15 Plants That Grow on Slopes

Siberian Cypress

The lacy foliage of this plant adds great texture to slopes. New varieties are tougher and more cold-hardy. Look for varieties such as ‘Celtic Pride.’ Siberian cypress needs sun but tolerates some shade, too.

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Groundcover Roses

Landscape roses are a gorgeous solution for gentle slopes. They cover large areas, don’t need pruned or sprayed and offer colorful blooms all season long. Look for groundcover or spreading types such as ‘Drift.’ All roses need full sun.

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Deutzia

This low-growing shrub has a nice mounded shape and pretty pink bell-shaped flowers in spring. Its elegant form makes it eye-catching any time of year. Look for varieties such as ‘Yuki Cherry Blossom.’ Deutzia likes full sun.

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Catmint

Catmint is a super-hardy perennial with pretty spikes of purple flowers that attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Its flowers last for months! Look for varieties such as ‘Cat’s Meow.’ Catmint needs full sun.

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Creeping Juniper

Low-growing junipers creep along the ground. They don’t need pruning or any other care once established. Plus, their colors range from greenish to blue-green so you’ll have nice year-round color. Look for varieties such as ‘Blue Chip.’ Junipers need full sun.

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Honeysuckle

This showy vine, which is usually trained up a trellis, also makes a pretty groundcover. Honeysuckle has very fragrant flowers, which attract hummingbirds. It blooms late spring to early summer and has small red berries in fall. Look for varieties such as ‘Scentsation.’ Honeysuckle does best in full sun.

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Russian Sage

Lacy blue-green foliage and pretty spikes of purple flowers that last for weeks make this plant a stand-out. It’s drought tolerant once established and attracts hummingbirds! Look for types such as ‘Denim ‘N Lace.’ Russian sage needs full sun.

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Fountain Grass

Fountain grass forms dense clumps of foliage and spikes of interesting flowers in summer. There are many different types and heights, so read the label so you know what you’re buying. Fountain grass does best in full sun.

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Forsythia

This harbinger of spring has bright yellow flowers before the foliage even appears. Newer types don’t require pruning and stay neat and tidy. Look for dwarf varieties such as ‘Show Off Sugar Baby,’ and plant in groups for best results.

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Sedge

This perennial comes in many colors from variegated to grassy-looking. It adapts to most soils and is drought-tolerant once established. Sedge needs some sun, but it also tolerates some shade.

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Periwinkle Vine

Also known as vinca, the glossy, dark green leaves of this evergreen perennial actually are quite pretty on hillsides. It has purple flowers in spring, and it’s a fast spreader. Deer and rabbits usually won’t bother it. Periwinkle likes full sun in northern climates or dappled shade in hot climates.

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Liriope

Also called lilyturf, liriope is a short, dense perennial that looks like grass (but isn’t!). It’s fast-growing and has spikes of purple flowers in spring. Liriope needs part to full shade.

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Maiden Grass

Maiden Grass is another clumping plant that is eye-catching when planted in large numbers. Dwarf varieties work especially well on hillsides. It’s deer resistant and likes part to full sun.

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Cotoneaster

Sprawling branches cover the ground in a hurry, while tiny white flowers become red berries later in the season. This low-growing shrub is a good bet to cover hillsides fast. Cotoneaster does best in full sun.

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Ajuga

Ajuga is a hardy groundcover with green or bronze leaves and small purple flowers in spring. Look for interesting colors such as ‘Chocolate Chip.’ It spreads quickly and likes part sun.

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Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.

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