Improving air quality in traffic dense cities is an important issue with many companies and government bodies searching for affordable and effective solutions. However, recent research from the UK suggests that one solution has been under our noses all along. Plants!

Roadside pollution consists of vehicle exhaust, dust and other small particles from tyres, brakes etc. The use of roadside plantings to improve air quality is not a new idea but there are now researchers at the Royal Horticultural Society who have tested different leaf structures as well as growth habits to determine which are most the effective. Data was captured during 2016 and 2019 using seven different plant species across multiple urban locations and analysing the level of particulates trapped on the leaf surface and the heavy metals absorbed into the leaves.

The plants on this page from Ozbreed exhibit traits of dense foliage combined with hairy and/or relatively rough leaves making them excellent choices for roadside plantings, and pollution control.

Blue Horizon™ Eremophila

Is a stunning groundcover with grey foliage and yellow flowers in winter. Grows 25cm high and 1m wide. Handles full sun and is drought tolerant once established. Best for the drier southern half of the country.

Better John™ Callistemon

This Callistemon is an attractive shrub reaching 1.2m high and 90cm wide with masses of red bottlebrush flowers in spring and softy silvery new foliage. Grows well nationwide except in the wet tropics. Drought and cold hardy.

Blue Gem™ Westringia

Bears masses of vivid blueish-purple flowers in spring that outshine regular westringia flowers. Will also flower reliably at other times of the year. Grows 1.5m high and 1.3m wide and will thrive in tough locations provided it has good drainage.

Find out more from Ozbreed Green Life via the links below.