I need a ground cover for a steep hill. It needs to be hearty, both heat and cold tolerant.?

Question

I don't want ivy. Just pulled all that out! I'd like it lower maintenance than ivy, pretty if that is possible. Thanks for your suggestions.

Answer 1

Here's a site with some interesting choices. They're very reputable, but a little pricey. You could find what you want, then look for a better deal somewhere else on the same thing:

http://www.waysidegardens.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10151&langId=-1&mainPage=advsearchresults&SearchText=p11.v99&scChannel=Ground%20Covers%20AS

Your best bet will be to combine a few different types of plants to ensure thorough coverage. I am guessing that with ivy, you are at least a zone 6. Many bulbs can be planted which make great groundcovers and will enhance and naturalize your hilly area when combined with an evergreen groundcover. You might also want to look into grasses, ferns, bleeding hearts and hosta--some will grow in both sun and shade and you can accent or create 'waves' of texture in your plantings. These multiply quickly as well.

Good luck!

Answer 2

there are many good choices, but a fool proof ground cover that will actually grow better in poor soil conditions and is very hardy is arctostophylis uva ursi, or commonly called bearberry on the east coast and kinikanick on the west coast---its very nice looking with its small glossy green "evergreen" leaves and it gets covered in beautiful red berries in fall and winter as well--the wildlife love the berries, birds, and so many more-------its my favorite low ground cover, its very vigorous as well-----------blanco
ps oh ya and tell jeffypuff your pachysandra "is evergreen" and it is a nice groundcover as well, but it doesn't like hot sun and it also can be problematic in certain areas that are hot and humid in the summer, both plants do spread very quickly as well, i would plant pachysandra 8-12" on center and more like 10 - 15" with the bearberry-------blanco

Answer 3

I just planted pachysandra. It's beautiful and I love it. It takes any soil, shade, part sun, I just planted them this year so I'm not 100% sure, but I think they're evergreen, and they spread like crazy - I already have new ones sprouting from the mother plants.

Answer 4

I would sudjest Ice Plant it's very easy to maintain as well as excelent for providing great stablization to soil.

Answer 5

try some kind of moss!it will be soft and cushiony,as well as help keep down the erosion!