Transform Your Hillside with the Best Ground Covers for Landscaping

• Ground covers prevent erosion and stabilize soil on slopes
• Fast-growing options like Carpet Bugleweed and Sedum ‘Angelina’ work well for hillsides
• Consider factors like sunlight, soil type, and maintenance needs when choosing ground covers
• Spring and fall are ideal planting times in most climates
• Proper soil preparation and regular care help ground covers thrive

Landscaping a hillside or sloped area can be challenging, but ground cover plants offer an elegant solution. These versatile plants not only add beauty to your landscape, but also play a crucial role in preventing erosion and stabilizing soil on slopes. In this guide, we’ll explore the world of ground covers for landscaping and discover the best options for transforming tricky hillsides into stunning natural masterpieces.

What is Ground Cover?

Ground cover refers to low-growing plants that spread across the ground, creating a natural carpet-like covering. These plants come in a variety of types, including both annual and perennial species. Some thrive in full sun, while others prefer shaded areas. Ground covers serve multiple purposes in landscaping:

• Prevent soil erosion on slopes
• Suppress weed growth
• Add visual interest and texture
• Reduce lawn maintenance
• Provide habitat for beneficial insects

Lush green ground cover on a hillside

A verdant hillside transformed by ground cover plants

Best Low-Maintenance Ground Covers

For those seeking easy-care options, here are some excellent low-maintenance ground covers:

Aubrieta (False Rock Cress)

This hardy perennial loves well-draining soil and sunny spots. It’s resistant to pests and deer, and can handle dry spells once established. Aubrieta creates a stunning carpet of purple, pink, or white flowers in spring.

Lewisia (Rainbow Lewisia)

Lewisia is perfect for challenging areas with sandy or rocky soils. This tough succulent-like perennial produces a rainbow of vibrant blooms from late spring to early summer. It thrives in USDA zones 3 to 8 and works well in rock gardens or along gravel paths.

Colorful Lewisia flowers

Vibrant Lewisia flowers add a pop of color to rocky landscapes

Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ (Siberian Bugloss)

Brunnera is ideal for shady or partially shaded areas. This perennial produces charming blue flowers in spring and features attractive silvery, heart-shaped leaves. It’s resistant to slugs, snails, deer, and rabbits, making it a low-maintenance dream.

Creeping Jenny

This fast-growing perennial thrives in full sun or partial shade. Its cheerful yellow flowers and spreading habit make it an excellent choice for covering large areas quickly.

Creeping Jenny ground cover

Creeping Jenny’s bright foliage creates a lush carpet

Japanese Spurge

For shaded areas, Japanese spurge offers year-round evergreen beauty. Its low-growing habit creates a lush carpet effect that enhances any landscape.

Sedum

Sedum adapts well to both sunny and partially shaded areas. With options for pink, red, or yellow flowers, it brings vibrant colors while remaining low-maintenance.

Vinca Minor

This rapid spreader is perfect for shaded or partially shaded areas. Vinca minor is deer-resistant and produces lovely blue or purple flowers.

Creeping Thyme

Ideal for sunny spots, creeping thyme offers fragrant foliage and delicate flowers in purple, pink, or white. It’s fast-growing and drought-tolerant once established.

Creeping thyme in bloom

Creeping thyme creates a fragrant, colorful carpet

Ajuga reptans (Buggleweed)

Ajuga thrives in shaded or partially shaded areas. While somewhat invasive, it provides excellent coverage and stunning foliage with blue, purple, or pink flowers.

Fast-Growing Ground Covers for Slopes

When dealing with hillsides, fast-growing ground covers are essential for quick erosion control and soil stabilization. Here are some top choices:

1. Carpet Bugleweed
2. Dwarf Fountain Grass
3. Japanese Forest Grass
4. Sedum ‘Angelina’
5. Woolly Thyme

Sedum Angelina on a slope

Sedum ‘Angelina’ beautifully cascading down a slope

When to Plant Ground Cover

While ground covers can be planted throughout the year in many climates, spring and fall are generally the best times. These seasons offer mild temperatures and increased rainfall, helping plants establish strong root systems. In warmer climates, planting during cooler months gives ground covers a head start before summer heat arrives.

Assessing Your Garden for Ground Covers

Before selecting ground covers, take time to assess your garden’s unique characteristics:

1. Analyze soil conditions (clay, sandy, loamy)
2. Consider climate compatibility and hardiness zone
3. Determine maintenance preferences
4. Envision desired growth habits and coverage

Garden soil assessment

Assessing soil type is crucial for selecting the right ground covers

Choosing the Right Ground Cover Plants

When selecting ground covers, consider these factors:

1. Sunlight requirements
2. Soil type compatibility
3. Growth habit and coverage
4. Aesthetic appeal (foliage color, texture, flowers)
5. Maintenance needs
6. Native species options

For example, in Zone 7 with full sun conditions, options like Creeping Thyme, Sedum, and Ice Plant work well.

How to Plant Ground Cover: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the soil by removing weeds and debris, then loosen to a 6-8 inch depth
2. Plan your layout based on mature plant sizes
3. Dig holes slightly larger than root balls
4. Plant ground covers at the same depth as their containers
5. Water thoroughly after planting
6. Apply a layer of organic mulch
7. Monitor and maintain as plants establish

Planting ground cover

Carefully planting ground cover seedlings

Maintaining Your Ground Cover

To keep your ground covers thriving:

• Weed regularly
• Water appropriately (avoid overwatering)
• Apply mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture
• Trim or prune as needed to maintain desired shape and size

Specific care instructions vary by plant type. For example:

• Creeping thyme (Zones 4-9): Prefers well-draining soil and full sun
• Ajuga (Zones 3-9): Tolerates various soils, prefers partial to full shade
• Vinca minor (Zones 4-9): Thrives in shade to part shade
• Sedum (Zones 3-10): Requires well-draining soil and full sun to part shade

Well-maintained ground cover garden

A beautifully maintained ground cover garden

Pro Tips for Ground Cover Success

1. Mix and match different ground covers for visual interest
2. Plant close together for faster coverage or space out for a gradual spread
3. Regularly trim to prevent overgrowth and maintain neat appearance

By following these guidelines and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning, low-maintenance landscape using ground covers. Whether you’re tackling a challenging slope or simply want to add beauty to your garden, ground covers offer a versatile and effective solution.

Remember, the key to success with ground covers is choosing the right plants for your specific conditions and providing proper care as they establish. With a little patience and attention, you’ll soon have a lush, beautiful ground cover that transforms your outdoor space.