Plants on a steep slope not only look attractive, they also protect it from erosion and drying out. In general, all plants can be planted on a slope as long as the location is right, but some are better suited than others. Below you will find out what these are and how you can plant your steep slope step by step.
What is the best way to plant a steep slope?
To successfully plant a steep slope, ideally combine ground cover such as ivy or star moss with deep-rooted shrubs such as dog rose or boxwood. These plants prevent erosion and stabilize the slope. Prepare the soil, lay out embankment mats, plant selected plants and set up an irrigation system.
The best plants for steep slopes
Two groups of plants are particularly helpful for strengthening a steep slope:Ground cover and deep-rooted plants such as shrubs or meadow plants. The ground cover prevents superficial erosion and the evaporation of rain and irrigation water, while the deep roots also stabilize the slope deep into the earth, making slipping almost impossible.
Suitable ground cover plants include:
- Ivy
- Small Periwinkle
- Star moss
- Carpet sedum
- Waldsteinie
You can find an extensive list of numerous ground cover plants for slopes and their location requirements here.
Deep-rooted shrubs include:
- Bensengingster
- Boxwood
- Yew
- Dog Rose
- Thuja
- Magic Haze
You can find more deep-rooted plants with information about their height in this article.
It makes sense to combine ground cover and deep-rooted plants in order to optimally fortify the steep slope.
Planting the steep slope step by step
For the slope planting you need:
- a rake
- a hoe
- a spade (€29.00 at Amazon)
- a wheelbarrow
- Compost
- Slope mats made of compostable material
- Plants as desired
- possibly irrigation system (for large slopes)
- possibly building material for retaining walls (on large, steep slopes)
- Mulch, gravel or similar to cover the beds and create paths
1. Planning
Draw a sketch of your slope on a piece of paper and think about how many paths you need, whether you need an irrigation system and if so, where you want to lay it. Is your slope very steep and long? Then you should plan retaining walls that divide the slope into individual terraces. Remember that retaining walls need a frost-free foundation that is at least 80cm deep. Also sketch where which plants should be placed.
2. Preparing the slope
First the soil must be prepared for the plants. To do this, chop them thoroughly, remove larger stones and rake up leaves and any old plant residues and dispose of everything using the wheelbarrow.
Now mark the paths. If retaining walls are to be installed, now is the right time to do so. Then dig up the bottom of the beds and generously dig compost underneath.
3. Laying the embankment mat
Now place the embankment mats over the entire steep slope. These prevent the soil from slipping until the plants have grown properly and do this with their roots. The mats are weighted at the edges so that they do not slip.
4. Plant plants
Cut to the appropriate areas and plant shrubs, flowers and ground cover. Don't plant the plants too close! Give them space to spread and thrive.
5. Install irrigation
Then install your irrigation system. Make sure that all plants get as much water as possible. Finally, water the slope thoroughly.
