Got a slope in your yard that just won’t behave? Maybe the rain washes the soil away, or weeds keep popping up faster than you can pull them. Slopes can be tough, but here’s the thing: with the right plants, you can turn that tricky hillside into one of the best-looking parts of your garden.
In this guide, we’ll go over why slopes are hard to plant, what makes the best plants for slopes, and give you a whole list of ground covers, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses that will not only stop erosion but also add color and texture. Plus, I’ll share quick care tips so you know exactly how to help them thrive.
Why Slopes Are Tough to Garden On
Slopes come with their own set of challenges:
- Erosion: Rain runs downhill, carrying your soil with it.
- Watering issues: Instead of soaking in, water tends to rush off.
- Maintenance headaches: You can’t exactly mow or weed comfortably on a steep slope.
That’s why the best plants for slopes are usually deep-rooted, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance. They hold the soil, reduce runoff, and keep the area green and colorful without constant babysitting.
What Makes the Best Plants for Slopes?
When picking plants for hillsides, keep an eye out for these qualities:
- Deep or spreading roots – anchor the soil and prevent washouts.
- Fast growth or spreading habit – quickly cover bare ground.
- Drought tolerance – because water runs off fast.
- Low maintenance – hard-to-reach areas should need less work.
- Seasonal interest – flowers, berries, foliage, or texture to keep things interesting all year.
Best Ground Covers for Slopes
Ground covers are basically the superheroes of slope gardening. They spread, they hold soil, and they fill in fast. Here are a few top picks:
Creeping Juniper
Why it’s great: This evergreen spreads wide and low, staying green all year. It’s super hardy and can handle poor soil.
Care tips: Plant in full sun, give it well-drained soil, and water regularly the first year until it’s established. After that, it’s basically carefree. A little pruning keeps it tidy.
Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Why it’s great: Glossy evergreen leaves and charming purple-blue flowers in spring. It spreads quickly and suppresses weeds.
Care tips: Loves partial shade but tolerates full sun. Water moderately in dry spells. Trim it back once in a while to keep it from spreading too far.
Creeping Thyme
Why it’s great: This herb doubles as a ground cover and a pollinator magnet. Its tiny leaves smell amazing, and the purple flowers bring bees buzzing.
Care tips: Full sun is best. Needs well-drained soil (it hates soggy feet). Once it’s rooted in, you can forget about it — just enjoy the fragrance and flowers.
Best Shrubs for Slopes
Shrubs add structure, color, and year-round interest. They’re great anchors for slope designs.
Forsythia
Why it’s great: One of the first plants to bloom in spring, bursting with cheerful yellow flowers. Fast-growing and tough.
Care tips: Plant in full sun for the best flowers. It likes well-drained soil but isn’t too picky. Prune right after it blooms to shape it and encourage next year’s flowers.
Cotoneaster
Why it’s great: A spreading shrub that hugs the ground, with white spring flowers and bright red berries in fall. Birds love it!
Care tips: Grows well in sun to partial shade. Tolerates poor soils and drought. Trim it once or twice a year to control its spread and keep it neat.
Hydrangea
Why it’s great: Big, fluffy flower clusters in summer — shades of pink, blue, or white depending on soil pH. Adds romance to any slope.
Care tips: Prefers partial shade and rich, moist soil. Water during dry spells and mulch around the base to keep roots cool. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new ones.
Best Perennials for Slopes
Perennials return every year, saving you time and money. They’re perfect for adding lasting beauty to slopes.
Daylilies
Why it’s great: Practically indestructible, with tons of flower colors. They form dense clumps that hold soil.
Care tips: Plant in full sun to part shade. Water regularly the first season; after that, they tolerate drought well. Divide every few years to keep them blooming strong.
Black-Eyed Susan
Why it’s great: Bright yellow flowers with dark centers — they look like sunshine on a stem. Attracts butterflies and bees.
Care tips: Full sun is best. They like average soil and don’t need much fussing. Deadhead spent blooms for longer flowering, and cut back in late fall.
Hostas
Why it’s great: Big, leafy plants that love shade. Perfect for slopes under trees. Leaves come in greens, blues, and variegated patterns.
Care tips: Shade or partial shade works best. Water during dry spells and mulch to keep moisture in. Watch out for slugs — they love hostas too!
Best Ornamental Grasses for Slopes
Grasses aren’t just for lawns — ornamental grasses can transform a slope into something beautiful, textured, and easy to care for.
Switchgrass
Why it’s great: Native, tough, and deep-rooted. Adds tall, airy plumes in late summer.
Care tips: Plant in full sun. Tolerates poor soils and drought once established. Cut back in early spring to make way for new growth.
Blue Fescue
Why it’s great: Compact clumps of silvery-blue grass that look neat and tidy. Great edging plant.
Care tips: Loves full sun and well-drained soil. Don’t overwater — it likes things on the drier side. Trim back in spring to freshen up the clumps.
Fountain Grass
Why it’s great: Arching plumes that sway in the breeze — it brings instant drama to slopes.
Care tips: Needs full sun and average soil. Water moderately during dry spells. Cut back old stems in late winter or early spring before new shoots appear.
Maintenance Tips for Sloped Gardens
Even the best slope gardens need a little love. Here’s how to keep yours thriving:
- Water wisely: Drip irrigation or soaker hoses prevent runoff.
- Mulch regularly: Locks in moisture and protects soil.
- Prune and tidy up: Trim shrubs after flowering and cut grasses back before spring.
- Check for erosion: Fill bare spots with quick-rooting plants like thyme or vinca.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ground cover plants for slopes?
Creeping juniper, vinca minor, and creeping thyme are all great choices because they spread fast, control erosion, and look pretty.
Which shrubs work well for erosion control on slopes?
Forsythia, cotoneaster, and hydrangea are top picks since they have strong root systems and provide year-round beauty.
What is the easiest plant to grow on a steep hillside?
Daylilies are practically indestructible and thrive in tough conditions, making them an easy choice.
Can you plant grass on a slope to prevent erosion?
Yes, but ornamental grasses work better than lawn grass because they have deeper roots and don’t need mowing.
What plants have the best root systems for slopes?
Native plants, ornamental grasses like switchgrass, and tough perennials like black-eyed Susans are great for strong roots.
