Plants on the steep slope not only look attractive, they also protect it from erosion and drying out. In general, all plants can be planted on a slope if the location is right, but some are better suited than others. You can find out what these are and how to plant your steep slope step by step below.
Steep slopes are best planted with a mix of deep-rooted shrubs and groundcover
The best plants for the steep slope
Two groups of plants are particularly helpful for stabilizing a steep slope:
Ground cover and deep-rooted plants such as shrubs or meadow plants. The ground cover prevents superficial erosion and the evaporation of rainwater and irrigation water, while the deep roots also stabilize the slope deep into the earth, making it almost impossible to slip off.
Examples of suitable ground cover are:
- ivy
- Small periwinkle
- star moss
- carpet sedum
- Waldsteinia
You can find an extensive list of numerous ground covers for slopes and their site requirements here.
Examples of deep-rooted shrubs are:
- Bensengingster
- boxwood
- yew
- dog rose
- Thuja
- witch hazel
You can find more deep-rooters with information on their growth height in this article.
It therefore makes sense to combine groundcover and deep-rooting plants in order to optimally secure the steep slope.
Plant the steep slope step by step
For the slope planting you need:
- a rake
- a hoe
- a spade
- a wheelbarrow
- compost
- Embankment mats made from compostable material
- plants at will
- Possibly an irrigation system (€32.95) (for large slopes)
- Possibly building material for retaining walls (for large, steep slopes)
- Mulch, (239.00€) gravel or similar to cover the beds and create paths
1. Planning
Draw a sketch of your slope on a piece of paper and consider how many paths you need, whether you need an irrigation system and if so, where you want to put it. Is your slope very steep and long? Then you should plan retaining walls that divide the slope into individual terraces. Remember that retaining walls need a frost-free foundation, i.e. a foundation that is at least 80 cm deep. Also sketch where which plants are to be placed.
2. Prepare the slope
First, the soil must be prepared for the plants. To do this, chop them thoroughly, remove larger stones and rake up leaves and any old plant residue and dispose of everything with the wheelbarrow.
Now mark the paths. If retaining walls are to be installed, now is the right time.
Then dig up the bottom of the beds and generously lift compost underneath.
3. Lay the embankment mat
Now lay the embankment mats over the entire steep slope. These prevent the earth from slipping until the plants have grown firmly and take over with their roots. The mats are weighted at the edges to prevent them from slipping.
4. Put plants
Cut where appropriate and plant shrubs, flowers and ground cover. Don't plant the plants too close together! Give them space to spread and thrive.
5. Lay irrigation
Then lay your irrigation system. Make sure that all plants get as much water as possible. Finally, water the slope thoroughly.