25 Ground Covers That Hold Slopes in Place Without Taking Over Your Yard
A bare slope needs roots that grip without becoming a new problem.
These ground covers help hold soil while staying easier to manage.
25. Creeping phlox
Creeping phlox earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
24. Bearberry
Bearberry earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
23. Creeping thyme
Creeping thyme earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
22. Sedum spurium
Sedum spurium earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
21. Blue star creeper with moisture
Blue star creeper with moisture earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
20. Ajuga in contained areas
Ajuga in contained areas earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
19. Pennsylvania sedge
The hidden problem: Pennsylvania sedge earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
18. Liriope
Liriope earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
17. Dwarf mondo grass
Dwarf mondo grass earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
16. Barren strawberry
Barren strawberry earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem. For a related planting choice, Drought-Proof Flowers That Keep Blooming Through Brutal Summer Heat can help you match the site.
15. Wild ginger
Wild ginger earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
14. Foamflower
Foamflower earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
13. Green and gold
Quick read: Green and gold earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem. For a related planting choice, Plants That Fill Bare, Dry Shade Where Grass Refuses to Grow can help you match the site.
12. Allegheny spurge
Allegheny spurge earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
11. Sweet woodruff in contained shade
Sweet woodruff in contained shade earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
10. Coral bells massed together
Coral bells massed together earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem. For a related planting choice, Pothos Fixes That Turn Leggy Vines Into a Fuller, Faster-Growing Plant can help you match the site.
9. Creeping juniper
Creeping juniper earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
8. Cotoneaster on sunny banks
Cotoneaster on sunny banks earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
7. Gro-Low sumac
Gro-Low sumac earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
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6. Ice plant in dry climates
Ice plant in dry climates earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
5. Lambs ear on sunny slopes
Quick read: Lambs ear on sunny slopes earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
4. Armeria sea thrift
Armeria sea thrift earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
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3. Mazus in damp spots
The hidden problem: Mazus in damp spots earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
2. Dichondra in mild climates
Dichondra in mild climates earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
1. Native violets in shade
Native violets in shade earns its place when you need erosion control on bare slopes.
It gives the bed a specific job instead of just adding another pretty plant.
Plant plugs in staggered rows and water deeply the first season so roots knit the slope. Early edging keeps the planting from becoming the next problem.
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The goal is not to copy a magazine garden. It is to make the next practical decision easier, then let the results compound.
