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A slope needs to be stabilized. However, this is also possible with appropriate ground covers that are suitable for a slope. Because just blooming ground cover for the slope form green carpets, which are provided with many small flowers. Above all, the location is important in order to find the right plants for your own slope. So when choosing the plants, you should pay attention to whether they are in the sun, in partial shade or even in the shade. The following article provides information about which plants are suitable for the respective location.
Ground cover for the slope
If the slope is to be secured, there are various methods. One of them, for example, is planting appropriate ground cover, which offers a number of advantages. The ground-covering plants prevent erosion because they hold the earth with their dense root system. This can then no longer slip down even if it is very wet. In addition, the moisture is kept in the ground. In addition, the low leaves lying on the ground prevent rapid evaporation, the slope requires less watering. Accordingly, weeds don't stand a chance either, since hardly any light reaches the ground. In the following list, the most beautiful ground covers for the slope have been compiled according to the following criteria:
- Sun
- the shade
- penumbra
notice: In addition to the look and the color selection, the right location is also an important criterion. Because on a south-facing slope, shade-loving groundcover could burn quickly. On the other hand, the sun-loving plants wither away in a shaded location. There are also ground covers for the slope, which get along well with both and are therefore particularly well suited for the penumbra.
Ground cover for shade
In the shade, only those groundcovers that are suitable should really be planted. Because the sun-hungry plants in particular can quickly wither away in a permanently shady location. Thus, the following plants are well suited for a shady location:
fat man (Pachysandra terminalis)
- The boxwood family (Buxaceae)
- originally from the forests of China and Japan
- white flowers
- Flowering time April to May
- sandy to loamy soil
- nutritious and humic
- hardy
- flat-growing and carpet-forming
- keep moderately moist
- sensitive to lime
Pachysandra terminalis, fat man
Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Distribution area from Europe to Asia
- have adhesive roots
- but also suitable as ground cover
- Classic shade plant
- evergreen
- spherical yellow umbels with age
- black fruit in winter
- good food for birds
- well drained, moist soil
- Fertilization outdoors not necessary
Common ivy, Hedera helix
Elf Flower (Epimedium)
- Barberry family (Berberidaceae)
- also called socket flowers
- originally from Asia, North Africa and the Mediterranean
- despite a height of 30 centimeters, it can be cultivated as ground cover for slopes
- with semi-shrub character
- choose an evergreen variety
- moderately dry soil
- humus-poor soil is tolerated
- small flowers on filigree stems
- Flowers in spring before new shoots
Elf Flower 'Frohnleiten', Epimedium perralchicum
Waldsteinia (Waldstenia ternata)
- also called goldberry
- only a few flowers in the shade
- yellow flowers between April and May
- use lime-free water
- keep soil moist
- fertilize little
- use compost and horn shavings
- hardy
- Autumn and winter color brownish-red
- old leaves are shed in spring when new shoots emerge
Golden strawberry, Waldsteinia, Waldsteinia ternata
tip: If the slope is to remain green in winter, then wintergreen plants should be chosen.
Ground cover for sun
In a predominantly sunny location, the plants are often very demanding. Because many do not tolerate the constant sunshine and especially the strong midday sun well and then burn despite sufficient watering. But the following ground covers are well suited for a sunny slope:
from F - G
Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla)
- originally in forest clearings and upland meadows
- located in Europe and Asia
- The rose family (Rosaceae)
- about 1000 species, partly confusingly similar
- deciduous
- yellow-green flowers
- in small clusters on the shoots
- nutrient-rich, well-drained soil
- also suitable as a bed edging
- hardy
Ringworm (Chrysogonum virginianum)
- daisy family (Asteraceae)
- original homeland North America
- long flowering
- from May to the end of September
- small yellow flowers
- Soil humus and rich in nutrients
- always slightly damp, do not let dry out
- water additionally in hot periods
- hardy
- pretty tough
from S - W
Snake knotweed (Polygonum bistorta)
- Knotweed family
- original homeland Europe and Asia
- also called meadow knotweed
- belongs to the old medicinal herbs and wild vegetables
- pink flowers from May to August
- Soil moist and well drained
- hardly requires any maintenance
- only remove dried flowers
- put on the hive in spring
- very robust and frost hardy
Star Moss (Sagina subulata)
- Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae)
- also known as masthead
- Soil permeable and enriched with sand
- fertilize only on poor soil
- It is often used as a lawn substitute
- daily watering in summer
- hardy
- Always sow bare spots again immediately
- Flowering period from June to August
- small white flowers
Star Moss, Sagina subulata
Cranesbill (Geranium)
- Balkan cranesbill popular ground cover
- Native to Central Europe, Southern Europe or Asia
- many different types (about 400)
- some evergreen and hardy
- summer bloom
- from May to October
- many different colors
- moderately moist and nutrient-rich soil
- can cope well with summer drought
- cut what grows over the edge of the bed
Carpet Sedum (Sedum spurium)
- Succulent family (Phedimus)
- Caucasian or Asian stonecrop
- original homeland northern Iran, Caucasus and Asia
- evergreen
- hardy
- tends to go wild
- different colored flowers
- Flowering time between June and August
- fresh, nutrient-poor, dry soil
- water and fertilize little
Sedum
Woolly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)
- pretty tough
- can also be entered
- a pleasant scent is emitted on contact
- Leaves with gray borders
- Flowering time in summer
- small violet to pink flowers
- hardy and robust
- hardly any maintenance needed
- very permeable soil without waterlogging
- enrich swampy soil with gravel and sand
thyme, thymus
tip: You can also combine different ground covers or plant perennials and small trees on the slope. Make sure that these are deep-rooted plants or trees, so that they have a good grip on the steep ground.
Ground cover in partial shade
Most plants tolerate partial shade. Here they are well protected from the strong midday sun, but are still bright enough to get enough sunbeams and not wither. The following groundcover plants feel particularly comfortable on a partially shaded slope:
groundcover rose
- Small shrub roses (various types)
- spread across the country
- very good frost hardiness
- perpetual bloomer
- from spring to autumn
- many different flower colors
- loose, permeable soil
- high proportion of nutrients and humus
- fertilize regularly
- cut if become too high
groundcover roses
Lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor)
- Dogbane family (Apocynaceae)
- distributed from western Asia to Europe
- poisonous in all parts
- Flowering April and May
- Flower color blue to violet or white
- nutrient-rich and loose soil
- thrives in damp and cool places
- dark green glossy foliage
- hardy
- does not require a cut
creeping spindle (Euonymus fortunei)
- Spindle family (Celastraceae)
- also known as a climbing spindle
- originally located in China
- Flowering time between June and July
- Flowers green to white
- evergreen
- hardy
- very durable and robust
- dry to moist soil
- nutritious and humic
Chickweed (Stellaria)
- Carnation family (Caryophyllaceae)
- spring bloomers
- thrives wild on forest edges
- Location sheltered from the wind
- Lime-poor, loamy-sandy, humic soil
- acidic and alkaline pH values
- develops white petals
- Continuous carpet of flowers in spring and summer
- hardy
- water regularly in summer
Medlar (Cotoneaster radicans)
- originally from China
- also creeping medlar
- evergreen
- easy care
- cut to prevent spread
- Flowering time between May and June
- small white flowers
- red berries in autumn, not suitable for consumption
- nutrient-rich, humus-rich soil
- Rain is sufficient as a water supply
notice: You should not only pay attention to the right location when making your selection. Winter hardiness is just as important here, so that you have to do less maintenance. If the plants on slopes have to be protected every winter, this can be very time-consuming.