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Good Plants for Steep Hillsides

Steep hillsides are often difficult to maintain when they are covered in grass. By selecting the right plants, mowing and weed-eating will become a thing of the past. The first step is to remove all of the grass. This can be done using chemicals or by laying down a weed barrier, such as weed cloth, that will kill the grass underneath. The next steps are to install an automatic watering system, cut holes large enough to place the plants in and mulch.

  1. Ground Covers

    • Ground covers often take a while to establish.

      Ground covers are ideal for steep areas because they are low-growing, help prevent erosion, and they keep the soil moist and cool. Ground covers work better than mulch and are more environmentally friendly. Ground covers native to your area are best, but do not collect them from the wild. Find a local nursery that specializes in native plants. Ground covers for shady areas include vinca, sweet woodruff, ajuga and violets. Ground covers that do well in sunny areas include creeping sedum, low-growing euphorbia and perennial lobelia.

    Bulbs

    • Daylilies are one of the best bulbs for growing on steep hillsides.

      Most bulbs prefer growing in an area where there is good drainage. Steep hillsides meet this requirement. Bulbs, such as daylilies, have a fibrous root system, which helps prevent erosion, chokes out weeds and readily naturalizes. Other bulbs that will naturalize on a steep slope include daffodils, crocus, snowdrops, grape hyacinth and species tulips. When selecting bulbs to plant in these areas, consider their moisture requirements and choose ones that are drought-tolerant. Remember that unless you can access the slope, the bulbs will set seed and, over time, new bulbs will grow.

    Perennials

    • A variety of perennials mixed together creates interest on hillsides.

      Perennials, which are plants that come back from their own root system year after year, are ideal for landscaping steep slopes. Choose perennial plants that provide season-long color, multiply readily and require very little maintenance. Bee balm, coneflower (Echinacea), hosta, phlox or wildflowers are ideal choices. When sowing seeds, such as wildflower mixtures, lay a thin layer of hay on top of the soil to help bind and prevent the seeds, or young seedlings, from washing away during heavy rains. Once these perennial plants are established, their root system will bind the soil, making it easy for the seeds they drop to germinate and grow.

    Grasses

    • Ornamental grasses create three seasons of interest on steep hillsides.

      Native grasses are another option for steep hillsides, but consider the location of the hillside and the height of the grass. Tall-growing grasses may not work as well as low-growing varieties. Ornamental fescues, switchgrass (Panicum), little bluestem (Schizachyrium) and Canada wildrye (Elymus) are good options. Ornamental grass offers wildlife a place to hide or nest. The feathery plumes create winter interest and a variety of birds will dine on the seeds. Keep in mind that come spring the old grass will need to be cut down so new grass can take its place.

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