If you have a retaining wall in your yard, the best plants for it are those that suit the growing conditions and the style of your garden. Cascading annuals can provide instant impact and color. They will provide interest until the permanent plants take root. However, if your retaining wall is in a rocky area, consider putting in a fern or moss. These will help keep the area dry and prevent erosion.
Salvia rosmarinus Prostrata Group
This perennial herb is one of the best choices for retaining walls, as it grows to approximately 1 foot high and spreads to about 5 feet across. It is a member of the sage family (Lamiaceae). Salvia rosmarinus ‘Prostratus’ contains several bioactive compounds, including rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, betulinic acid, ursolic, and terpenes. It is also a rich source of essential oil.
This herb is commonly known as rosemary. It is a dense upright shrub that bears tiny blue flowers in spring. It is available in various sizes and prices, and is native to the Mediterranean region. It is used in cooking, perfume, and for medicinal purposes. If you’re planning to plant it along a retaining wall, it would be best to purchase the most appropriate variety for the soil.
Virginia creeper
If you’re considering installing a retaining wall in your garden, Virginia creeper is the ideal choice. This fast-growing plant can spread rapidly and reach 50 feet tall. It has five-parted leaves that emerge with a purplish tint in the spring and change to dull green in the summer. It’s also a great ground cover and holds on to the soil well. This vine has a variety of uses, from ground cover to shade trees.
This woody plant is able to tolerate various soil types, from soggy to dry. It’s not particular about soil pH, so it can be planted in either a full-sun or partial shade garden. Just make sure the soil is well-draining. To ensure the best growth of Virginia creeper, you may also want to add some compost to the soil before planting it. Then, when the first growing season begins, you can plant your new plant in the appropriate spot outdoors.
Lobelia
Listed among the best plants for retaining walls, Lobelia are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. Trailing lobelia is a great choice for retaining walls as it spreads easily from trough to trough and produces clusters of small, blue flowers. The trailing form of the Lobelia will cascade over the edges of the retaining wall, creating a lovely flutter of flowers. Its prickly growth habit means that it may spill over the edge of the trough, and it is a popular choice for summer hanging baskets.
The best time to plant trailing Lobelia is early spring, after the last frost has passed. You can also plant perennial Lobelia varieties in fall. Dig holes slightly wider than the root ball and break up the soil. If possible, add organic material to the soil to improve its drainage and provide more nutrients. Most Lobelia varieties require slightly acidic soil. You can find several cultivars of Lobelia at home-improvement stores such as Eden Brothers.
Dichondra argentea
The scientific name for Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ is aptly descriptive. This plant cascades horizontally and vertically over retaining walls and is an excellent choice for landscaping walls. It thrives in well-drained soil and is heat-tolerant. Once established, Dichondra silver falls needs very little maintenance. It can be grown in a pot or as a trailing plant over retaining walls.
Dichondra argentea Silver Falls is an excellent choice for retaining walls because of its low growing habit and silver-green leaves. This groundcover variety is hardy and will withstand light frosts. Dichondra silver falls is an excellent choice for rock gardens and retaining walls because it is low-maintenance. It can spread up to one metre across retaining walls.
Dimorphotheca Jucunda
This perennial herb grows up to 50 centimeters in height and will cover most retaining walls. Its foliage is green and yellow and its blooms appear in mid-summer. Its flowers are dark purple or black. It also has ecological value, providing cover for native animals. It is the best plant for retaining walls. Despite its flat growth habit, it will make even the most boring retaining wall look attractive.
This groundcover plant is native to the eastern U.S., where it grows as a vine. Its broad, five-leaf leaves turn red in the fall. Its root system holds onto the soil, making it a good choice for retaining walls. You should also choose a variety of colorful flowers, including violets, blue hydrangea, and purple coneflower.
Creeping phlox
In the right climate, California phlox can be one of the best plants for retaining walls. It grows well in USDA plant hardiness zones three through nine, and prefers gravelly, sandy soil in full sunlight. Other features of this plant make it a great choice for retaining walls: it is drought-tolerant, deer resistant, and pollinator-friendly. Phlox requires little maintenance during the growing season, but it should be pruned after flowering to promote a more dense blooming period. Pruning should also be performed immediately after blooming to promote a more compact growth and flowering. Planting in early spring also guarantees better transplanting success, so be sure to plant your new plants at this time of year.
Creeping phlox is very easy to care for. Plant it in spring or autumn, after the danger of frost has passed. Plant creeping phlox in staggered rows to ensure the plant has enough room to spread. A first soak is recommended to settle the roots before planting. When choosing a location, make sure the creeping phlox will receive full sunlight and have a moderate growth rate.
Creeping thyme
If you have a retaining wall, you might consider using creeping thyme plants to disguise it. Although this type of plant grows to be an evergreen, it can lose its leaves and stems during the winter. They can be kept in a pot with sand or gravel. They do not need to be fertilized, but you will need to keep the soil moist. Once the plants have established roots, they can be transplanted to a permanent location.
If you are interested in enhancing the appearance of your retaining wall, you can choose creeping thyme. This plant can cascade down the wall. Its leaves are hairy and it produces two-lipped flowers in spring. Because it has a low growth rate, you can plant it in the spring. If you are looking for a more permanent plant, you can also choose one that grows in zones 4-8.
Russelia equisetiformis – Firecracker Plant
The Firecracker Plant, also known as Russelia equiseti-formis, is a perennial plant native to the tropics and subtropics. It features bright red flowers with cascading stems. The name derives from Scottish naturalist Alexander Russell. Although it is native to Mexico, this plant is now grown all over the world. Firecracker Plants are great for retaining walls, as they provide a natural look and hide unsightly ones. Their tubular flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
When choosing a plant for retaining walls, consider the type of wall that will fit into the surrounding landscaping. There are a number of plants that can be used for this purpose, including the popular Francis E. Lester rose. The Francis E. Lester rose grows tall and symmetrical, making it perfect for large walls. Another good plant for retaining walls is the Blush Noisette rose. Its flowers are a mixture of cream and sugar-pink. Another rose that can be planted on a retaining wall is Dichondra argentea, which has green leaves that are evergreen and tolerant of both partial shade and full sun.
Dimorphotheca argentea
One of the most popular plants for retaining walls is Dimorphotheca argentea. It is a large, perennial herb that spreads to cover most retaining walls. Depending on the species, this plant can grow up to 50 centimeters in height. Golden Creeping Jenny produces yellow and green leaves and blooms from early to mid-summer.
Other plants that work well for retaining walls include clematis, a native to Australia. It has a wide range of flowers, and is a great choice for retaining walls. It grows quickly, has a crimson red fall color, and bears dark purple berries. Silver Falls Dichondra is a trailing annual in Illinois. Its silver foliage contrasts well with the wall.
