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Steep soil bank plants

littlecatstretches92394littlecatstretches92394 Posts: 7
edited 12 March in Problem solving
I've a meter square ish dropping down from an old tree trunk and no idea what I'm doing so any suggestions gratefully received.

The old trunk seems quite happy and is technically next doors so will stay where it is for now.

I'll be rebuilding the steps below, maybe find some largish stones for the bottom of the bank to try to contain the bank a little, and thought it might be nice to find some kind of, evergreen perhaps, plant that would spread to cover that area.

The soil is fairly normal, well drained (!) and gets the sun late afternoon. 

I've looked at a few things, some kind of hedera helix ( can it be kept under control? ), creeping thyme, heuchera, hypericum calycinum & creeping phlox and am more confused than before. I can't even figure out if I should find something to plant at the top, bottom or the middle!
Ideas?

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Posts

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    You could try a Euonimus - they are not climbers but will lean against a wall or support or grow sideways. Choose from evergreen gold or silver leaf variegation and they are not invasive.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I’ve got an area a bit like that in my garden. I’ve used Euphorbia amygdaloides var robbiae, Vinca minor and Bergenia to bind the soil and add some interest. They are all happy in shade and poor soil.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Photos of the Euphorbia and Vinca:




    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • littlecatstretches92394littlecatstretches92394 Posts: 7
    @Plantminded Thank you!
    If I wanted to replicate your idea, purchased the plants then what would I put where -ish? Is one better planted at the top for example? 
  • littlecatstretches92394littlecatstretches92394 Posts: 7
    @Buttercupdays Thank you! So I'd just plant it where I've marked?
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited 12 March
    I would put the Euphorbia near the top, it will spread slowly in all directions, is not invasive and can easily be removed, with the Vinca below to cascade and also grow upwards and outwards. The Vinca can be invasive but I want mine to cover the area. It has behaved well for the last couple of years! If you also include Bergenia, it’s happy anywhere and will also spread. You’ll see the flowers better if it’s near the top or in the middle.

    When you get your plants, set them out in their pots before planting and see which arrangement you prefer. They are all very easy and can be moved or divided as they expand. Your plants will establish better if you add a bit of organic matter to the soil. Try to create planting pockets in the bank and reinforce the soil around the plants with some stones or rubble, assuming you’re going for a rustic look!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    This is Bergenia, nice contrast with the large round leaves, flowers late winter/early spring.




    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,630
    Would ajuga be any good on a steep slope? 
  • littlecatstretches92394littlecatstretches92394 Posts: 7
    @Slow-worm If ajuga would be OK on a slope, is there something else that would partner up with it?

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Ajuga would be fine - it spreads very easily and in a variety of conditions. I'd say Vinca would also be ideal, but I also wondered what the other bit in the photo is - the trellis etc, and how that would be impacted by any planting, or does it not matter? I can see you have a honeysuckle growing there, and the mature Camellia will also take a fair bit of available moisture from the surrounding soil. Also, what difference will it make to the area if you're raising the edging? Will that affect the are with the trellis?
    The quality of the soil all year round is important - does it get very dry, or does it stay moist enough to support lots of plants? If you add more planting, that will also soak up more moisture. Raising the edging would allow you to improve it and that will make it easier to have a range of plants and also easier for them to thrive. You can also do the classic partnership of hardy geraniums and spring bulbs if the soil is deep enough. While not evergreen as such, some geraniums are in growth early and go on until late in the year.  

    I grow Saxifraga urbium [London Pride]  in all sorts of conditions, but I believe some people have difficulty with it in dry shade. I don't really have any dry shade here. Pachysandra is another ground covering plant which doesn't need a lot of attention, but may not appreciate being dry long term either   :)

    Alpine Phlox and Thyme are unlikely to thrive if they don't have adequate sun and light all year round, and Heucheras need enough moisture to do well. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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