dry slope planting - Ask Extension
what are some good shrubs and plants for a somewhat dry slope. sort of clayish soil. we're planning on putting in a terrace or two, but don't want to ...
Knowledgebase
dry slope planting #244589
Asked May 15, 2015, 1:39 PM EDT
what are some good shrubs and plants for a somewhat dry slope. sort of clayish soil. we're planning on putting in a terrace or two, but don't want to have to use lots of water. just moved here. there's been neglect and the hillside is sloughing off some. not a long slope, maybe 15 feet. recently removed the 2 large evergreens that were shading it, so it gets a fairly good amount of sunshine. we have a well, but I'd like to not waste water during possible droughty times. thanks
Douglas County Oregon
Expert Response
I would consider ceanothus. There are many different types of ceanothus from ground cover which get up to two fee tall and spread a lot, to shrubs that reach 6-8 feet tall. This family of plants does not need much water all summer. In fact the worse thing you can do is water them regularly because they can get root rots.They all have beautiful blue flowers that bees love. For your site the ground cover ceanothus might be best.
Another hardy shrub is the Pieris japonica. It is a very drought hardy plant that has lovely white blossoms like blueberry. Foliage is red in spring and turns green later in summer. These plants can be 2-3 foot dwarfs or 4-6 foot standards.
There are ground cover rosemary plants that cover slopes well and are also drought hardy. And cistus or rock rose are hardy and bloom for a long season. There are many varieties of cistus from low growing to more upright. All of these will do well in our climate.
Another hardy shrub is the Pieris japonica. It is a very drought hardy plant that has lovely white blossoms like blueberry. Foliage is red in spring and turns green later in summer. These plants can be 2-3 foot dwarfs or 4-6 foot standards.
There are ground cover rosemary plants that cover slopes well and are also drought hardy. And cistus or rock rose are hardy and bloom for a long season. There are many varieties of cistus from low growing to more upright. All of these will do well in our climate.
