Aside from shrubs, trees, and grasses, some of the best plants for hillside erosion control are also beneficial for soil health. Osmunda claytoniana, for example, is a perennial plant that grows two to three feet tall. It is zoned from three to eight, is drought-tolerant, and has rhizomes that help to retain soil and minimize erosion. It is also tolerant of damp soil, making it ideal for damp hillside areas.
Japanese spurge
The Japanese spurge is an efficient, low-growing ground cover that is native to Asia. Its green leaves resemble shrubbery and can tolerate varying levels of shade. It is tolerant of low fertility soils and has no need for fertilizer. It grows quickly, spreads by rhizomes, and is low maintenance. Its dense cover prevents soil erosion and deters deer.
This genus of pachysandra is a shade-loving perennial that can be propagated by dividing roots. It requires minimal irrigation but will turn yellow when exposed to too much sunlight. However, it will need adequate drainage and moisture to survive. It will also benefit from periodic organic fertilizer application to balance the soil’s nutrients. Leaf blight can be a problem in some locations.
Another good plant for hillside erosion control is the Japanese spurge. This genus grows in shady areas, forming compact mats. It stays under 10 inches high and spreads well beneath trees. It produces small, creamy white flowers in early summer. Plant them 6 to 8 inches apart to minimize the risk of weeds. It grows well in USDA zones three through nine. In zones four to nine, Japanese spurge will provide a natural ground cover.
English ivy
There are many factors to consider when planting vegetation for slope stabilization. It is important to consider the type of erosion and slope facing direction, the soil type, climate, and drainage system. While English ivy has deep roots, its shallow root system does not support a dense mat for sliding conditions. Because it grows vertically, it can easily outgrow its intended location.
Ivy is susceptible to a wide range of pests. Insecticides and neem oil are effective tools for controlling pests. A simple solution of dish soap and water works well for controlling aphids. Bacterial leaf spot and root rot are two other potential issues, but both are treatable with a diluted solution of vinegar.
The canopy of English ivy is attractive to wildlife. It can shade out native plants and create a protective habitat for voles, which feed on the roots and base of trees. This can cause considerable damage to your landscape. In addition, English ivy also harbors bacterial scorch disease, which is damaging to the roots of oaks, maples, and elms.
Creeping phlox
If you are looking for a plant that can help control soil erosion, the best plant for this job is creeping phlox. This flowering ground cover is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, but can suffer from a few pests. Powdery mildew is a common problem and it is susceptible to spider mites. You can combat these pests by pruning the plant back to promote air circulation. If you notice that it is suffering from spider mites, you can use an insecticidal soap.
This plant is easy to grow and maintain. It can tolerate a variety of climates, including heat, drought, and shade. It is also resistant to powdery mildew and helps suppress weeds in the garden. In addition to these benefits, creeping phlox also looks good in a container. Plant it near a pond to catch water runoff.
The plant is a vigorous perennial with lush, mat-forming foliage and a fresh green color. It dies back in winter. Its leaves resemble an awl and are shaped similar to those used to work with leather. Creeping phlox can tolerate light foot traffic and is a great choice for rock gardens, patio pavers, and pathways.
Creeping juniper
There are many benefits to using this shrub as a swales hedge on a hillside. Its thorn-like leaves grow into long clusters and its white or blue berries are edible. It is a moderate spreader and requires very little maintenance. This shrub tolerates full sun and moderate shade. It has a bluish-green color and is resistant to cedar rust. It is an excellent choice for hillside erosion control.
A native low-growing shrub, creeping juniper is a useful choice for erosion control. Its branches can form a mat up to 10 feet wide. It is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and moderately salt-tolerant. It is also a good choice for naturalistic, open areas. It complements other evergreens. Its low growth habit and contrasting needles make it a good choice for landscape design.
When used as a swales hedge, it provides a natural barrier to prevent soil erosion. The juniper is an easy plant to maintain and can be used in a variety of landscape settings. They are useful for hillside erosion control because they stabilize the soil and are attractive in a hillside. However, they do not do well in soggy soil, poor air circulation, or in deep shade.
Ostrich fern
Ostrich fern is a sturdy, robust plant that grows quickly and spreads its roots well to cover bare slopes. Its thick, lacy fronds add dramatic texture to any landscape. It also doesn’t attract deer and is hardy in USDA zones three through eight. When planted near a water source, ostrich fern protects wet slopes and flowers in shade.
Ostrich fern grows to almost two feet tall, and its foliage is a striking backdrop to other shade-loving plants. Planting it is easy; just dig a shallow hole and water it regularly until it takes root. Once established, it requires little maintenance – gardeners simply have to give it enough water during dry seasons and remove debris when it goes dormant. Ostrich ferns are easy to maintain but can quickly become invasive.
This plant forms dense colonies and stabilizes banks. Its fronds have two types, fertile and infertile, and each year new fronds grow alongside the sterile fronds from the previous year. Fertile fronds turn bright gold in fall, and the sterile fronds are usually held alongside the previous year’s fertile ferns.
Spotted dead nettle
If you’re looking for a native plant to use for hillside erosion control, spotted dead nettle is a great choice. It grows to about eight inches in height, and spreads to three feet. Its purple flowers bloom late in the spring. The plant spreads by sending out long, vine-like roots. It thrives in full sun and will need around six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Known for its spiky, stinging sting, and dazzling foliage, spotted dead nettle is one of the most popular ground covers available. This perennial will spread shade across bare patches and may be semi-evergreen in temperate regions. This plant’s striking foliage is often referred to as “deadnettles” for a reason. In addition to its impactful foliage, spotted dead nettle is a hardy perennial that grows in zones three to eight.
The best plant to use for hillside erosion control is spotted dead nettle. This perennial ground cover can be found almost anywhere, and is particularly effective in areas with dry conditions. The roots prevent weeds and keep the soil in place. Spotted dead nettle is also an excellent choice because it is low maintenance. A sloping area will need much less attention than an area that is completely shaded.
Tanika(r) Lomandra longifolia ‘LM300’ PBR
Australian native Lomandra ‘Tanika’ is an excellent choice for a variety of uses, from the landscape to the home. Its evergreen foliage is surprisingly low-maintenance and it produces small yellow flowers from April to October. It is a hardy tree that thrives in dry, sunny areas, but not in low-lying areas, as it is susceptible to Phytophthora.
This native Australian grass is also a valuable bush food. It grows in sandy, wet, and dry soils, and is a good choice for wet or dry conditions. Lomandra longifolia is an excellent choice for hillside erosion control, and Tanika(r) Lomandra longifolia ‘LM300’ PBR can be ordered online for fast delivery.
The ‘LHBYF’ variety is a cold-hardy Lomandra. It has a W shape and is drought-tolerant and long-lived. Lomandra ‘LHBYF’ is an excellent choice for rain gardens and is also a great choice for shady, humid landscapes.