Hi Gail,
Thank you for responding. The Purple Mallow shrub will work well on your embankment. This shrub can tolorate rough soil conditions and also dry conditions. Think about planting in a mass setting throughout the embarkment. Consider adding some of the others I suggested to fill in. The Purple Mallow is good for your location. Good luck and let us know what you decided on. Thanks again for asking this question.
Kimberly
Aug 25, 2009
Thank you Kimberly. by: Gail
I appreciate your ideas. What's your opinion on purple mallow shurbs for the hill side?
Aug 25, 2009
Steep Embankment by: Kimberly
Hi Gail, Kimberly here from landscape solutions for you. Thank you very much for asking the question on planting on your embankment. I was recently at a conference out in the San Diego area. This was my first time there and I was amazed at the steep embankments there is on so many properties in the area.
There are some evergreen shrubs and flowers you can plant on the angled area. I know your area has a lot of dry conditions so you will want to try and plant low maintainence shrubs. Also, if you are having trouble getting plants to grow, consider purchasing a commercial landscape fabric, Jute is one. This was developed for steep embankments. It holds the plants in tack as well as mulch or pine straw. Mulch or pine straw are excellent to help retain moisture.
Here are some ideas of plants...
1. Any type of evergreen ground Junipers - the Blue Star is a dwarf. The blue to teal tone will give you some colors you are looking for. You can plant several to fill in bare spots. Also Parson and dwarf Japanese.
2. Ruby Chinese Pizazz - Great evergreen shrub that has green and purple leaves year around. In spring through summer, pink flowers appear and will work on your bank.
3. Indian Hawthorn - this evergreen has white or pink flowers and a great spring time beauty.
4. Ornamental grasses - these will work great on your embankment. Many varieties to choose from.
5.Perennial flowers - Shasta Daisies, Balloon flowers, Coreopsis, Bee Balm, Sedum and Daylilies. Columbine is another.
These are just a few suggestions. If you need more let others that visit this website or myself know. The best of luck to you and thanks again for asking your question. Feel free to ask anytime. Hope you are having a great day.
Kimberly