Low-Maintenance Perennial Slope Planting: Design and Plant List

For a sunny slope awaiting future terracing, a matrix of tough, transplantable perennials provides immediate erosion control and beauty.

Recommended Plant Palette (Sun, Well-Drained)

Tall/Back: Hollyhocks, Russian sage, Joe-Pye weed
Mid-height: Daylilies, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, coreopsis, iris, lavender, yarrow
Low/Front: Sedums, lamb's ears, coral bells, creeping thyme

Design Principles

• Plant in drifts of 3–5 for visual impact.
• Stagger bloom times for season-long color.
• Space for mature width to minimize future moving.
• Mulch heavily with shredded leaves or straw.

Transplantability

All listed plants have fibrous or clumping roots that divide easily in spring or fall—perfect for your future retaining wall project.

Soil Prep

Incorporate compost before planting. Landscape fabric is optional; dense planting suppresses weeds naturally.