Urban landscapes are increasingly challenged by climate change and resource scarcity. Those challenges intensify the need for sustainable, low-maintenance planting designs in urban contexts. This study investigates the potential application of western Chinese plant species into sustainable, low-maintenance designed urban communities in the UK. It aims to explore the factors influencing the survival, productivity, competition, and maintenance of non-native species under current and future climate scenarios. By combining field experiments with model analyses, the research examines how community structure, topography, and climatic similarity shape the adaptability—encompassing survival and competitiveness—of non-native species in low-maintenance designed communities.
Key findings underscore the critical role of climatic similarity, particularly the Growing Season De Martonne Aridity Index (IDMgs) and the Growing Season Warmth Index (WIgs), as predictors of non-native species survival and competitive dynamics. Habitat similarity, including factors such as soil moisture and light availability shaped by topographical positions and community structure, further influences species' adaptability within designed communities. The results highlight that while Grime's CSR model provides a foundational framework for understanding species competition, climatic and habitat similarity are more effective in predicting short-term performance. Furthermore, community layering and species richness significantly impact ecosystem services, including extended flowering periods, enhanced weed suppression, and improved ecological resilience.
The study highlights the importance of species selection and design to balance aesthetic, ecological, and maintenance requirements. It presents a framework for integrating non-native species into urban landscapes by incorporating climatic and ecological considerations to enhance sustainability and resilience. These findings offer valuable insights for adapting urban planting designs to address the challenges posed by climate change while supporting biodiversity and promoting ecosystem stability.
