4. Hypericum can reach 1 to 2 feet in height. Receive free, no-commitment estimate from lawn service professionals near you. Ornamental grasses, ground cover roses and … If you had a 100 square foot area to plant, you’d need at least 33 creeping phlox plants in order to get full coverage. Manzanita (Arctostaphylos) plants include shrubs that grow on hillsides and require little care. Squaw Carpet is an evergreen ground cover that grows on open slopes and under Jeffrey or Ponderosa pines from 4000' to 7000' elevation. Clumping root plants are the best kind of foliage for a slope because of how secure the roots will make the plants in the ground. Ground cover plants provide an inexpensive and easily maintained solution to erosion problems on slopes, along roadways, and on construction sites - any place where disturbed or exposed soil is present. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Poke holes in the fabric and plant the junipers, then cover the fabric with ​ mulch. When looking for plants for a steep slope, you should consider groundcovers. When planting ground cover to protect slopes and embankments, select those with deep roots that will secure the plant to the slope. Its foliage boasts of a mixture of aromatic, silver, and green features. Mowing is challenging and water will simply run off this high moisture loving plant. Evergreenplants provide cover all year round without the need for much maintenance. European wild ginger (Asarum europaeum) 5. This drought-tolerant ground cover plant shares some similarities with creeping junipers, especially in height. If the earth around trees is bare, it probably doesn’t receive enough sunlight for lawn grass—but lots of ground cover loves shade. Deep-rooted plants, such as prairie plants, hold their own on even the steepest slope. Groundcovers are often underused in landscapes. Juniper was widely used as a ground cover in the 70’s and 80s. It has tough roots that will grip tightly to the ground, making the soil is more solid and retains the strength. Based on preference, some species of groundcover plants are shade-loving while others thrive under full sun. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Thread leaf coreopsis is a high spirited ground cover plant that blossoms in any soil, both sandy and rocky. Home insurance is a valuable way to protect the investment, but could you save money on your home insurance policy? Good choices include English ivy, creeping juniper, and … soil for planting. When the ground cover is planted under large trees, they reduce the mower’s damage to the root of the tree. Hundreds of plants can be used as ground cover—including vines, grasses, plants with spectacular blooms, even low-growing shrubs—and they’re perennial, meaning they come back every year from their roots. Roots spread quickly to cover bare, shady slopes with elegant 3-foot-tall, vase-shaped plants. Leave some organic debris: When clearing an area for planting, it's best to leave a bit of organic debris. This easy-to-grow ground cover plant features a bluish-green to gray-green needle-like evergreen foliage well saturated by an aromatic matte pink or white flower during spring, whereas, during winter, it retains its foliage. It's tempting to page through a plant-and-seed catalog and pick the prettiest ones, but even ground cover can be finicky. Perennial beds that feature trees, shrubbery, and bushes are great spots for ground cover, but don’t plant both at the same time. The sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a vigorous, shade-loving ground cover plant with a dainty look. Wondering what are the fast growing ground covers for slopes? Gardeningbank.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Difficult to access, prone to erosion or dry soil, banks and slopes can be challenging for most gardeners. Additionally, when planted in overwintering areas, they serve as an ideal habitat for beneficial pollinators and insects. Rockspray Cotoneaster is the best ground cover for slopes full sun because its roots will help to stabilize the ground on the slope thanks to its roots that contact with the soil. Most groundcovers are spaced from six inches to two feet apart. Although groundcovers are generally low maintenance plants, they will still require some care, especially until they become established in the landscape. Although it is drought resistant, it can’t survive for long under constant dry conditions, so avoid planting them in hot southern climates because it suffers even under the shade. Mulching around the plants … Ground Cover Plants for a Hillside. Ground cover plants form a broad carpet stretching across a surface, making them an easy solution for covering a gravel slope. If the plants you choose spread by underground root development, which is common for many types of ground cover like evening primrose, you must create a barrier that extends below the surface to keep the roots from going where they shouldn’t. Lawn substitutes in areastoo shady for lawn grasses; 2. Maybe you have a steep slope … RELATED: 10 Lush Landscaping Ideas for a Hilly Backyard. They are used to control erosion on steep slopes. These low maintenance ground cover plants extend to about 18 inches in height and are receptive to both rabbits and deer. Some landscaping ideas to use this plant for good ground cover is to prevent erosion on slopes, use as a colorful edging border, or have foliage under trees or shrubs. J. horizontalis ‘Prince of Wales’: one of the smallest of the small, because of its short height, which is just 6 inches tall. Hypericum Calycinum St. John's Wort. These ground cover plants act as insulators that offer a layer of protective coverings for the soil in extremely dry or wet environments. Maybe you hate mowing and fertilizing grass. When planting on slopes, mulch or netting may be required to control erosion until your plants are established. This petite groundcover plant is the smallest of ground covers, and they form vase covers over full-sun locations. This type of ground cover is sturdy and, to an extent, fast-spreading, which makes it an excellent all-season round groundcover. Planting them up with the right plants will help counter erosion, slow water runoff, provide quick … This article has provided you with excellent choices ranging from 1 to 15, fast-growing ground covers for slopes. This ground cover plant thrives in shady sites and requires well-drained acidic soil to grow. Another fast growing ground cover for slopes that grow horizontally and cover the whole area beautifully is the Forsythia. Choosing erosion control plants is an art in itself. This ground cover plants can be grown in various conditions, from ground covers to hanging baskets and container planters. When planted on steep … © 2020 Gardening Bank | All rights reserved. Also, for maximum results, it is best to choose plants that are known to thrive well in the conditions found in your location and zones. Groundcovers are low-growing plants that spread fast and wide to form a dense blanket on the soil. If you live in deer country they should also be plants that deer tend not to eat. Clumping plants, which produce several stems from one root, also work well. https://www.essentialhomeandgarden.com/ground-cover-plant-slopes There are several types that you can turn depending on your needs. For example, if a plant is supposed to cover a three-foot area at maturity, such as many varieties of creeping phlox tend to do, you’ll want to locate one plant every three feet. Quick-growing ground cover plants can absorb the nutrients that newly planted bushes and trees need to get a good head start. https://blog.gardenloversclub.com/ornamental/plants-for-steep-slopes You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Periodically prune them to get the best from them each season. Keep the plants watered. These plants are best suited for problematic areas like steep slopes. Gardeners find the different variants with multicolored leaves of curly or white flowers and twisted leaves more attractive. Read our top tips for how to safeguard your property while saving money. It does not give so much care to how dry or hot the weather gets, the type of soil it is cultivated in, or the amount of shade or sun it gets. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Mazus reptans plant is an excellent low-maintenance groundcover. The lilyturf is an excellent dense evergreen cover plant that is ideal for slope sites or bases of large trees with extensive root systems. Plants that have clumping roots include trees, shrubs and … Check out the USDA Plant Hardiness Map to determine your growing zone, and then buy only the plants that will grow in your region. It is the wish of every gardener to find the perfect plants to fill in these imperfections to prevent soil erosions and the growth of stubborn weeds. Don’t waste your hard-earned money by planting the wrong type of species for your climate or soil type. Forsythia (zones 5 to 8, 4 to 6 feet tall) is one such plant, a shrub that flowers in early spring. RELATED: The Best Low-Maintenance Ground Covers for Your Garden. English Ivy – A favorite steep hill ground cover, this woody vine will root wherever it touches. Having these insects and pollinators are advantageous to the plants in your garden because they promote pest control, which could have an adverse effect on your plants. Groundcovers are low-growing plants that spread quickly, form a dense cover and help prevent soil … Creeping ground covers are favorites between flagstones and pavers to create walkways with natural flair, but many plants can’t take being stepped on. This species is known as the most tolerant of humidity and heat. RELATED: 10 Gardening Mistakes That Are Killing Your Plants. Before choosing a plant, make sure it’s not on your state’s list of invasive plants. They extend several feet wide, and once they are established, they begin to produce blue “berries” (seed cones). This can be accomplished by digging a narrow trench and inserting landscape edging, such as Grass Barrier 10-inch Depth Edging (available on Amazon), to prevent ground cover roots from invading areas where they’re not wanted. Some jobs are better left to the pros. Also, only plant very low-growing plants in walkways to prevent tripping obstacles. These plants will survive under the required growing conditions with minimal maintenance and supervision on your part. • Banish existing weeds, either by pulling or spraying with an herbicide and then preparing the Interest in water conserving landscape is bringing attention to the strategy of planting a diversity of trees and spreading shrubs with organic mulch topdressing. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Your choice of an appropriate plant for groundcover purposes depends on the location where it will be grown. Although low-growing, spreading plants are a common choice for ground cover plants for sloping gardens, shrubs and bushes can add visual interest and root deeply for added erosion control. This ground cover is a vigorous spreader and is hardy down to  -30 degrees F and features a beautiful solid dark green leaves that extend 8- to 10-inch in height. Most plant retailers list the light requirements necessary for optimal plant growth in the plant’s description or on its label. They tolerate various soil conditions and can grow on steep slopes. Nepeta racemosa ground covers feature a cone of full bloom purple flowers early in the spring that flourishes nearly all year round. They are of great use in extremely dry or wet locations. Spacing depends on plant growth rate, immediate effect, and the number of plants used, which is usually based on cost. They are low-growing cold-hardy ground covers that offer you landscape colors all year round because they are evergreen. Thread leaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Zagreb’), 13. Image courtesy of Pinterest. Some nurseries feature blends for slope … These ground covers are sturdy, attractive, and drought-resistant. Slopes and banks of various sizes are quite common in both residential gardens and commercial landscapes throughout the Inland Empire. Acid-loving or ericaceous shrubs grow best in a pH range of 4-6, and ideally pH 5-5.5. Heavy rains and high winds are the main causes of erosion on slopes, and plants with shallow root systems, such as cacti and most ferns, can quickly be washed or blown away. 19. To plant creeping juniper on a grassy slope, get rid of the grass, then lay down landscape fabric along the slope. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.. We also participate in various other affiliate programs; we sometimes receive some commission on purchases made through our site. Not all succulents are prickly like cactus (the most commonly known type of succulent); other varieties feature soft, supple leaves, trailing vines, and bright, gem-colored blooms, such as purslane and royal dewflower. Gazania Lots of color for long season. This ground cover plant is tolerant of partial shade or sun, Ophiopogon planiscapus Nigrescens is grown for the black color of the carpet glass. Mini Mondo grass … For shady areas, under shrubs and trees. I prefer coir fiber or shredded redwood, which has a more fur-like quality. Back then it was considered one of the preferred plants for erosion control on slopes in sunny locations. What Is the Best Fertilizer for Geraniums? Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) 3. When chosen carefully and placed correctly, they greatly enhance the beauty of the landscape. Follow the Garden Path. The Best Low-Maintenance Ground Covers for Your Garden, These Popular Plants Might Actually Be Bad for Your Garden, The Dos and Don'ts for Landscaping Around Trees, 14 of the Best Plants for Your Drought-Tolerant Garden, 10 Lush Landscaping Ideas for a Hilly Backyard, 10 Gardening Mistakes That Are Killing Your Plants, Read our top tips for how to safeguard your property while saving money, 10 Plants Sure to Stop Deer in Their Tracks, 12 Expert Tips for Eye-Catching Front Yard Landscaping, The Dos and Don'ts of Deadheading Flowers, The Dos and Don'ts of Cleaning Patio Furniture, The Dos and Don’ts of Mulching the Garden, The Most Affordable Ways to Fence in a Yard, 9 Things Home Makeover Shows Never Tell You. Interrupted Fern (Osmunda claytoniana), Best Pruning Blades For Reciprocating Saw, Difference Between Primary And Secondary Growth. European wild ginger (Asarum europaeum), 5. Each plant can put out runners that are up to 80-feet long, and this ivy can spread to be more than 50-feet wide. Mini Mondo grass (Ophipogon japonicus ‘Nana’), 9. When looking for plants for a steep slope, you should consider groundcovers. While many plants only thrive when they receive regular moisture, if you live in a dry location, such as New Mexico, southern Utah, or Nevada, you’ll get the best results with succulents. Also, the Cotoneaster is not growing too tall, only 3 feet max, which is also easy to maintain. Good choices include English ivy, creeping juniper, and Japanese spurge. Deep rooted plants help stabilize soil, trees add dimension and shade to prevent excess evaporation, and low growing ground covers cover up unsightly areas with ease of care. Control erosion, especially on slopes where lawn grass is difficult to maintai… Deep rooted plants help stabilize soil, trees add dimension and shade to prevent excess evaporation, and low growing ground covers cover up unsightly areas with ease of care. Its only downside is dirty motionless water. Others, fortunately, are quite resilient, including carpet bugle, rockcress, and ground ivy, so read a plant’s label or research it online. A mixed planting of native grasses, herbaceous and woody ground covers, shrubs and trees, if space allows, is the best strategy for slope stabilization. Learn how your comment data is processed. That way, you don’t have to stand directly over the plant to admire its artistry. An invasive species can spread fast, beyond the area where you’d like it to grow, and you could spend years trying to eradicate it. Slopes and banks of various sizes are quite common in both residential gardens and commercial landscapes throughout the Inland Empire. Barrenwort (Epimedium species) 7. The leaves feature clumps of semi heart-shaped leaves with tones of crimson, vibrant yellow, or bronze flowers during early spring. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ (Sedum spp. Not all areas of your yard are conducive to a grassy lawn—and that’s where ground cover comes in. The best solution to cut down on landscape maintenance and steep slope eluding control is the ground covers. Creeping thyme id a drought tolerant fast growing ground cover plant that thrives in full sun The Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a low-growing, low-maintenance sun-loving ground … Leave some organic debris: When clearing an area for planting, it's best to leave a bit of organic debris. Daylily, a great perennial groundcover for steep, sunny slopes. It features a dense, shiny, round hearted shaped leaves and grows little yellowish-green flowers in April and May which stand side by side, forming a close-knit cover and are deer resistant; this makes it an adorable groundcover. RELATED: These Popular Plants Might Actually Be Bad for Your Garden. An added bonus is that deer won’t eat it. The weeping form (Forsythia suspensa) can be a particularly good choice for retaining soil on a slope: Where the … Ceanothus prostratus. Cheddar pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus) 6. Some landscaping ideas to use this plant for good ground cover is to prevent erosion on slopes, use as a colorful edging border, or have foliage under trees or shrubs. For the best results, space plants based on their predicted spread. They add a beautiful carpet-like feature to the garden and resolve a range of planting issues in challenging areas. Since it matures to a maximum height of only about nine inches tall, many greens growers choose to grow creeping phlox on a slope. Using ground cover plants is a great way to stop erosion and add a ton of color to what might otherwise be a boring slope. When planting ground cover to protect slopes and embankments, select those with deep roots that will secure the plant to the slope. Although it is often said that grass might seem to be the best ground cover plants for slopes, however mowing grass on a steep slope is often tricky and quite dangerous. Therefore, they are in less competition with already existing plants like shrubs and trees. Lawn substitutes in narrow oddly shapes areas where mowing and edging is difficult; 3. Some ground cover plants, for instance, make a … Center the plant in the hole and fill with good potting soil that contains an all-purpose fertilizer. These needle-like ground covers are available in several cultivars and species of differing leave color, height, composition, and form. In addition to their aesthetic value, they fulfill a number of other important functions: 1. Instead, after removing weeds dig a hole for each plant the same depth as the plant’s root ball and twice as wide. Perfect for a low-maintenance garden. Planting in the fall allows the groundcover to establish stronger root systems before they are taxed by summer heat. Silver carpet is a nearly flat ground cover for … Slow to start, once established it will quickly cover ground … It features greenish needle-like leaves that blossom into sunny yellow flowers with mild blemish through late spring to summer. It is also drought tolerant. Needs some replacement over time but a very good ground cover. To maintain a colorful home garden and luscious lawn, one has to be intentional and consistent about the resources required, such as effort, time, and money. But there are very good reasons why you might want something other than lawn to carpet the ground. This ground cover plant is a vigorous wild spreader best suited in shady slopes. To maintain, when back in spring, simply trim off dead growth to produce new fresh growth every season. This approach to slope planting … Moss phlox ground cover plant enters full bloom during early spring; its dense carpet spreads across the ground with flowers in colors of pink, white or purple. During early to mid-summer, it reaches full bloom of small purple flowers in clusters. Defined as a grouping of usually low-growing plants that spread over an entire area, ground cover creates a carpet of foliage while squeezing out weeds as a bonus. When life hands you short steep slopes … This attractive evergreen groundcover is also suitable to fit in areas in between stepping stones and around the base of trees, In place of gravels or shredded barks. They help to regulate and maintain the soil’s cool temperature during summer by protecting it from excessive sunlight and the warm heat during winter. These hardy plants can often thrive in shady spots to add color and texture, as well control erosion on a slope or embankment. The best types of ground cover plants require little maintenance and aren’t invasive. Get Rockspray Cotoneaster, Cotoneaster … Its root system is excellent for retaining soil and thus controlling erosion. Your home is most likely your largest investment. • Loosen soil on flat areas by tilling or turning with a shovel to a depth of six inches, then apply all-purpose, time-released fertilizer per package directions. This ground cover plant is of great advantage to other plants in the garden, because its protective covering will help protect roots from being destroyed by low temperatures in colder seasons. Its deep-rooted stem system makes it survive drought. These plants, such as ice plant and stonecrop, store water in their thick leaves and roots, and when precipitation is scarce, they live off the water they retain. Tips for Planting Ground Covers. The stems form a net-like root system, and its ability to spread under a short period makes it the best option for a beautiful flowering ground cover. The latter leaves feature a gold color. Ground cover plants are the most accessible means to add an ornamental look and variety of color to your garden or lawn without much work. Low water needs Ivy Geranium Lots of color, needs some replacements, Best not around other plants… Annualground co… If you choose the right plants, your ground cover can save you time and money in your long-term landscaping endeavors. The English ivy is a shade-loving plant that does well in zones 4 to 9. If the hill is big, … Turf grass is often a choice but consider the maintenance difficulties. Their ability to trap in moisture in the soil protects roots from drought or washing away during extremely wet seasons. 11 Best Plants For Covering Slopes and Hillsides. Barrenwort is a vigorous ground cover plant that blooms all year round. Space plants 3 feet apart in USDA zones 3 through 8. The desire to quickly cover a stubborn spot in your yard is understandable, but planting an invasive species—such as kudzu, a plant that rapidly blankets bushes and trees, smothering and killing them—is asking for trouble. Groundcovers are low-growing plants that spread quickly, form a dense cover and help prevent soil erosion. Also, only 3 feet max, which makes it an excellent dense cover. Cover plant thrives in shady slopes the flowers are black to access, prone to erosion dry. Especially until they become established in the world is – surprise – lawn excellent retaining! 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We ’ ve given you 15 options to consider or bronze flowers during early to mid-summer, it grow... The investment, but could you save money on your state ’ s and 80s 15, fast-growing covers! Will be grown in various conditions, from ground covers that offer layer! Slope sites or bases of large trees with extensive root systems maintenance ground cover can save you time money. Fresh growth every season cover all year round without the need for much maintenance color, height,,! And rocky best results, space plants based on cost ’ s where ground for! Plants used, which makes it an excellent choice for damp hillsides participant the... To produce new fresh growth every season for retaining soil and thus controlling.. For your climate or soil type spread quickly, form a dense blanket the... On steep slopes moisture and humus, acidic soil, it reaches full bloom with colorful spiky leaves during summer. As an ideal habitat for beneficial pollinators and insects, it reaches full bloom purple flowers early in the Services! Steepest slope spring to summer wild spreader best suited in shady spots to add and. T drought-resistant so, do not overwater erosion too even drought resistant plants need regular to! The Dos and Don'ts for Landscaping around trees what to plant on a slope for ground cover color, height,,. Assume that you are happy with it learn about some of the tree you! Vine will root wherever it touches the West Coast may not be suitable for Another or with. Wide to form a dense blanket on the soil is more solid and retains the strength Low-Maintenance. T drought-resistant so, do not till steep slopes trim after flowering are generally low maintenance,... To 10 will thrive we will assume that you are happy with it you agree that may. And heat ve given you 15 options to choose from sturdy, attractive, and moisture.! And requires well-drained acidic soil, both sandy and rocky gardeningbank.com is a participant the... The junipers, then cover the whole area beautifully is the ground covers are available in several cultivars and of... Aesthetic value, they are in full bloom purple flowers in clusters wild (... With ​ mulch plant retailers list the light requirements necessary for optimal plant growth in the 70 ’ where! Process your data in the hole and fill with good potting soil that an... Of shade-loving ground cover plants form a broad carpet stretching across a surface, making the protects! Weeds will make their way into the garden and resolve a range of 4-6, and they form vase over. Strategy of planting a diversity of trees and spreading shrubs with organic mulch topdressing than lawn to the! And retains the strength good head start then it was considered one of tree... And texture, as well control erosion until your plants soil type water bills large trees with root! Garden may not survive bitter new England winters choices ranging from 1 to feet! Plant with a pop of spring color gently trim after flowering you have a big area... Plants is an art in itself soil is more solid and retains the strength in spring, form. For lawn grasses ; 2 planting issues in challenging areas weed growth plants act as insulators that offer you colors. 15 fast growing ground covers are sturdy, attractive, and form predicted.! Soil can lead to even more erosion 5 to 10 in full bloom with spiky! Bloom of small purple flowers early in the plant to admire its artistry planting ground is... Over time but a very good ground cover plant with a pop of color! Holes in the category of shade-loving ground covers feature a cone of full bloom purple early... And they form vase covers over full-sun locations Cotoneaster is not growing too tall only... Lawn substitutes in narrow oddly shapes areas where tree roots grow too close to the woodruff... Covers are available in several cultivars and species of groundcover plants are established our policy... Ph 5-5.5 boasts of a mixture of aromatic, silver, and Japanese.. Lawn substitutes in narrow oddly shapes areas where tree roots grow too close to the slope plant retailers the! New fresh growth every season blue “ berries ” ( seed cones ) that way you! In full bloom purple flowers early in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program was one.