Planting for slope
by
Vikki
+14
I have reconfigured the backyard and would like to put a bush, to height of about 4-5 feet, in the bend. I will be building the wall about a foot taller and bringing in topsoil as the ground is very rocky with lots of shale. The area is pretty shady with morning sun.
Any suggestions for plantings?
Any suggestions for plantings?
13 answers
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I'd use a different rock around my stream to make it look natural. We usually think of rounded rocks. However, you can use your flat ones for falls.
Carole Alden
on Oct 10, 2013
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Shrubs of about that size that did well for me in the shade a little bit north of you in the Hudson Valley: itea, clethra, calycanthus, pieris.
Douglas Hunt
on Oct 10, 2013
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Are you taking into consideration that you are on a hill and may have drainage and erosion issues? You will want to do that prior to planting shrubs etc. Or maybe you have plans to tier already? Go for native shrubs. There should be a book or info. on the internet for your area and zone. Be sure to amend the soil first too as that really make a difference in plants growth. Good luck!
White Oak Studio Designs
on Oct 10, 2013
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Drainage doesn't seem to be a problem as the hill is very shaley- or has not been to date. Hoping the plantings will help with the erosion issue - if there is one. Thanks for the tips.
Vikki
on Oct 11, 2013
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We had the same problem & just landscaped with staggering arborvitaes (5 of them but you can add as many as you want to fill in the space) and then in front we planted 5 golden mop head cypress bushes that fill out and give a natural look. They are staggered in front of the arborvitaes & I love the contrast in color. You can also stagger other reddish bushes in front of them. They don't need a lot of care, watering or pruning so that is a plus. We put fertilizer sticks next to each one to carry them through the winter. I am leaning towards putting in more greenery (after seeing this at a public garden) and forgetting about so many flowers. My flowers are now separated into a grouping over to one side w/a rock border in front of them. My yard is so much prettier now. Over in the shade on the other side of the hill (next to a massive giant Leland cypress), we have 3 blue hydrangeas which also do well on the slope. Hope this helps!
HappyGrandmaGA
on Oct 12, 2013
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I am new to this site & not sure I can put a photo on here but will try later today.
HappyGrandmaGA
on Oct 12, 2013
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we have planted Arctic willow and you can keep it trimmed to whatever sized you like..if trimmed it grows like an umbrella or mushroom shape that looks beautiful next to water. Or let it go and its long tresses are beautiful waving in the breeze. It is hardy in our winters in Ontario and you can slash it almost to the ground and cant kill it.
Glenna Kennedy
on Oct 12, 2013
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Some of my favorites that we use here in Rochester NY include: Rhododendrons, Viburnums, Azaleas, forsythia, itea, fothergilla, nine bark, summer sweet. You can use cottoneastor to cascade over the walls along with vinca,pachysandra or myrtle ground cover as well.
Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls
on Oct 12, 2013
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when planting use perennials. I have a sloped garden that is a rock garden that has flowers through the sping to the fall, is is always nice to see something different blooming, cone flowers, daisys, Black-eyed Susans in the top and smaller perennials on the bottom. I also have myrtle that stays green all yr, long, when the other plants are cut back.
Peggy Soup
on Oct 12, 2013
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I think a Viburnum would be just the ticket for the 'statement' specimen. Maybe a Snowball Viburnum or a Single File type Viburnum. OR...a Shishigashira Japanese Maple.(very slow growing dwarf witt the most exquisite green trunk with banding and small tufted green leaves) with the great ground cover suggestions from @Acorn Ponds & Waterfalls And some Lenten Roses added in. How about some low growing Camellias? I am loving me some Rev Ida (also known as Hot Flash I believe) -red bloom-right now budding up . Maybe some Asarum (ginger), and early blooming crocus tucked in for some great surprise color :)
360 Sod (Donna Dixson)
on Oct 12, 2013
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I don't know where you are, but if you have good drainage, rosemary and yarrow will thrive. Yarrow is evergreen, down to basel growth in cold months, but does a beautiful flower of many different varieties in the warm months. It looks shady, and these do need some sun, so you'll have to decide. The cypress do well. I have some "little ball" cypres that are doing well, along with some now, way-too-large varieties! :) Your landscaping is nice and will be beautiful!
Christine
on Oct 12, 2013
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Hi Vikki, You will probably have to amend the soil a little heavier than usual, but try flowering quince, dwarf forsythia, or Summersweet. Remember to check to see if these shrubs all grow or are readily available in your location.
Coco Tree Service Corp
on Oct 14, 2013
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Happy with the results!
Vikki
on Jul 20, 2015
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