Looking for the perfect ground cover to tackle a tricky slope or a steep hillside? You’ve come to the right place! Finding plants that can handle erosion while looking great isn’t always easy, so I’ve rounded up some of my favorite options to help you find the perfect match for your yard.
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++Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
If you’re dealing with a shady slope, Japanese Spurge (often called Pachysandra) might be your new best friend. Originally from Asian woodlands, this hardy plant feels right at home in our climate. It thrives best in sandy or loamy soil. Just a heads-up: it loves nutrient-rich spots but isn’t a fan of lime. Keep an eye out in April for its delicate little white flowers!
++Two-Row Stonecrop (Sedum spurium)
This ground cover is a total powerhouse—it’s evergreen and incredibly winter-hardy. If you plant “Dragon’s Blood” or other Teppichsedum varieties, your hillside will stay vibrant even when the temperature drops. It actually prefers “poor” soil with fewer nutrients, making it a great choice for rocky or gravelly areas. It’s super low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and does a fantastic job of stabilizing the soil.
++Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla)
In the wild, Lady’s Mantle is a survivor, growing everywhere from bright woodlands to high-altitude meadows. There are tons of varieties to choose from, and they offer more than just pretty foliage. During its blooming season, it produces chartreuse (yellow-green) flowers that pollinators absolutely love. It’s very cold-hardy, so you don’t need to worry about any special winter protection.
++Common Bistort (Polygonum bistorta)
Whether your slope is in full sun or partial shade, Common Bistort is a versatile pick. While it’s sometimes used in traditional herbal remedies, it’s mostly prized in the garden for its lush coverage. From May through August, you’ll get beautiful pink flower spikes that really brighten up the summer landscape. It’s a tough plant that doesn’t ask for much—just snip off the dead leaves occasionally to keep it looking tidy.
++Barrenwort / Fairy Wings (Epimedium)
Need something for a moderately dry slope? Epimedium (charmingly known as Fairy Wings) is a fantastic option. It can grow up to 12 inches tall and is great for filling in hillsides. I recommend picking an evergreen variety so you have color all winter long. It’s a sturdy plant that isn’t picky about soil, even performing well in spots with low nutrients.
++Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)
Who says herbs are just for the kitchen? Woolly Thyme makes an incredible ground cover. It creates a soft, fuzzy green carpet that stabilizes the soil and produces tiny flowers. It’s tough enough to handle light foot traffic, so you don’t have to worry if you need to step on the slope. Just make sure the soil is well-draining; this little guy hates having “wet feet.”
++English Ivy (Hedera helix)
If you want a classic, “set it and forget it” solution, English Ivy is the way to go. It’s the gold standard for deep shade and provides thick, evergreen coverage year-round. Once the plants are established, they’ll eventually produce small flowers and dark berries that serve as a great food source for local birds.
++Irish Moss (Sagina subulata)
If you’re dreaming of a lush, velvety green carpet, Irish Moss is my secret tip. It’s so dense that people often use it as a grass substitute. Between June and August, it’s covered in tiny, star-shaped white flowers. Just keep in mind that it’s a bit thirstier than the others—you’ll need to give it regular water during those hot summer months to keep it looking its best.