Explore Plants

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
    
 

Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Friday - March 26, 2010

From: Calera, AL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Erosion Control, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Plants with color for steep slope in Calera, Alabama
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have a large steep slope in my back yard that the developer called a privacy break. It has poor soil and gets full sun. I have planted muhly and maiden grasses but would like some color. The slope is very hard to walk on and need something with low maintenance. I live in Calera Alabama. Can you please help me?

ANSWER:

Here are some plants that are native to your area that produce colorful blooms in full sun that should do well on your slope:

Gaillardia pulchella (firewheel)

Oenothera speciosa (pinkladies)

Monarda citriodora (lemon beebalm)

Rudbeckia hirta (blackeyed Susan)

Chamaecrista fasciculata (partridge pea)

Glandularia bipinnatifida var. bipinnatifida (Dakota mock vervain)

Liatris elegans (pinkscale blazing star)

Phlox pilosa (downy phlox)

Here are photos of the above plants from our Image Gallery:

 

 

 

More Erosion Control Questions

Landscaping on South Padre Island
June 07, 2008 - I'm in charge of landscaping at my beachfront condo in South Padre Island and find the wind, salt air, and heat challenging for growing almost anything. We would like to incorporate native plants, b...
view the full question and answer

Plants for a bank too steep to mow
June 24, 2009 - Like the inquiry made in late June of 2008, mine involves a bank that is too steep to mow. However, ours is facing south. I am looking for a native grass, plant or groundcover. Any suggestions? ...
view the full question and answer

Plants for a bare clay slope in North Carolina
December 22, 2011 - Hi - I live near Raleigh North Carolina (border of the coastal plain and Piedmont). I have about 1/2 acre that was excavated for a geothermal heating/cooling system and now I need to stabilize it a...
view the full question and answer

Shrubs and small trees for a slope in NY
May 21, 2012 - We are looking for a living wall made of shrubs / small trees - no more than 25' for the top of a steep creek bed. We are looking for the best erosion preventing types.
view the full question and answer

Native plants of dune erosion control in Michigan
May 30, 2008 - We care for Lake Michigan dune near our home in New Buffalo and would like to provide erosion control with native species that will also enhance the beauty of the dune with long lasting flowers. The ...
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants's Facebook profile Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.

Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends.