Flowers for Sloping Land

Sedum

• The name Sedum originates from a Latin word describing the plant's habit of sitting on stony ledges in its native environment. This quality of thriving, even in poor, rocky soil conditions makes Sedum a natural choice for a problematic slope. Select a low-growing evergreen species such as acre that creates a mat as it spreads and blossoms with tiny yellow flowers in the spring. Intersperse clumps of the taller-growing cultivars Purple Emperor and Dragon's Blood for their complementary purple and bronze foliage and red-toned summertime blooms. Grow Sedum in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3-8.

Creeping Phlox

• Highlight your springtime garden with broad expanses of creeping phlox, Phlox subulata, on a nearby sloping area. Wide mats of bright pink, soft lavender, creamy white and red-toned flowers create a backdrop for spring-blooming bulbs and shrubs. After flowers fade, cut off the top third of the plants with a weed whacker or garden shears, stimulating growth of the evergreen foliage that will remain lush throughout the gardening season. Creeping phlox is adaptable to both moist and dry soil conditions and is particularly attractive planted among large stones and other natural garden features. Creeping phlox is hardy in zones 3-9.

Hottentot Fig

• Ideal for a hillside in a xeriscape garden where drought conditions and poor soil are prevalent, the low shrub-like Hottentot fig, Carpobrotus edulis, is often used to stabilize sandy slopes. The branches grow up to 3 feet long and a large grouping forms a naturalized visual effect. Single, bright yellow flowers emerge in the summer, followed by a small fruit that can be eaten raw, dried or made into syrup. Grow Hottentot fig in zones 8-11.

Japanese Honeysuckle

• The twining vines of honeysuckle can reach lengths of 30 feet. Just a few plants of trailing Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica, will cover a slope with semi-evergreen foliage up to 2 feet high. Breezes carry the sweet scent of blooming honeysuckle into your garden. Be aware, though, that honeysuckle can spread rapidly and become invasive. Schedule annual maintenance to cut back rampant growth, maintaining its fragrant flowers within property boundaries. Japanese honeysuckle is hardy to zone 5.