Hillside ground cover ideas can transform sloped areas into visually appealing and practical spaces. If you’re tired of struggling with erosion, mowing, or maintaining grass on steep slopes, you're not alone. Many homeowners in Minneapolis are seeking eco-friendly and low-maintenance solutions for their hillside landscapes. The good news? There are plenty of options that don’t involve building costly retaining walls or constantly battling erosion.

• Creeping Ground Covers: These plants cover the ground effectively, reducing erosion.
• Junipers and Sedums: Ideal for their drought tolerance and robust growth.
• Low-Maintenance Options: Plants that require minimal attention once established.
• Native Perennials: Great for erosion control and adding local biodiversity.

Steep slopes present unique challenges, but with the right landscape design, they can become an asset rather than a hassle. Ground covers are not just decorative; they play a crucial role in soil stabilization and can save homeowners money and effort in the long run. Whether you're interested in vibrant colors, evergreen foliage, or hardy perennials, there's a ground cover solution that fits every aesthetic and functional need.

Best Ground Covers for Hillsides

When it comes to hillside ground cover ideas, selecting the right plants can make all the difference in creating a low-maintenance and erosion-resistant landscape. Here are some of the best options for changing your sloped areas into thriving, beautiful spaces:

Junipers

Junipers, like the 'Blue Star' variety, are a popular choice for hillside ground covers. These evergreen shrubs are drought-tolerant and require minimal upkeep once established. They offer excellent soil stabilization with their deep root systems, making them ideal for preventing erosion on slopes. Plus, their bluish-green foliage adds a touch of color year-round.

Lambs Ears

Lambs ears are known for their soft, velvety leaves that provide a unique texture to any landscape. These drought-tolerant perennials grow well in sunny areas and can spread quickly, forming a dense mat that helps hold soil in place. Their silver foliage is a beautiful contrast to other plants and can brighten up shaded hillside spots.

Lily Turf (Liriope)

Lily turf, or liriope, is a versatile ground cover with grass-like leaves and striking purple spike flowers. It thrives in various light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and is evergreen in many climates. Its dense growth habit makes it effective in controlling erosion, and it can handle foot traffic, making it a practical choice for pathways on slopes.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are excellent for adding movement and texture to hillside landscapes. They are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them suitable for areas with limited water access. With varieties like blue fescue and feather reed grass, you can choose grasses that suit your aesthetic preferences while stabilizing the soil.

Pachysandra

Pachysandra is a shade-loving ground cover that forms a dense carpet of glossy green foliage. It's perfect for shaded slopes where other plants might struggle. Pachysandra's robust growth helps suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion, making it a practical and attractive choice for hillside areas.

Sedums

Sedums, such as 'Autumn Joy' and 'Autumn Fire', are succulent ground covers known for their drought tolerance and vibrant blooms. These hardy plants thrive in sunny locations and require little water once established. Their fleshy leaves and colorful flowers add visual interest to slopes while effectively stabilizing the soil.

Wintergreen

Wintergreen is a low-growing evergreen ground cover that offers year-round interest. Its glossy leaves and red berries provide a pop of color, especially in winter. Wintergreen is ideal for shaded slopes and can help prevent erosion with its shallow but spreading root system.

By choosing the right combination of these ground covers, you can create a hillside landscape that is both beautiful and functional, reducing maintenance efforts and enhancing soil stability. Whether you prefer the vibrant colors of sedums or the evergreen resilience of junipers, there's a solution to suit your needs.

Top 10 Hillside Ground Cover Ideas

Changing a hillside into a lush landscape requires thoughtful selection of ground covers. Here are ten hillside ground cover ideas that combine beauty, functionality, and ease of maintenance.

Hypericum Calycinum

Known for its bright yellow flowers, Hypericum Calycinum, or St. John's Wort, is a deciduous ground cover that adds a splash of color to any slope. It grows to about 1-2 feet in height and thrives in full sun, making it a vibrant choice for sunny hillsides.

Creeping Raspberry

This evergreen foliage plant is not only beautiful with its white flowers and tiny fruits but also non-invasive. Creeping Raspberry is perfect for slopes, providing a textured look with its coarse leaves while holding the soil in place year-round.

Big Blue Liriope

Big Blue Liriope stands out with its purple spike flowers and evergreen nature. It's a hardy plant that can handle difficult sites, offering a grass-like appearance that remains lush throughout the seasons.

Delosperma

A succulent ground cover, Delosperma is both drought-tolerant and humidity-resistant. It creates an evergreen mat, making it ideal for sunny slopes where water conservation is a priority.

Pachysandra

Pachysandra is known for its dense foliage and easy growth. This evergreen ground cover thrives in shaded areas, forming a lush carpet that helps suppress weeds and prevent erosion on slopes.

Creeping Phlox

With its stunning purple flowers, Creeping Phlox is a deciduous ground cover that brings a burst of color in the spring. It's low-growing and perfect for adding a floral touch to your hillside.

Wintercreeper

As a woody, fast-growing ground cover, Wintercreeper is excellent for quickly covering large areas. Its evergreen nature ensures that your hillside remains vibrant throughout the year.

Georgia Blue Veronica

This deer-tolerant, evergreen ground cover is perfect for sunny slopes. Its foliage turns a beautiful shade in the fall, adding seasonal interest to your landscape.

Vinca Minor

Vinca Minor offers rapid coverage with its evergreen leaves. It spreads by rooting stems, making it an effective choice for quickly stabilizing soil on slopes.

Dianthus

Dianthus is known for its pink flowers and heat tolerance. This evergreen ground cover thrives in sunny locations, adding a pop of color while withstanding tough conditions.

These ground covers provide a variety of options for enhancing your hillside's aesthetic while ensuring stability and low maintenance. Whether you're looking for vibrant blooms or evergreen resilience, these plants offer effective solutions for hillside landscaping.

How to Plant and Maintain Hillside Ground Covers

Planting and maintaining ground covers on a hillside can seem daunting, but with the right techniques, you can create a thriving landscape. Let's explore the essentials of water runoff management, planting techniques, and irrigation for your hillside ground cover.

Managing Water Runoff

Water runoff is a critical consideration when planting on slopes. Heavy rains can quickly erode soil, washing away newly planted ground covers. To mitigate this, consider creating low areas or ditches to divert rainwater away from your plantings. These channels guide excess water downhill, protecting your plants and reducing erosion.

Planting Techniques

When planting on slopes, it's crucial to dig holes a bit deeper into the hillside. This helps anchor the plants and provides a stable base. Adding a handful of aged compost or manure to the planting hole can give your plants a nutrient-rich start.

For creeping ground covers, plant them in shallow holes, as their sparse root systems need time to establish. Protect these young plants from heavy rainfall by covering them with netting or a light layer of straw. The straw not only shields them from rain but also keeps the soil moist and shaded.

Irrigation Strategies

Irrigation is essential for hillside ground covers, especially since water tends to run off slopes rather than soaking in. Drip irrigation systems or isolating sprinklers can be highly effective. These methods deliver water directly to the plant roots over extended periods, ensuring deep soil penetration and reducing water waste.

By employing these strategies, you can successfully plant and maintain ground covers on your hillside, changing it into a lush, stable, and visually appealing landscape.

Next, we'll address common questions about choosing and using hillside ground covers effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hillside Ground Cover Ideas

What is the best ground cover for a steep hill?

When it comes to covering a steep hill, Junipers and Sedums lead the pack. These plants are not only hardy but also have the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.

• Junipers, such as the 'Blue Star' variety, are evergreen shrubs with a dense root system that helps anchor the soil. They spread rapidly, providing excellent erosion control and a lush green look year-round.
• Sedums, like 'Autumn Joy', are drought-tolerant succulents that require minimal maintenance. They are perfect for sunny slopes and add seasonal color with their vibrant blossoms.

What do you put on a hill instead of grass?

Grass can be challenging to maintain on a slope, especially when it comes to mowing and watering. Instead, consider planting low sumac and creeping ground covers.

• Low sumac varieties, such as 'Gro-Low', offer a dense root system that stabilizes the soil. They also add a splash of color with their fiery autumn foliage.
• Creeping ground covers, like Vinca Minor and Creeping Phlox, spread quickly and cover the ground densely. These plants are both low-maintenance and effective at preventing soil erosion.

How to cover a steep hillside effectively?

Covering a steep hillside effectively involves combining creeping ground covers with low shrubs. This approach maximizes coverage and minimizes maintenance.

• Creeping ground covers such as Wintercreeper and Georgia Blue Veronica grow low to the ground and spread out, filling gaps between plants and preventing erosion.
• Pair these with low shrubs like ornamental grasses or Lambs ears. These plants add height and texture to your hillside, creating a more dynamic and visually appealing landscape.

By selecting the right plants and planting techniques, you can transform a steep hillside into a beautiful and sustainable landscape.

Conclusion

Changing a hillside into a lush, stable landscape doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right ground cover choices, you can achieve a beautiful and low-maintenance yard that not only improves your property's aesthetics but also effectively controls erosion.

At KG Landscape Management, we specialize in crafting custom landscaping solutions for homeowners in the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality, detail-oriented work and ensuring an excellent customer experience. Whether you're looking to replace grass on a steep hill or need advice on the best ground covers for your specific needs, we're here to help.

Our professional services extend beyond just planting. We offer comprehensive design and installation services to ensure your hillside landscape is both functional and visually appealing. From selecting the right plants to implementing effective drainage solutions, we've got you covered.



If you're ready to explore hillside ground cover ideas and transform your landscape, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in creating a stunning and sustainable outdoor space.