figs are named for their ability to climb and spread, covering walls and windows just as effectively as they cover concrete surfaces. They are ideal for areas like yours because they can grow along the edges of planting strips, covering the risers and even the treads, depending on the available space and sunlight.

The key to keeping creeping figs manageable is regular pruning. By trimming the plants along the edges, you can maintain a neat appearance while ensuring they stay low-maintenance. This makes them an excellent choice for spaces with limited vertical growth and maintenance concerns.

Planting Strips and Sunlight

Assuming your concrete stairs have planting strips set between the steps, you can leverage the space by planting creeping figs. However, for the entire area, you might need to consider the direction of sunlight. If the risers are mostly in shadow, you are likely safe to plant creeping figs on both the risers and the treads. If the treads themselves are exposed to direct sunlight, you might need a different strategy to minimize glare.

MinMaxing Glare with Other Solutions

While creeping figs are a good start, they alone may not be enough to reduce glare from the treads. For tackling the direct sunlight on the treads, we have a few additional suggestions:

Staining the Concrete: Staining the concrete a dark color can help reduce glare. However, it's important to consider that dark concrete can absorb more heat, potentially making it uncomfortable to sit under the midday sun. Artificial Turf: Covering the treads with good quality artificial turf can provide a soft, cool surface that reflects less glare. This is a relatively simple and effective approach. However, it is on the higher side of the budget. Refacing with Timber: Another option is to reface the concrete treads with timber. This can provide a naturally cool surface and a more aesthetically pleasing look. Again, this method is also more expensive but adds longevity to your landscaping. Shade Sails: Adding shade sails over the concrete stairs can provide relief from the glare and heat. This can be an attractive solution and, depending on the size of your stairs, a relatively budget-friendly one. Large Spreading Trees: Planting large spreading trees in oversized planters around the area can also help reduce glare and provide additional shade. This is a long-term solution but can significantly enhance the aesthetic of your landscaping.

Each of these solutions has its pros and cons, so the best choice may depend on your specific needs, budget, and long-term vision for your space.

Conclusion and Additional Tips

Creating a green and inviting environment on your concrete stairs is both a practical and visually appealing task. Creeping figs can be a great starting point, but consider the direction of sunlight and the overall design of your space when choosing your plants and supplementary solutions.

Whether you opt for creeping figs, stained concrete, or a combination of solutions, the key is to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By following these guidelines, you can transform a potentially problematic area into a beautiful and welcoming part of your outdoor space.