Zone 3 Rock Wall and Slope Groundcovers: Deer-Resistant, Low-Maintenance

Far North Minnesota (Zone 3) Planting Ideas

Two sites: a 2-ft rock wall needing crevice plants, and a 20×40 ft slope with Vinca in front, wanting taller plants behind. Both partial shade/sun, deer-resistant, low maintenance, budget-friendly.

Rock Wall Crevice Plants

• Rock cress (Arabis)
• Hardy ice plant (Delosperma)
• Wild strawberry (Fragaria)
• Baby's breath (Gypsophila)
• Soapwort (Saponaria)
• Saxifrage, sedum, hens-and-chicks (Sempervivum), thyme

Seeds widely available at nurseries and online.

Slope Backdrop Plants (Taller)

• Purple coneflower (Echinacea)
• Catmint (Nepeta)
• Columbine (Aquilegia)
• Russian sage (Perovskia)
• Hostas (from seed via eBay or divisions)

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; transplant after danger of frost.