Ornamental Shrubs for Berms

Berms

• Berms should be at least 24 inches tall, according to Colorado State University. Though different municipalities may regulate the materials used to create berms, generally they consist of a bottom layer of fill, such as gravel, covered with a layer of impermeable clay substrate topped with high-quality topsoil. Shrubs grow best on a shallow slope to prevent run-off. A layer of mulch also helps retain moisture. Create a natural-looking berm by keeping its shape asymetrical, rather than even and jutting.

Large Shrubs

• Large shrubs more than 8 feet tall add vertical appeal to a berm planting. Species that require well-draining soil include the eleagnus (Elaeagnus x ebbingii), a 10-foot-tall evergreen with a similar spread. This dense shrub tolerates drought, salt and wind and has silver- to gray-green foliage. It prefers sun to partial shade and light, loamy soil. The Blue Heaven juniper (Juniperus scopulorum “Blue Heaven”) grows to 20 feet tall in an upright, columnar form. This evergreen has blue-green foliage and prefers sunny, well-drained sites. The border forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia) grows to 10 feet tall with a wider spread. This deciduous shrub has arching branches covered with dark leaves that turn yellow and purple in fall. It prefers sun to partial shade and loose soil.

Medium Shrubs

• Medium-size shrubs, from 4 to 8 feet tall, can form hedges on a berm. Species that require excellent drainage include wintergreen barberries (Berberis julianae), a 6-foot-tall shrub with an 8-foot-spread. This hardy evergreen dense, serrated, dark foliage that turns deep-red in fall. It blooms with yellow spring flowers, followed by long-lasting blue-black fruits. The loricata butterfly bush (Buddleia loricata) thrives in full-sun exposures with well-draining soil. This deciduous shrub grows to 5 feet tall and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds with its aromatic, white summer blossoms.

Small Shrubs

• Shrubs less than 4 feet tall form borders or low hedges around a berm’s lower slopes. The Confetti abelia (Abelia x grandiflora “Confetti”) grows to 2 feet tall and has dark, glossy foliage with pinkish-white margins. This evergreen blooms with white flowers from summer through late fall and thrives in sunny to partially shaded sites with moist, well-draining soil. The Calgary carpet juniper (Juniperus sabina “Monna”) grows to only 9 inches tall but spreads up to 6 feet. This dense evergreen has soft, feathery foliage and prefers sun and well-drained soil. The Henry’s Garnet Virignia sweetspire (Itea virginica “Henry’s Garnet”) grows to 4 feet tall and produces 6-inch-long white flowers in early summer. Its deciduous foliage turns purple-red in fall. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and sun to partial shade exposures.