What Plants to Use for a Slope

Shrubs

• Shrubs' root systems help bind the soil particles in ways other plants do not, preventing erosion and run-off. Another advantage to planting shrubs on slopes is that they often grow where it is too slippery for other plants. Red twig dogwood, ninebark, sumac, juniper, yew and sweet pepperbush thrive on slopes. Birds and other wild animals favor many shrubs. A sloped area is ideal for wildlife, as they easily access areas where humans have trouble keeping their footing.

Trees

• Eastern red cedar, oak trees, pine and maple are good trees for planting at the top of a sloped area. Like shrubs, their root systems help bind the soil but on a deeper level. Another advantage of planting trees at the top of a sloped area is they eventually cast some shade over the slope, which prevents the soil from baking in the hot sun. A little shade helps keep the plants growing there from dying especially in hot climates.

Ornamental Grasses

• Little bluestem, fescues, switchgrass and Canada wildrye are good ornamental grasses for growing on sloped areas. Select ornamental grasses that are not too tall unless you are planting them at the top of the slope. Keep the height of the various plants in some sort of balance for aesthetic purposes. Consider the mature height of the ornamental grass when in flower. Position them in areas that are easy to access since most ornamental grasses need cut back in the spring.

Perennials

• Goldenrod, milkweed, aster, baptisia, threadleaf bluestar, wildflowers, bee balm, coneflower and perennial phlox are good plants for a slope. Bee balm, coneflower and phlox bloom all season long if the faded flowers are deadheaded. If you cannot access these flowers easily, do not worry about deadheading. Allow wildflowers to go to seed since many of them must self-seed yearly in order to come back. Milkweed spreads by underground runners and is the plant of choice for the Monarch butterfly.