what to plant on a shady hillside

^{Some plants that work well on slopes include:}

• Burning Bush
• Fragrant Sumac
• Japanese Yew
• California Lilac
• Creeping Juniper
• Dwarf Forsythia
• Snowberry
• Siberian Carpet Cypress

What are the best plants to plant on a hillside?

Deep rooted plants – there are able to hold their own and resist erosion despite the unfavorable landscape. Their deeper foundation makes them a good choice for slopes and hillsides. Groundcover – low growing are ideal. Fast growing are great as well. This lets you blanket the space.

What can I plant on a hillside to prevent erosion?

For a change of pace, try a wild plant on your shady slope. The rhizomes that allow Osmunda claytoniana (2 to 3 feet tall, zones 3 to 8) to spread are excellent for retaining soil and thereby minimizing erosion. Tolerant of wet soils, it's also a great choice for damp hillsides. 10 of 11

What is the best plant to plant on a slope?

Some plants that work well on slopes include: 1 Burning Bush. 2 Fragrant Sumac. 3 Japanese Yew. 4 California Lilac. 5 Creeping Juniper. 6 Dwarf Forsythia. 7 Snowberry. 8 Siberian Carpet Cypress.

What are some ideas for gardening on a hillside?

A terraced garden in Atlanta provides ideas for gardening on a hillside and with shady conditions. At the base of the hill gardener Tom Fulkerson has created a downy carpet of pine straw that he uses to amend the soil and create the sensation of an outdoor room.

What is the best ground cover for a shady hillside?

Best Ground Cover Plants for ShadeBunchberry (cornus canadensis) ... Sweet woodruff (galium odoratum) ... Yellow archangel (lamium galeobdolon) ... Vancouveria (vancouveria hexandra) ... Bishop's hat (epimedium) ... Wild ginger (asarum) ... 7. Japanese pachysandra (pachysandra terminalis) ... Bugleweed (ajuga reptans)More items...•

How do you landscape a shady slope?

5 creative ways to landscape a sloped yardMulch your slope. The most affordable way to landscape a slope is also the easiest: mulch it. ... Plant your slope. The most promising accent of any yard, plants can add some serious personality to your slope. ... Erect a masonry retaining wall. ... Landscape a slope with it all.

What is the best thing to plant on a steep hill?

Ornamental grasses, ground cover roses and shrubs (including shrub roses with a sprawling growth habit) work well in hillside and slope planting. Native plants are nearly always an excellent choice.

What plants do well in a shady area?

10 Great Plants for ShadeHeuchera (Coral Bells)Lamium Maculatum (Dead Nettle)Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower)Pulmonaria (Lungwort)Astilbe.Digitalis (Foxglove)Hakonechloa (Japanese forest grass)Primula (Primrose)More items...•

How can I landscape my hillside cheap?

4 Cost-Effective Landscape Design Ideas for a SlopeInstall Groundcover Plants.Build a Tiered Retaining Wall.Create a Natural Rock Garden.Build Stairs or a Pathway.Tackle Your Slope in Sections.

How do you landscape a hill low maintenance?

Low-Maintenance Plants for a Hillside Garden Choose plants that will anchor the hillside, such as shrubs, ornamental grasses and prairie plants like coneflower, that form a mat of roots. All of these plants hold the ground in place and require minimal maintenance during the growing season.

What to plant on a hillside so you don't have to mow?

When you establish shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennials on a slope instead of a lawn, you eliminate the need to mow a steep, dangerous slope....The plants below can be used as ground covers on slopes:Agapanthus.Asiatic jasmine.Catmint.Cotoneaster.Creeping Jenny.Creeping phlox.Creeping thyme.Daylilies.More items...

Can I plant hydrangeas on a slope?

Hydrangea shrubs have strong branches and tons of clustered color when in bloom. They work as great garden bed fillers and are able to hold their own on an incline.

What plants hold the slope?

Slope plants full sunAurinia saxatilis, basket-of-gold.Iberis sempervirens, candytuft.Lavandula angustifolia, lavender.Phlox subulata, creeping phlox.Salvia officinalis, common sage.

What plants grow in shade no sun?

These 25 sensational shade plant species thrive without much light.Hydrangeas. istockphoto.com. ... Chaenomeles. istockphoto.com. ... Lady Ferns. istockphoto.com. ... Bleeding Hearts. istockphoto.com. ... Dogwood. istockphoto.com. ... Begonias. burpee.com. ... Dutchman's Pipe. istockphoto.com. ... Impatiens. burpee.com.More items...•

What kind of plants don't need sunlight?

5 Indoor Plants that Grow Without SunlightChinese evergreen (Aglaonema) Chinese evergreen is a durable plant that tolerates a fair amount of neglect. ... Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) ... ZZ plant (Zamioculcas) ... Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) ... Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Which flowers thrive in shade?

22 Easy-to-Grow Annual Flowers That Thrive in the ShadeBegonia Mistral Yellow Container. Bring on the blooms with Mistral Yellow begonia. ... Hippo Rose Polka-Dot Plant. ... 'Velvet Elvis' Plectranthus. ... Sweet Alyssum. ... Gryphon Begonia and Impatiens. ... Lobelia And Nemesia Hanging Basket. ... Red And Violet Fuchsia. ... Coleus Container Garden.More items...•

How do you landscape a steep slope?

Landscaping on SlopesStabilize With Plants & Trees. A smart way to stabilize the soil on a hill is by planting shrubs, trees, and flowers. ... Install Stairs or a Path. If your slope is not too steep, installing a stone path or stairs in your landscape can be a good option. ... Build Up Tiers of Walls. ... Build a Deck.

Should I use landscape fabric on a slope?

Geotextile Landscape Fabric can help mitigate soil erosion. Its most effective when buried under 4 inches of soil and used on slopes with 4:1 or less grade.

How do you plant on a steep slope?

Stagger or scatter your plants on the slope. ... Control water flow from the top of the hill. ... Slow water flow and runoff with terracing and contouring.Hold soil with wide spreading roots and groundcovers.Divert and scatter the force of heavy rains with plant foliage.Mulch to reduce surface runoff.More items...•

How do you maintain a steep slope?

There are many methods that could be used to help prevent or stop erosion on steep slopes, some of which are listed below.Plant Grass and Shrubs. Grass and shrubs are very effective at stopping soil erosion. ... Use Erosion Control Blankets to Add Vegetation to Slopes. ... Build Terraces. ... Create Diversions to Help Drainage.

What plants are good for slopes?

Some plants that work well on slopes include: Burning Bush. Fragrant Sumac. Japanese Yew. California Lilac. Creeping Juniper. Dwarf Forsythia. Snowberry.

What groundcovers are good for a sunny hillside?

Avoid those that need mowing, shearing and other maintenance. Some of the easiest groundcovers for sunny hillsides are: Prostrate Rosemary. Dwa rf Coyote Bush. Vinca. Creeping Myoporum. Rockrose. Cotoneaster.

How to plant a sloping area?

The first steps to planting a sloping area are to evaluate the pitch and runoff. If the pitch is more than 30 degrees, it might be a good idea to terrace the area to prevent topsoil from eroding and all moisture evacuating every time you water or it rains. Once you have solved any moisture retention and erosion problems, it is time to evaluate the site further for exposure and zone, and plan what plants grow on slopes.

What do deep rooted plants do?

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.

Is gardening difficult?

Gardening is always a challenge, but some of us have geographic issues which make the process even more difficult. Sloped properties pose particular challenges with their potential to erode, dry out and their exposure. Solving these problems and finding the right plants for slopes and banks takes some planning and experience.

What is terraced garden?

A terraced garden in Atlanta provides ideas for gardening on a hillside and with shady conditions. At the base of the hill gardener Tom Fulkerson has created a downy carpet of pine straw that he uses to amend the soil and create the sensation of an outdoor room. Homeowner Tom Fulkerson tends his backyard garden.

What is the name of the flower that covers the lattice rail on a deck?

Clematis covers the lattice rail on a deck outfitted with a clay stove to allow for socializing outside even on chilly winter nights. Night blooming cereus holds court in a large clay pot in the background.

Where do billowy ferns hang?

Billowy ferns hung from the underside of the deck frame this view of the koi pond and pretty-up the often neglected space beneath a deck.

What is the best grass to plant on a hillside?

Maiden Grass is another clumping plant that is eye-catching when planted in large numbers. Dwarf varieties work especially well on hillsides. It’s deer resistant and likes part to full sun.

Do evergreens absorb moisture?

And trees such as evergreens are great, but if you choose one with a tap root (a root that grows vertically downward) such as a spruce, they absorb moisture but don’t hold the soil in place. Over time, the ground slides away and the plant dies.

Does Siberian Cypress need sun?

New varieties are tougher and more cold-hardy. Look for varieties such as ‘Celtic Pride.’ Siberian cypress needs sun but tolerates some shade, too.

Does fountain grass grow in full sun?

There are many different types and heights, so read the label so you know what you’re buying. Fountain grass does best in full sun.

Is Russian Sage drought tolerant?

It’s drought tolerant once established and attracts hummingbirds! Look for types such as ‘Denim ‘N Lace.’ Russian sage needs full sun.

Do landscape roses need full sun?

Landscape roses are a gorgeous solution for gentle slopes. They cover large areas, don’t need pruned or sprayed and offer colorful blooms all season long. Look for groundcover or spreading types such as ‘Drift.’ All roses need full sun.

How to Choose Plants for Hillside Landscape?

So firstly, evaluate the pitching and runoff measurements. If it exceeds 30 degrees, it is a good deal to start and prepare the area for planting. If everything is well from top to bottom, then it will prevent soil erosion and moisture problems.

Why is hillside landscaping important?

Hillside landscaping has many benefits, one of the benefits is that landscapes are economically viable. They also improve quality of life, with fresh air. Grass and trees which are planted on the landscape provide the cool temperature.

Why are ornamental plants important?

Ornamental plants are grown for decorations, which creates a pleasant atmosphere and helps to beautify the hillside landscape. Special types of vegetables, herbs, and leaves are grown here for medicinal value and cosmetic purposes. Though it looks beautiful as a result, gardening takes a lot of effort keeping in mind the geographical challenges ...

What are some examples of groundcovers?

It gives the slope a finished look and prevents runoff. Some of the examples for groundcovers are ajuga, chicks, hen, and thyme. They act as stabilizers by increasing the quality of plant growth.

Why are sage trees good for hillside?

They are considered the best choice for hillside landscapes because they are sturdy, dense, and reliable enough. Drained soil is best suited to them, and they don’t prefer standing water. Make sure to check all the plant requirements before placing them in a particular area.

Can turfgrass be used on hillsides?

The best option is to use combined varieties of plants. Less maintenance can help you to choose a better hillside landscape.

Is snow on the ground good for plants?

They are very durable and flexible for flowering many plants. Being snow on the ground does not make a difference to these plants because they can easily sprout up. The flowers for these plants come in different colors and many patterns. For effective results, plant them in a shaded area or dappled shade.

What is the best plant for a slope?

Deep rooted plants – there are able to hold their own and resist erosion despite the unfavorable landscape. Their deeper foundation makes them a good choice for slopes and hillsides. Groundcover – low growing are ideal. Fast growing are great as well.

Why are creeping juniper plants good for slopes?

Creeping juniper are great plants for slopes, hillsides and banks because they are low growing ground cover. Plus, they’re vigorous spreaders. Thus, they’ll cover the area in your garden where the incline makes it difficult for other plants to survive.

How tall does Forsythia grow?

These deciduous shrubs are very fast growing and low maintenance making them good choices for hillsides and banks. They can grow up to 10 feet tall but these are the larger species.

How much sunlight do roses need?

These do really well in areas where the pitch is against you. That said, most roses need at least 6 hours of sunlight.

Why are sandpapers good for slopes?

They’re a good choice for slopes as they help fill up that area that don’t hold moisture and don’t get a lot of sunlight. This is especially true if the slope is facing away from where bulk of the sunlight hits your garden.

Why is it so hard to grow a garden?

One of the challenges of growing a garden is that you don’t control all the variables. The soil and landscape are two of the biggest factors that can make gardening harder. With the latter, inclines and odd shapes can increase erosion or cause moisture to drain fast. So, if you have that problem, here are the best plants for slopes, ...

What is the color of California lilacs?

California Lilacs are beautiful to look at thanks to their blue color. This is another ground cover that is often used as fences, borders or privacy screens because they can get dense.

What are some plants that grow on a hillside?

They limbed up the trees, to create a clearer view, and underplanted with true woodland plants such as maidenhair ferns ( Adiantum) and mayapples, as well as tough workhorses like hostas and foamflower ( Tiarella ). The effect is almost a fairytale setting that sets the house as a destination.

What perennials can fill in rocky ledges?

Large evergreens give the planting weight and self-sowing perennials, like corydalis, are allowed to fill in where they will and soften the rocky ledge.

What to do with a hillside that is covered in rocks?

If your hillside is basically scree or naturally covered in rocks, consider yourself lucky. You can create a unique alpine garden that will draw the eye upward. Follow this gardener's lead and use the existing rocks, but reposition them. Larger slabs are used as steps and platforms. She also makes liberal use of hypertufa or artificial limestone, which blends in beautifully with the natural stone. Finally, pea gravel is used as a mulch, to prevent runoff and create a unifying color palette.

What shrubs are good for erosion?

And shrubs are excellent for controlling erosion. Summersweet ( Clethra alnifolia), California Lilac ( Ceanothus ), and prostrate rosemary make good choices. Continue to 11 of 12 below. 11 of 12.

How to make a hillside rock garden look natural?

This gardener managed to make his hillside rock garden look natural by allowing the rocks to tumble and land where they may. As the plants fill in, it looks as though the whole garden evolved on its own. There are some weeding and maintenance involved in the early years, but it becomes less as the plants spread out.

What are the advantages of a hillside?

However, hillsides also have some built-in advantages. You have an instant view and it is easy to create a dynamic sense of movement with plants positioned on a hill. This resourceful gardener used the contrasting plant textures of the conical evergreens, spiky flowers, flowing ornamental grasses and rounded shrubs to animate the garden. The scene is kept moving by a river of silver lamb's ear that runs the length of the bed.

How to tame a hillside?

Stone walls are a classic way to terrace and tame a hillside. Although they are a lot of work initially, once they are in place, you have a structure that is both functional and attractive. Stone walls can create planting areas wide enough to work in and around and they even look good on their own, requiring very little fanfare from the plants contained in them. Since stone tends to heat up early in the spring and hold heat at night, you are creating a microclimate that will allow you to grow plants that would not survive in other areas of your yard.

What is the best plant for erosion control?

The Spruce / Autumn Wood. The best plants for erosion control are those ground covers or shrubs that are vigorous, attractive, and have a root system effective at holding back soil on a hill. They should have spreading foliage to slow the velocity of heavy rain. If you live in deer country they should also be plants that deer tend not to eat.

What is the color of the ophiopogon planiscapus?

Tolerant of sun or partial shade, Ophiopogon planiscapus Nigrescens (6 inches tall) is grown for the black color of its grass-like blades. Even the berries that sometimes succeed its flowers are black. In a sunny spot, grow this zone-6-to-9 oddity as a companion plant for Sedum rupestre Angelina; the gold color of the latter's leaves will create a striking contrast.

When does Forsythia bloom?

Forsythia (zones 5 to 8, 4 to 6 feet tall) is one such plant, a shrub that flowers in early spring. The weeping form ( Forsythia suspensa) can be a particularly good choice for retaining soil on a slope: Where the drooping branches touch dirt, they will strike down roots, thereby acting as ground covers.

Is Pachysandra terminalis a ground cover?

Like creeping myrtle, Pachysandra terminalis is a short (6 in ches), evergreen ground cover for shade. Japanese spurge (zones 4 to 8) is considered a foliage plant. Although it does put out small, white flowers, they add little value. The leaves have a leathery feel and look that lends further interest to your property.

Do creeping junipers like sun?

Creeping Junipers. Creeping junipers are among the ground covers that like a lot of sun. 1  Happily, they stay short (generally no more than 1 foot) and they're cold-hardy (many being suited to zone 3 to 9). Juniperus plants give you landscape color year-round because they're evergreen.

Can creeping myrtle take shade?

In contrast with creeping juniper, creeping myrtle ( Vinca minor) is one of the ground covers that can take shade. 2  But, like creeping juniper, it's a short (3 to 6 inches) evergreen.

What Should I Look for when Choosing Slope-Friendly Shrubs?

Shrubs with roots that stabilize the soil are the ideal choice for controlling erosion. Shrubs such as forsythia and sumac have a root system with intertwining shoots that diffuse heavy rains.

What is a good ground cover for a sloping yard?

While we all think of bougainvillea as a climbing flower, there are shrub species that make a good ground cover plant for a sloping yard. This ornamental shrub has pink, purple, orange, yellow, and white flowers from spring through fall.

Why is it Hard to Grow Plants on Slopes?

Growing plants and shrubs on a slope is a difficult task due to erosion. Heavy rains erode the soil, slowly washing dirt and nutrients downhill.

How tall does a Summersweet shrub grow?

This ornamental shrub is adaptable to a wide range of conditions, including salt spray, and grows well in part to full sun. Summersweet shrubs grow 5 to 7 feet tall and spread 8 feet across. These attractive plants are hardy in zones 3 through 9.

What is a juniper shrub?

Junipers are versatile, compact evergreen shrubs and the creeping species is common for prevent ing weeds and taming steep slopes. These tough but fast growing ground cover plants sneak their way down a hill with their bright green foliage while preventing erosion of the soil.

What is lace shrub?

Lace shrubs are low growers with a dense, mounding form and ornamental, arching branches. They have late spring yellow-white flowers and bright green leaves that are maple-shaped and turn yellow and orange during the autumn.

What color are the flowers on a sage bush?

This trouble-free shrub comes in many sizes and shapes. It grows spring-time flowers in hues of pink or white, depending on the type. They are happiest in full sun and form tidy mounds, some with arching stems.