Ground cover plants on slopes not only look beautiful, but also have a positive effect on the stability of the slope. Find out below what advantages ground cover offers on slopes and which ground cover plants are best for planting on your slope.
Which ground cover plants are suitable for planting on slopes?
Winter-hardy and root-stable ground cover plants such as thick mantle, ivy, lady's mantle, gold basket, creeping spindle, star moss, medlar and carpet sedum are suitable for slope planting. Please note that the ground cover corresponds to the location preferences (sun, partial shade or shade).
The benefits of ground cover plants on slopes
Ground cover plants form thick carpets, often with numerous small flowers. These look particularly attractive on slopes and also have a positive effect on the soil:
- Ground covers prevent erosion because they create a dense nest of roots that hold the soil in place.
- Ground cover plants retain moisture in the soil because their leaves prevent evaporation. So less has to be watered.
- Ground cover plants don't give weeds a chance because they deprive them of light.
The most beautiful ground cover plants for slope planting
When selecting ground cover for securing slopes, in addition to the choice of color for a beautiful look, winter hardiness and location are important. Shade-loving ground covers should never be planted on a south-facing slope, and sun-loving ground covers will wither on a north-facing slope. If you want the slope to be green in winter, you should choose wintergreen ground cover. Below is an overview of the most beautiful ground cover plants with the necessary information:
| Name | Flower color | Flowering time | Location | hardy | Wintergreen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground cover rose | Pink | June to September | Sun to partial shade | Yes | No |
| Fat Man (Japanese Ysander) | Inconspicuous, white | April to May | Part shade to shade | Yes | Yes |
| Ivy | Inconspicuous | It only blooms after ten years in autumn | Part shade to shade | Yes | Yes |
| Elf Flower | Red, pink, white, filigree | April to May | Part shade to shade | Yes | No, it turns colorful in autumn |
| woman's coat | Yellow | May to June | Sun to partial shade | Yes | No |
| Gold basket | Yellow | May to August | Sun to light partial shade | Yes | Yes |
| Small Periwinkle | Violet | May to September | Sun to shade | Yes | No |
| Creeping spindle | Leaves with white border | Sun to shade | Yes | Yes | |
| Snakeweed | Red to pink | July to September | Sun to partial shade | Yes | No, it turns colorful in autumn |
| Summer Spiere | |||||
| Starwort | White | April to June | Penumbra | Yes | Yes |
| Star moss | White | May to July | Sun to partial shade | Yes | Yes |
| Storksbill | Pink, white | May to September, depending on variety | Sun to partial shade | Yes | No |
| Cotoneaster | White, red berries | May to June | Sun to shade | Yes | Yes |
| Carpet sedum | Pink, red, etc., red leaves | July to August | Sun | Yes | Yes |
| Waldsteinia (runner-forming) | Yellow | April to June | Part shade to shade | Yes | No |
| Woolthyme | Pink | June to July | Sun | Yes | No |
Fix the slope
The ground cover plants need some time to spread and thus provide comprehensive protection. It therefore makes sense to lay slope protection fabric (€11.00 on Amazon) before planting the ground cover. This fabric is made from decaying materials such as coconut fiber or jute and stabilizes the soil until the ground cover plants can take over this work. Then they rot and serve as fertilizer for the plants on the slope.
Combine ground cover plants
Ground cover plants can be easily combined with taller plants such as perennials but also shrubs or small trees. Deep-rooted trees and plants are particularly useful. Here you will find a list of the most beautiful deep-rooted shrubs for planting on slopes.
