This shrub has a four-season interest with light-pink spring flowers, glossy green leaves in the summer, attractive fall foliage, and red berries through the winter. . The harder it is for roots to get deep into the ground, the more erosion occurs. Deer resistant. While other Hypericum species are suitable for slopes, I’ve found golden St. John’s wort to be one of the best. One of the easiest ways to limit erosion and stabilize the soil on the slope is by planting vegetation on the slope. Beneficial for pollinators. Foliage is shiny polished lacy leaves with deep crimson markings. Snowberry shrubs grow from 2 to 6 feet tall in an upright fashion. Reaches 40 to 48 inches tall. Steep growing areas are subject to several challenging circumstances. This alleviates soil from compaction. Plant in clay, loam, or sandy soil conditions. Which of these plants would be the best choice to plant on a slope to provide erosion control? Attracts caterpillars from several moth species. We hope that you create the perfect hilly landscape with shrubs for slopes, and we’d love it if you’d share our slope-friendly shrub guide with your family and friends on Facebook and Pinterest. Foliage is a maple leaf shape that remains over the Summer. Butterfly House. I will be able to get drip or overhead water to the plants. Herbaceous perennial. Likes full shade to part Sun and part shade conditions. Reaches 2 feet tall and wide. Plant on a slope or bank. Using the right kind of plants, helps minimize the water runoff. Foliage has large heart-shaped leaves some 6 inches in diameter. On steep slopes exceeding a 3 to l ratio, erosion blankets can be applied. Likes full Sun garden conditions. Spreads 18 to 24 inches wide. Flowers are hooded green blooms with burgundy striped interiors. Both Nootka rose and peafruit or wild swamp rose are excellent choices. Installing a dry creek bed. Native Plants for Shady Slopes Protecting a shady slope is different than protecting a sunny slope. Creates a great ground cover as it spreads and multiplies. Blooms are white airy bottle brush flowers. Marginal Woodfern is also known as Dryopteris marginalis. 4. Are Erosion Control Bushes Hard to Maintain? Plant with other natives such as Lady Fern, Jacob’s Ladder, or Wild Blue Phlox. Water regularly to establish the root system. Receive the latest Home & Garden Tips by entering your email below: We respect your privacy and take protecting it very seriously. Ideally, I am looking for a natural coir fiber product that can be placed on a 1:1 slopes. Location is a primary consideration when selecting the best plants for erosion control. Likes mostly Sunny to full shade garden conditions. It produces optimal color in full sun and is hardy in zones 5 through 7. Interested in gardening? We always are ready to help you out. Add roses to a slope for added color and elegance. Herbaceous perennial. Slope stabilization is highly important because an eroded slope can become barren. Reaches 4 to 6 inches tall. These ground cover bushes are suited for growing in hardiness zones 3 through 9. Vinca is considered invasive in some geographical areas. Mow and maintain your slopes and hills:. Likes moisture levels of average, moist or wet, and well draining soil moisture. We have you covered with the best low growing and spreading plants to use for erosion control. Likes part Sun and part shade to full Sun. The focus of this post is the erosion control method of using perennial plants to prevent soil loss and slope protection. Grow in garden borders or cutting garden. Golden St. John’s wort will grow in limey or acidic soils. Plant in a woodland garden, along streams or ponds. Reaches 1 to 2 feet tall. Other uses of ground cover plants are. Tolerates salt or drought conditions. The fern fronds emerge like a bouquet. Flowers are a bold blue. Deer and rabbit resistant. Foliage turns red, orange, and gold tones in the Fall. However, when planting vegetation on a slope to stop erosion, you need to keep in mind that what you’re planting is just as important as the planting. This shrub strikes down roots wherever its branches touch the ground, so pruning is required if you do not want it to spread. On steeper slopes coarse coconut matting or similar material can be pegged down so that the soil on the slope, temporarily cleared of vegetation, is less likely to wash off. Shrubs such as Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) are useful as a dense thicket to help control erosion. Take a look. Forms a dense ground cover. Native plant with fragrant white flowers on single stalks. Slower growth in neutral or alkaline soils. Lady Fern is also known as Athyrium filix-femina. Tolerant of juglone in Black Walnut trees. MP Rotators are the best nozzles to use to water your slope if you’ve used native plants like Ceanothus, Manzanita, Buckwheat and Salvia. A native Woodland perennial. For example, firm plant placement in the ground helps slow water flow since the stems act as thick barriers. These plants help prevent soil loss. This small rounded sumac has leaves that turn to burgundy, purple, and red during the fall. Ideal for mass plants. Plants can help control slopes. Tolerates normal or clay soil conditions. A native fern. Flowering quinces are deciduous shrubs that are first to flower in late winter. NOTE: In some regions, vinca evergreen ground cover can escape into the woods. They are used to control erosion on steep slopes. The upright spadix is known as the “Jack”. Clay soil is another cause of erosion. This low maintenance plant is uncomplicated to grow naturally or prune to desired sizes and shapes. Christmas Fern is also known as Polystichum acrostichoides. Soil moisture conditions average, moist to wet, and well draining moisture conditions. Golden bell is drought tolerant and deer resistant. Understanding why steep slopes are rugged terrains for gardening and knowing what to look for in a plant are the first steps in landscaping with shrubs. The dirt seems sandy - it gives when you walk up the steep hill. Plant in a rock garden or shady area. This low-growing shrub has a mass of thick stems with glossy, blue/green leaves that emit a lemony scent when crushed. Avoid those that need mowing, shearing and other maintenance. A heavy rain will quickly create rivulets that carry away even more soil. You'll like its horizontal plant form if you're looking for a selection that doesn't get too tall (3 feet) but that spreads and puts out big, tough roots that will stabilize the ground on a slope. Plants For Erosion Control. Reaches 6 to 12 inches tall. It is any yard waste that will eventually break down and decompose. Likes rich, evenly moist, well draining soil conditions. Plant as a ground cover or as an accent plant. Provides erosion control. Plant with woodland natives similar to bloodroot, trillium, or heuchera. Compact and tops out between 24 to 36 inches tall. Planting grass. Shrubs such as forsythia and sumac have a root system with intertwining shoots that diffuse heavy rains. Likes part Sun and part shade to full Sun. The best trees for hillsides and slopes have hearty, deep roots. Plant in native woodland gardens, shady rock gardens, or low borders. Plant in containers. Plant bearberry in full sun for best performance. Tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soil conditions. Many shrubs are perfect for growing in less than ideal areas. Summersweet, or sweet pepperbush, produces spikes of white flowers with a spicy fragrance that grows out of dark, green foliage. The ostrich fern is a common woodland plant in northern forests. Wild Blue Phlox is also known as Phlox divaricata or Wild Sweet William. Grows in zones 4 to 8. Please note, however, that adding excess water to a slope may help destabilize it Home Fires has masses of fragrant, bright-pink blooms. Once established, tolerant of drought conditions. Today’s post will review perennials that are effective in controlling soil erosion. Flowers are rose colored. ... and/or suited for less-than-ideal conditions on banks and slopes. Get a completely different look from the same species with 'Carefree Spirit,' a … Over the Summer, the foliage turns gold. Plant in part Sun and part shade to full Sun garden conditions. This ornamental shrub has pink, purple, orange, yellow, and white flowers from spring through fall. 21 Best Ferns for Your Garden Likes part Sun and part shade to full Sun. Grows in zones 3 to 8. Spreads by rhizome and forms a colony. Likes mostly Sunny to full shade garden conditions. You need to consider soil erosion. Plant some coastal trees nearby for extra interest at eye level and above and you can keep erosion under control while adding beauty at the same time. Get a completely different look from the same species with 'Carefree Spirit,' a … And as Common Groundsel, Butterweed, Senecio aureus and Senecio gracilis. American Alum Root has unique foliage. They remove water from the soil and carry it up into their tissues and release it as water vapor into the air (evapotranspiration). These are just a few of the erosion control plants available. Likes full shade to part Sun and part shade. Used as holiday decorations years ago. For the best performance, set up a soaker hose on a timer until dwarf forsythia is established. Likes part Sun and part shade to full Sun. Blooms in May and June. Tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soil conditions. It gets full sun most of the day and lots of wind. Grow Elephant Ears for a Tropical Garden Look  Heavy flowering occurs from mid to late Spring. Plant responsibly. On steep slopes, erosion is more likely to occur. Blooms in August and September. Likes full Sun, part Sun and part shade to full shade garden conditions. Plant through the matting. Flowers buds are rose pink that open to blush white blooms. Blooms are white airy bottle brush flowers. Spread is 10 to 12 inches wide. Bougainvillea is tough as nails, low maintenance, and drought tolerant. A great selection for stream banks or tricky slope areas. The types of plants you choose will depend not only on your visual preference and vision but also the needs of the area. Lightly fragrant, lemon yellow blooms. Heavy rain deteriorates sloping soil, often leaving the area barren of plants and grass. Grows well in wet garden areas or low, soggy grounds. This trouble-free shrub comes in many sizes and shapes. Tolerates sandy, loamy, moist to wet soil conditions. It is a slow-spreading shrub with a mature height of 3 to 4 feet tall and a spread of up to 6 feet. Good pines for erosion control include bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata, USDA zones 4 through 7) and Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus, USDA zones 3 through 8). The bloom is about 3 to 5 inches. Creeping junipers are sun-loving ground cover shrubs that generally grow no more than a foot tall. Grows in zones 5 to 9. Any remaining dry, older fronds create a mat around the fern. Provides erosion control. A long and profuse blooming perennial. Tops out between 12 to 24 inches tall. Professional erosion control products also work on backyard hills. Tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soil conditions. ⭐️ Biology » Plants are used on slopes to prevent erosion. Professional erosion control products also work on backyard hills. Fronds last through frost. Reaches 2 feet tall, and 3 feet tall with blooms. You can plant trees, shrubs, grass, and ground cover plants. Plant in sandy, loamy, or clay soil conditions. These biodegradable blankets of mulch protect the ground while allowing plants to dig in deep. Spread is between 12 to 30 inches wide. Tolerant of dry shade and shade conditions. Tolerant of wet sites. Tolerant of sandy and clay soil conditions. Golden bell is drought tolerant and deer resistant. Most types of roses are good for erosion control and do well in sun to part sun. Building a retaining wall. When selecting plants for erosion control or slope stabilization be sure to consider soil depth and drainage. Bright yellow flowers appear in spring and early summer when planted in full sun. Reaches 8 to 12 inches tall. Then turns wine red in early Summer. Petals are narrow and twisted adding to the distinct look. The burning bush is deciduous with a large, v-shaped growth habit. Great Blue Lobelia is also known as Lobelia siphilitica or Blue Cardinal Flower. Likes part Sun and part shade to full Sun garden conditions. Likes full shade to half Sun and half shade conditions. Clover, thistles, plantains, pussytoes, yarrow, violets and other native species do well on sloped ground. Consider the height of cotoneaster that best meets your needs because you can find options that grow from 1-to-30-feet tall. Grows in zones 4 to 9. Resloping your sloped areas with riprap is especially useful if you’re trying to re-establish vegetation, smooth out erosion gullies, and trap eroding soil more effectively and naturally. A larger fern in non-tropical North America. Boneset is also known as Eupatorium perfoliatum or common boneset. Growing ornamental grasses, wildflowers, native plants, and shrubs are other ways to stop soil from eroding. Best Plants For Slopes On Commercial Properties. Provides shelter and food for songbirds. Flower is an attractive dark, red flower. In addition, erosion of slopes can lead to water pollution due to stormwater runoff. Ground cover for soggy areas, rain gardens, or areas with standing water. They have late spring yellow-white flowers and bright green leaves that are maple-shaped and turn yellow and orange during the autumn. Reaches 34 inches tall. Tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soil conditions. Almost anything will help. Likes part Sun and part shade to full Sun conditions. Excellent ground cover for low, moist areas. Foliage has deep green, heart shaped leaves. Grows in zones 4 to 8. Long blooming ground cover. PLANTS FOR STEEP SLOPES/SOIL EROSION CONTROL The best strategy for stabilizing a slope with plants is to establish vegetation at multiple levels—plant trees, shrubs, and groundcovers. Blooms provide early season nectar for butterflies,  hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Plant in damp soil in marshy areas, along stream banks, and the edges of ponds. Therefore, it’s vital to choose the right plants for this growing condition to ensure a healthy landscape. Blooms mid to late Spring. Rabbit resistant. Virtually all species and selections of ceanothus are recommended for erosion control. Soil moisture is medium or moist. Reaches 1 to 3 feet tall. Over heavy periods of rainfall, some yard debris will wash away. Beneficial to pollinators, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Tolerates dry shade and shade conditions. Grows in zones 3 to 8. Provides erosion control. Beneficial to pollinators. Use as a hedge. Grows in zones 3 to 9. Grows in zones 3 to 9. Prairie Winds Desert Plains Fountain Grass has showy bottlebrush flowers. Found in the eastern United States. Likes part Sun and part shade to full Sun garden conditions. Plant bearberry in full sun for best performance. These showy shrubs have a mature size of 1 to 8 feet tall, depending on the variety, and are an easy growing plant for the landscape. Common boneset has pure white blooms. Likes full shade to part Sun and part shade. Provides erosion control. Blooms are clusters of bright pink and purple colors. Variegated Japanese Water Iris is also known as Iris ensata ‘Variegata’. An evergreen ground cover. Not only will the grass, fescue and leaves help to slow down raindrops as they fall, the roots of the plants will also help to hold the soil together, making it harder for water to wash it away. Reaches 2 feet tall. Groundcovers are a great way to prevent erosion, cover a slope with color and texture, and conserve moisture. Likes mostly Sunny to full shade garden conditions. Grows in zones 3 to 8. Erosion control blankets are another popular option. Likes full shade to part Sun and part shade. For several reasons. However, it does provide us with the remedy for hilly or uneven terrain with a variety of beautiful shrubs for slopes. Nosferatu has fragrant, shimmering dark purple flowers with chartreuse throat. Plants have been reported to grow well in Zone 5 but with little flowering due to frost damage. Foamflower is also known as Tiarella cordifolia. Native Plants for Steep Slopes and Erosion Control By gripping the soil with their more extensive roots, certain native plants can do a better job at erosion control than turf grass, especially in shade areas where grass grows poorly. Provides control with soil erosion. Foliage is glossy dark green with darkly veined leaves. Especially around slopes and banks. Grows in zones 3 to 8. Flowers are yellow. Tops out at 6 inches. Reaches 18 to 24 inches tall and wide. Spreads aggressively with the right conditions. A slower spreading fern. Flowers are 1 inch long. Forsythia (Forsythia) Forsythia appears with a shade of a soft yellow. Moderate slopes have thorny, tangled branches and grow 2 to 6 feet without soil... Or prune to desired sizes and shapes best performance best plants for erosion control on slopes set up a soaker hose on a 1:1 slopes particularly... An evergreen fern has rich, evenly moist, wet and well draining soil moisture will... 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