Evergreens That Handle Slopes

Japanese Yew

• The Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) offers hardiness and height. This evergreen will grow 5 to 6 feet when mature. The Japanese yew is so hardy that it has been known to naturalize areas with no maintenance. Native to Japan and Korea, it thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones up to 4. While the shrub remains evergreen year-round, some yellowing may occur in winter. The plant tolerates sun or shade but prefers moist, slightly-acidic soil. Foliage is needlelike and exhibits a dull or pale green color. Bark is frequently reddish-brown and scaly. The Japanese yew is a proven winner for slopes, foundations, hedges, screens and mass groupings.

Creeping Juniper

• The creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) grows only 1 to 2 feet tall but may creep 8 to 10 feet wide. This shrub offers hardiness as it tolerates poor soil. As a native to North America, it is frequently found on hilly seaside slopes. The long flexible branches expand and form mats of greenery. Foliage is green or blue-green and may appear purplish during cold winter months. The fruit consists of clusters of berrylike blue seeds. The creeping juniper prefers full sun but will thrive under most conditions. A watchful eye is needed as the creeping juniper is susceptible to juniper blight and spider mites. This dense evergreen shrub is a popular choice for slopes, ground cover and mass plantings.

Savin Juniper

• The Savin juniper (Juniperus sabina) grows 4 to 6 feet tall and 5 to 10 feet wide. Therefore, it spreads like the creeping juniper but is taller. This shrub prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for slopes. Although it thrives in moist conditions, it will tolerate drought. In addition, it does not require acidic soil but grows well in an alkaline medium. Savin juniper is an excellent choice for an unprotected hill as it withstands strong winds. This evergreen grows in hardiness zones 4 through 7. Common disease problems include juniper blight and cedar-hawthorn rust. Most Savin junipers exhibit green foliage, but some cultivars feature colored foliage.