Top 5 Drought-Tolerant Groundcovers for Slopes

Are you tired of trying to maintain your sloping yard and failing?

Do you want to fill in some of the empty space on your garden without sacrificing your water bill?

If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then this article is for you.

In this post, I will share with you the top 5 drought-tolerant groundcovers for slopes.

You’ll learn how to choose the right plants, plant them effectively, and care for them to keep them looking their best.

So, let’s take a look at some of the most popular and effective options out there.

Mondo Grass

If you’re looking for an attractive and low-maintenance option for your sloped landscape, Mondo grass is a great choice. This grassy plant is often used as an alternative to traditional grass, as it requires less water and maintenance.

Mondo grass is a perennial groundcover that grows in clumps and spreads slowly. It comes in a variety of species, with some growing to no more than two inches in height and others reaching up to two feet. The leaves of Mondo grass are narrow and pointed, and they come in various shades of green.

What makes Mondo grass an excellent choice for slopes is its ability to withstand drought and erosion. It has deep roots that anchor it securely into the soil, and its spreading growth habit helps to prevent soil erosion. Mondo grass also grows well in both full sun or partial shade, so it can be used in a variety of locations.

When planting Mondo grass on a slope, make sure to plant it along the contours of the slope to help prevent erosion. Water the plants well after planting, and then allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Mulching around the plants can also help to keep the soil moist and prevent weed growth.

With just a little bit of care and attention, Mondo grass can become a beautiful and durable groundcover for slopes that will keep your landscape looking great for years to come.

Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) is a low-growing, drought-tolerant groundcover that produces tiny pink, lavender, or white flowers in early summer. It has a sweet fragrance and is often used between pavers, along garden borders, and on slopes. If you are looking for a beautiful and hardy groundcover for your sloped yard, creeping thyme is an excellent choice. It spreads quickly by root and is a beautiful addition to any garden, and has many benefits. One of the best reasons to choose creeping thyme is because of its very low maintenance requirements. Unlike other groundcovers, it doesn’t need watering or fertilization once established, and it grows quickly in almost any soil type condition, whether it is dry or rocky. As long as you keep it in full sun or partial shade, and perform light pruning once a year to maintain its height and shape, you will be rewarded with a showy and colorful carpet of flowers every summer. To cultivate creeping thyme, prepare your soil by removing any debris and incorporate some organic matter to improve airflow and drainage. Then, plant small plugs of creeping thyme seedlings about 6 to 12 inches apart. Finally, water thoroughly to allow the roots to settle in comfortably. Once it has established itself, it will grow out of control which makes it ideal for covering sloped areas.

Golden Creeping Jenny

Golden Creeping Jenny is a low-maintenance perennial that’s perfect for covering slopes. It’s known for its bright yellow-green foliage that adds a bright pop of color to any garden. This plant is well adapted to various soil types and has excellent ground covering capacity.

If you’re looking for a groundcover that spreads quickly, Golden Creeping Jenny is an excellent option to consider. It’s a fast grower and can branch out into dense ground cover in no time. Golden Creeping Jenny also has a shallow root system, making it an excellent choice for slopes.

When planting Golden Creeping Jenny, ensure that there’s enough room for growth. This plant requires good drainage soil and ample moisture to thrive, so make sure to water it regularly especially during the hot, dry spell. Also, mulching during the summer and fall months provides an extra layer of protection for the soil against heat and moisture stress.

As far as maintenance goes, you likely need to do little to no pruning of Golden Creeping Jenny as it has a low profile and can naturally conceal any weeds that would try to sprout up[in the area. However, you can always remove dead foliage in the spring to maintain its look and control its growth.

In summary, Golden Creeping Jenny is a hardy, low-maintenance groundcover that can spread quickly across a slope. It has a shallow root system, which makes it an excellent option for slopes, particularly for those with poor drainage soil. Remember to water and mulch regularly to keep it at its best.

Blue Star Creeper

Blue Star Creeper is a low-growing groundcover with a vibrant, blue-flowered star-shaped bloom. Its leaves are small, glossy, and lime-green which makes it an ideal choice for those who desire a splash of color in their garden.

When it comes to slopes, Blue Star Creeper is a great choice as it can quickly fill in an area with its rapid growth rate. It creates beautiful color contrasts on slopes when planted alongside other groundcovers, such as Mondo Grass.

To plant Blue Star Creeper on a slope, start by selecting a spot with adequate sunshine, then prepare the soil by making it loose and weed-free. Ensure the soil is moistened by watering thoroughly before planting.

For maintenance, prune Blue Star Creeper regularly to prevent it from taking over other plants. You can also weed occasionally and deadhead spent blooms to keep the plant tidy.

Blue Star Creeper is a fantastic groundcover option for slopes, especially when mixed with other contrasting plants. Its lovely blue flowers will bring vibrancy to your garden, and with little maintenance, it can create a fantastic landscape for your home.

Sedum

Sedum is a drought-tolerant groundcover that comes in over 600 different species. Its fleshy leaves and stems allow it to store water and withstand drought-like conditions. Sedum is incredibly easy to grow and maintain, making it a great option for slopes.

To plant Sedum, you first need to prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris. Once the soil is clear, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place the plant in it. If you’re planting multiple Sedum plants, make sure to space them about 10 to 12 inches apart.

To help Sedum establish its root system, water it thoroughly after planting and make sure to keep the area moist for the first few weeks. After that, Sedum is relatively carefree.

One of the great things about Sedum is that it requires minimal maintenance. During prolonged drought periods, you may need to water it once or twice a week. However, once established, it becomes incredibly drought-resistant.

Sedum is an excellent choice for slopes because it helps to retain moisture in the soil, preventing erosion. It’s also a great option for rock gardens, edging around walkways, and in containers.

In conclusion, Sedum is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant option for slopes and other areas in your yard. By planting Sedum, you can create a beautiful, functional, and eco-friendly landscape that requires little to no upkeep.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, using drought-resistant groundcovers is essential, and it is possible to create attractive and sustainable slopes with them.

Through this blog post, I have introduced you to the top 5 drought-tolerant groundcovers suitable for slopes, including Mondo Grass, Creeping Thyme, Golden Creeping Jenny, Blue Star Creeper, and Sedum.

Before you begin planting, ensure you prepare the soil and apply the recommended watering and mulching techniques, as discussed in this post.

I address all concerns, and I hope I have provided the information needed to help you maintain healthy and beautiful slopes.

Which of the top 5 drought-resistant groundcovers discussed in this post will you try first?

Let me know by sending me a message; I’d love to hear from you.

If you found value in this post, please share it on your preferred social media platform.

This way, your family and friends can also learn more about how to make their slopes beautiful and sustainable with drought-tolerant groundcovers.