The Uphill Battle of Shrubs on Slopes
Steep slopes and uneven terrain can be a common burden that presents itself in a landscape. This less-than-ideal planting situation can make it all the more challenging when it comes to plant selection. Low-maintenance shrubs are often desired in these kinds of areas, and there are a select few that not only thrive in these conditions, but they look great as well! Here are a few that can offer a lot of character to a landscape while also stabilizing these hillsides.
Blue Pacific Juniper
Junipers:
Spreading and low-growing junipers can cover large areas and provide a unique look and color to a landscape. Some varieties to consider are Blue Pacific or Blue Rug. There are many varieties of Juniper that could be used in these situations, but these two are known for how well they do in these tricky environments.
Drift Roses:
There are endless options for color when it comes to drift roses. There’s anything from pinks and red to yellows and whites. They have a spreading growth habit and can be great in a landscape for someone who loves roses.
Deutzia:
Some varieties of Deutzia include Nikko, Nikko Blush, or Chardonnay Pearls. This can be a more unique plant to be put on a hill, but it has a mounded shape that can look great as a mass planting.
Euonymous fortuneii:
Also known as Wintercreeper, there are many different color and shape choices for this plant. They can be spreading or mounded, variegated or solid colors, and everything in between. These stay low to the ground and have vibrant color all year long.
As an extra tip for a great plant to put at the bottom of these hillsides, you may want to consider a dogwood. Some varieties include Bailey, Bergeson, Buds Yellow or the Arctic Fire series. These shrubs can handle the extra water that comes from the runoff of these locations and have interest all year long, from beautiful green foliage in the summer to brightly colored stems in the winter.
