Best Shrubs For Retaining Walls (2024 Update)
If you're looking for a way to enhance the appearance and functionality of your retaining walls, adding shrubs is a fantastic solution to consider. Not only do shrubs provide visual interest and texture to your walls, but they can also help control erosion and stabilize soil. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which shrubs are the best fit for your specific needs.
Before making a final decision, there are a few key factors to consider. First, think about the overall height and width of the shrubs you choose. You don't want them to overpower the wall or obstruct any views. Additionally, consider the growing conditions in the location of your wall, such as sunlight exposure and soil type. Finally, think about the maintenance level of the shrubs, as some may require more pruning or watering than others.
Wondering where to start your shrub search? Ask yourself some critical questions, like “What are the best shrub options for retaining walls in hotter climates?” or “How often do I need to maintain the shrubs to keep my retaining walls looking great?” With a bit of research and an understanding of your unique needs, you'll be well on your way to choosing the best shrubs for your beautiful and functional retaining walls.
10 Best Shrubs For Retaining Walls
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Ideal ground cover for areas with little rainfall and harsh winters, providing an evergreen and low-maintenance option.
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This product is ideal for ground cover in dry and cold areas due to its evergreen and drought-tolerant properties.
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This product is ideal for creating a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant ground cover with evergreen foliage.
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The product is ideal for landscaping and ground cover, as it is drought tolerant, cold hardy, and evergreen.
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The product is ideal for ground cover landscaping with drought-tolerant, blue-green foliage.
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This product is ideal for creating ground cover that is drought tolerant and cold hardy.
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Ideal for protecting and shading plants, controlling soil erosion, and as a garden cover.
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This product is ideal for creating a decorative, sturdy and long-lasting garden fence or planter for outdoor landscapes.
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Ideal for adding beautiful red flowers to your garden as a live shrub in a 4.5-inch quart size.
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This product is ideal for those looking to add drought-tolerant, cold-hardy evergreen plants to their landscaping.
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1. Blue Rug Juniper | 10 Live Plants | Drought Tolerant Cold Hardy Evergreen Ground Cover
The trailing juniper is an exceptional groundcover, prized for its uniform and full growth habit, as well as its striking silver-blue evergreen foliage. This hardy evergreen is ideal for large-scale groundcovers or cascading over walls.
The silver-blue/green foliage of the trailing juniper is similar to most typical groundcover junipers, with a heavy texture and good color year-round. In extremely cold climates during winter, the foliage may take on a slight purple cast, but this will quickly change back to its normal color with the onset of warmer temperatures in the spring.
This evergreen is easy to grow and maintain, but it requires a regular water schedule to ensure the development of a mature root system. Once the root system is established, occasional watering is sufficient, except during drought conditions when watering should be done regularly. Pruning is recommended only during the early stages of growth to encourage branching, as pruning older branches may not stimulate new growth.
The trailing juniper is a versatile groundcover that can be used in a variety of settings, including rock gardens, foundations, retaining wall edges, and mass plantings on slopes for erosion control. It is also suitable for rocky and hot, dry areas.
Florida Foliage is the exclusive grower, packager, and shipper of this exceptional trailing juniper, ensuring that you receive the highest quality plant for your landscaping needs.
2. Blue Rug Juniper Wiltonii – 30 Live Plants – Drought Tolerant Cold Hardy Evergreen Ground Cover
Florida Foliage presents a top-quality trailing juniper that boasts a uniform, full centered growth habit with stunning silver-blue evergreen foliage. This beautiful plant is perfect for large scale groundcovers or cascading over walls, adding a touch of elegance to any landscape.
With its heavy texture and good color, the silver-blue/green foliage of this evergreen is similar to most typical groundcover junipers. It maintains its color year round, with a slight purple cast in extremely cold climates during the winter. However, the purple cast will quickly change back to its normal color with the onset of warmer temperatures in the spring.
This juniper is easy to grow, but it requires a regular water schedule to ensure that its root system matures properly. Once the root system is established, occasional watering is sufficient. During a drought, however, regular watering is necessary to keep the plant healthy. It is recommended to prune this versatile, sprawling ground cover only at the early stages of growth to encourage branching. Pruning older branches may not encourage new growth.
This juniper is perfect for a variety of landscape applications, such as rock gardens, foundations, retaining wall edges, or mass on slopes for erosion control. It also thrives in hot and dry areas, making it an ideal choice for rocky ground.
3. Hughes Juniper – 30 Live Plants – Drought Tolerant Cold Hardy Evergreen Ground Cover
The Hughes Juniper is a stunning shrub that will add a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape. Its graceful branches cascade beautifully over rocks, walls, and can even be used as a groundcover. The shrub retains its showy, glowing silver-blue foliage coloring throughout winter, making it an evergreen plant.
This shrub is highly adaptable to snow, frost, and excessive heat, and it thrives in rocky or sandy soil. Additionally, it is highly tolerant of urban pollution, making it an ideal choice for city environments. Even deer usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats.
At maturity, the Hughes Juniper will grow to be approximately 12 inches tall and spread up to 8 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground, so it doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. This shrub grows at a slow rate and, under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.
The Hughes Juniper does best in full sun to partial shade and is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions. However, it will not tolerate any standing water. This shrub is considered to be drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner-city environments.
The shrub's silver-blue foliage turns light purple in winter on wide-spreading, almost-horizontal branches, forming a dense flat-topped juniper. Additionally, round waxy blue fruits ripen to dark brown. The Hughes Juniper is hardy to -40°F and can grow at a maximum elevation of 7,500 ft.
4. Wiltonii Juniper – 30 Live Plants
Looking for a reliable and beautiful ground cover that can cascade over walls and thrive in various environments? Look no further than this trailing juniper.
With its uniform and full centered growth habit, this juniper boasts intense silver-blue evergreen foliage that adds a pop of color to any landscape. While its heavy texture and good color provide year-round interest, extremely cold climates may cause a slight purple cast in the winter. However, as temperatures warm up in the spring, the purple cast quickly disappears and the juniper returns to its normal color.
This evergreen is easy to grow, but requires a regular water schedule to establish a mature root system. Once established, occasional watering is sufficient, except during droughts, when regular watering is necessary. Pruning is recommended only during early stages of growth to encourage branching, as pruning older branches may not encourage new growth.
Thanks to its versatility, this juniper is suitable for a variety of uses, including rock gardens, foundations, retaining walls, and mass plantings on slopes for erosion control. It also thrives in hot and dry areas, making it a great option for rocky ground.
This juniper comes in a larger 4" container size, making it perfect for mass plantings. It is also drought, cold, and deer tolerant, ensuring its resilience in a range of environments. Plus, with fast, safe, and secure shipping, you can enjoy this beautiful and reliable ground cover in no time. Don't miss out on this fantastic option for erosion control and ground cover needs!
5. Blue Green Ground Cover Junipers – 6 Pack
Introducing the Blue Rug Juniper, a hardy evergreen ground cover shrub that makes a great addition to any garden or landscape. With its low trailing habit and short, needle-like silvery-blue aromatic foliage, this plant is sure to catch your eye. At full maturity, it will reach a height of no taller than 12 inches, but it will spread up to 8 feet wide, creating a dense mat of foliage that attracts year-round interest.
This versatile plant can be used in a variety of ways, including along foundation plantings, around trees and shrubs, embankment plantings, beds, and rock gardens. It can also be planted along and allowed to hang over retaining walls. With an intermediate growth rate, a fully mature Blue Rug Juniper will remain less than 1 foot in height while spreading up to 8 feet wide, making it an ideal ground cover.
Caring for the Blue Rug Juniper is relatively easy and low maintenance. This low-growing conifer does not require pruning unless its growth has become unruly or foliage is damaged or diseased. Light pruning can encourage growth and provide your garden with dense, healthy dark green year-round interest. If you choose to prune, do so in the late winter or early spring, removing any dead or damaged foliage.
The Blue Rug Juniper thrives in USDA zones 3a – 9b and requires direct sunlight for 6-8 hours a day. It's important to note that the soil of your juniper must remain evenly moist until it has matured, and well-draining soil is a must-have, as soggy soil can lead to root rot.
This plant ships in six (6) 2.5 Quart potted plants with soil from the Alabama Gulf Coast. While not guaranteed to be in bloom upon arrival, the Blue Rug Juniper is sure to delight once it takes root in its new home. Please note that this plant is unavailable for shipping to Hawaii and Alaska.
6. Prince Of Wales Juniper – 20 Live Plants – Drought Tolerant Cold Hardy Evergreen Ground Cover
The Prince of Wales Juniper, also known as the Juniperus horizontalis "Prince of Wales," is a versatile and popular evergreen groundcover. This low-growing plant features beautiful bronze-plum foliage during the winter months, making it a perfect fuss-free solution for rock gardens with poor soil or for mass plantings to carpet banks and slopes.
With a height typically ranging from 4-6 inches, the Prince of Wales Juniper boasts medium green foliage with blue overtones that become tinged with burgundy in winter. Although fleshy, berry-like seed cones are infrequently produced, this sprawling ground cover is a stunning addition to any garden.
The Prince of Wales Juniper is highly versatile and can be used in various landscaping projects, including rock gardens, foundations, retaining wall edges, and mass planting on slopes for erosion control. It is also an excellent option for rocky ground and hot and dry areas.
This juniper cultivar is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of climates. The plant is grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, ensuring the highest quality product for your garden.
7. Burlapper Burlap Garden Fabric (40 Inch X 30 Feet, Natural)
The 40" wide x 30' long Burlapper Burlap Garden Fabric is a top-quality protective material for trees, bushes, shrubbery, and plants. This burlap fabric is the ideal choice for gardeners who want to protect their plants from harsh weather conditions.
One of the best features of this burlap garden fabric is its versatility. It can be used as a ground cover to protect grass seed and prevent erosion. Additionally, wholesale nurseries and growers use the same material to wrap trees and plants' root balls, making it a reliable option for any gardener.
This burlap garden fabric is made of 100% Jute, which is an eco-friendly and biodegradable fiber. This means that you can use it without harming the environment. Furthermore, the natural fibers of Jute make it a durable and long-lasting material that can withstand the elements for extended periods.
Whether you're a professional gardener or a DIY enthusiast, the Burlapper Burlap Garden Fabric is an excellent investment. It will provide you with the necessary protection for your plants, while also being a sustainable and eco-friendly option. With its 40" width and 30' length, you can cover a large area with just one roll of burlap garden fabric.
8. Galvanized Steel Gabion Flower Bed Planter Fence.
Introducing the Gabion Planter Steel Basket – a must-have for those looking to add a touch of style to their garden or patio. This sturdy gabion planter wire is designed to offer a strong and attractive border for your flower or plant bed. Made of high-quality, rust-proof, and weather-resistant galvanized steel, this gabion is built to last.
What makes this gabion planter wire unique is its design, which allows it to be filled with rocks or gravel. Please note that stones and plants are not included in delivery. The mesh grid is welded at every intersection of the transverse and longitudinal wires, which ensures extra stability and durability.
The overall dimensions of the Gabion Planter Steel Basket when fully assembled are 47.2” x 11.8” x 19.7” (L x W x H), and the mesh size measures 3.9” x 2” (L x W). This gabion is a perfect fit for any garden or patio, and its sturdy design will keep your plants and flowers safe and secure.
This Gabion Planter Steel Basket is not only functional but also stylish. Its sleek and modern design will complement any garden or patio decor, making it a great addition to any outdoor space. With its durability and stability, you can be sure that this gabion will last for many years to come.
9. Aphrodite Sweetshrub (Calycanthus) Live Shrub, Red Flowers, 4.5 In. Quart
The Aphrodite Sweetshrub from Proven Winners is a stunning addition to any garden. With its glossy foliage and large, fragrant red summer flowers, it is sure to catch the eye of anyone passing by. This plant prefers partial to full sun, requiring at least 4 hours of sunlight per day, and well-drained soil. It can grow to be 5-6 feet tall and wide, making it a great choice for a statement piece in your garden.
At the time of shipment, this plant will be between 6 months to 1 year old to ensure optimal growth. The plant blooms from midsummer to early fall with red-colored flowers adding vibrancy to your garden. When shipped, quart shrubs are 5-10 inches tall, depending on the season. It is important to note that this plant is hardy in zones 5-9, so make sure to check your USDA Hardiness Zone if you want it to come back year after year.
Proven Winners is dedicated to providing the best quality plants to its customers. The Aphrodite Sweetshrub is hand-picked by experienced shippers and delivered fresh from the greenhouse in a 4.5-inch quart container. If you order between November and March, the plant will arrive dormant. Proven Winners guarantees that all of its plants are correctly packaged in specially designed boxes, arrive in good condition, and are accurately labeled.
This sweetshrub is perfect for landscapes, cut flowers, and has a sweet, apple-like scent, making it a great addition to any garden. Proven Winners has tested this plant for years in gardens across the world to ensure it is of the highest quality. Their plants are unsurpassed in terms of flowering, growth, and garden performance, so you can be confident in your purchase.
10. Prince Of Wales Juniper – 60 Live Plants – Drought Tolerant Cold Hardy Evergreen
The Prince of Wales juniper, also known as Juniperus horizontalis "Prince of Wales," is a highly sought-after evergreen groundcover perfect for rock gardens and mass plantings. Its low-growing, spreading foliage is evergreen and boasts a beautiful bronze-plum winter color, making it an excellent choice for those who want a fuss-free solution for their landscaping needs.
This versatile groundcover typically reaches a height of 4-6 inches, but can spread up to 3-6 feet wide, making it an ideal solution for carpeting banks and slopes. Its medium green foliage, with blue overtones, adds a pop of color to any garden and becomes tinged with burgundy in the winter months.
While fleshy, berry-like seed cones are infrequently produced, the Prince of Wales juniper is still a popular choice for those seeking an easy-to-care-for ground cover that is both hardy and attractive. It is a great choice for rocky ground and hot and dry areas, making it a versatile and practical option for any garden.
This juniper cultivar is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, making it an excellent choice for those living in a wide range of climates. Whether you are looking to add color to your winter garden or need a groundcover to help control erosion, the Prince of Wales juniper is a reliable and beautiful choice.
For those looking for more landscaping options, be sure to check out the full collection offered by Florida Foliage.
Best Shrubs For Retaining Walls FAQs
Are there any shrubs that should be avoided when planting near retaining walls?
Yes, there are some shrubs that should be avoided when planting near retaining walls. This is because the roots of some shrubs can be very aggressive and can cause damage to the retaining wall over time. Some examples of shrubs to avoid planting near retaining walls include bamboo, juniper, and forsythia.
Bamboo is known for spreading rapidly and can easily penetrate the smallest cracks in the retaining wall. Juniper, on the other hand, has a deep root system that can cause damage to the wall's foundation. Forsythia has a shallow root system that can also cause damage to the wall and can make it unstable.
It is best to choose shrubs that have a non-invasive root system and are suitable for planting near retaining walls. Some good options include boxwood, holly, and yew. These shrubs have shallow roots that will not cause damage to the wall and can be easily maintained.
In summary, it is important to choose the right shrubs when planting near retaining walls to ensure that they do not cause any damage to the structure over time.
Can you mix different types of shrubs on a single retaining wall for visual interest?
Yes, you can mix different types of shrubs on a single retaining wall to create visual interest. In fact, using a variety of shrubs can add texture, color, and depth to your landscape design. When selecting shrubs, consider their size, shape, and growth habit to ensure they complement each other and fit the space. Some shrubs may be better suited for the top of the retaining wall, while others may thrive in the lower, shaded areas. It's also important to choose plants that have similar water and sunlight requirements to ensure they all thrive in the same environment. Mixing different types of shrubs can create a natural and visually appealing look to your retaining wall, while also providing a habitat for birds and other wildlife. Overall, with careful planning and consideration, mixing different types of shrubs is a great way to add interest and beauty to your retaining wall.
How do you choose shrubs for retaining walls based on soil type?
When selecting shrubs for retaining walls, it is important to consider the soil type in which they will be planted. Different types of soil have varying levels of drainage, nutrients, and acidity, which can affect the growth and health of the shrubs.
For soils that are well-drained and have a high nutrient content, shrubs such as roses, lavender, and boxwood are good choices. These plants require good drainage to prevent root rot and prefer soil that has a slightly acidic pH level.
In areas with heavy clay soil, shrubs that are tolerant of wet soil conditions should be selected. Examples of such shrubs include willows, dogwoods, and red twigged dogwoods. These plants can thrive in soils that are wet and poorly drained.
For sandy soils, shrubs that can tolerate drought conditions are best. Drought-tolerant shrubs such as juniper, oleander, and Russian sage have deep roots that can access water deep in the soil.
Ultimately, when selecting shrubs for retaining walls based on soil type, it is important to choose plants that are well-suited to the specific soil conditions. This will help to ensure healthy growth and longevity for the shrubs.
How do you prune shrubs on retaining walls to prevent damage?
Retaining walls can be a challenging place to grow shrubs, but with proper pruning, you can keep them healthy and prevent damage. Here are some tips on how to prune shrubs on retaining walls:
1. Choose the right shrubs: Select shrubs that are naturally compact and do not grow too large. Avoid fast-growing and invasive shrubs that can damage the wall.
2. Prune regularly: Regular pruning helps to keep the shrubs in shape and prevent them from growing too large and damaging the wall. Prune at least twice a year, once in the late winter or early spring and again in mid-summer.
3. Use sharp tools: Use sharp pruning shears or saws to make clean cuts that will heal quickly. Dull tools can crush stems and increase the risk of disease.
4. Prune for shape: Prune the shrubs to maintain a natural shape. Avoid shearing the shrubs into unnatural shapes, as this can promote dense growth and increase the risk of damage.
5. Remove dead and damaged branches: Remove any dead or damaged branches to prevent disease and promote healthy growth.
By following these tips, you can keep your shrubs healthy and prevent damage to your retaining wall.
How much space should be left between shrubs and retaining walls?
When it comes to landscaping with shrubs and retaining walls, it is important to consider the spacing between them. The ideal space depends on various factors such as the size of the shrubs, the type of retaining wall, and the overall design of the landscape.
Generally, it is recommended to leave a space of at least 1-2 feet between shrubs and retaining walls. This allows for proper air circulation, reduces the risk of damage to the wall from the roots of the shrubs, and provides enough room for the shrubs to grow and flourish. However, if the shrubs are larger in size, the distance should be increased accordingly.
It is also important to note that the type of retaining wall used can affect the spacing. For example, if a wall is made of concrete, it may require more space between the shrubs and the wall compared to a wall made of natural stone.
In summary, the spacing between shrubs and retaining walls should be based on the size of the shrubs, the type of wall used, and the overall design of the landscape. It is always advisable to consult a professional landscaper for advice on the appropriate spacing for your specific project.
What are some evergreen shrubs that work well on retaining walls?
There are several evergreen shrubs that work well on retaining walls due to their compact growth habit and ability to tolerate varying soil conditions. One popular choice is the dwarf yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria 'Nana'), which has small, glossy leaves and produces red berries in the fall. Another option is the Japanese boxwood (Buxus microphylla), which has dense foliage and can be pruned into formal shapes. The creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) is also a good choice, with its low-growing, spreading habit and blue-green needles. For a splash of color, consider the wintergreen barberry (Berberis julianae), which has glossy, dark green leaves and produces bright red berries in the fall. When selecting shrubs for a retaining wall, it’s important to choose varieties that are suited to the specific growing conditions of the site, such as sun exposure and soil type.
What are some low-maintenance shrubs that grow well on retaining walls?
Retaining walls can be a challenging environment for many plants, but there are some low-maintenance shrubs that can thrive in these conditions. One such shrub is the dwarf fothergilla, which is known for its colorful foliage and fragrant spring flowers. Another option is the creeping juniper, which is a hardy evergreen that can tolerate a range of soil types and conditions. The dwarf spirea is another low-maintenance shrub that can add color to a retaining wall, with its pink or white flowers and attractive foliage. Other options to consider include the dwarf butterfly bush, the dwarf mock orange, and the dwarf weigela. When choosing shrubs for a retaining wall, it's important to consider factors such as the amount of sunlight the area receives, the soil type, and the amount of water the plants will receive. With the right choice of shrubs and proper care, a retaining wall can be transformed into a beautiful and low-maintenance garden feature.
What are the best shrubs for erosion control on retaining walls?
Retaining walls are an essential element in garden landscaping, but they can be prone to erosion due to water runoff and other environmental factors. Shrubs can be an effective solution to prevent erosion on retaining walls. When choosing shrubs for erosion control, it is important to consider the plant's ability to grow in the specific soil and light conditions of the site. Some of the best shrubs for erosion control on retaining walls include creeping juniper, cotoneaster, barberry, and potentilla. Creeping juniper is an excellent choice for dry and sunny sites, while cotoneaster and barberry are suitable for a range of soil types and conditions. Potentilla is a hardy shrub that thrives in moist soil and partial shade. It is important to note that proper installation and maintenance of the shrubs are essential to ensure their effectiveness in preventing erosion. Regular pruning, watering, and fertilization can help keep the shrubs healthy and attractive while preventing soil erosion.
What are the best shrubs for full sun exposure on retaining walls?
There are several shrubs that can thrive in full sun exposure on retaining walls. One popular option is the dwarf burning bush (Euonymus alatus), which boasts bright red foliage in the fall and can grow up to 6 feet tall. Another option is the blue mist spirea (Caryopteris x clandonensis), which features attractive blue-gray foliage and produces small clusters of blue flowers in late summer. The barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is also a good choice, with its striking red or yellow foliage and thorny branches that can provide added security to your retaining wall. Other recommended shrubs for full sun exposure on retaining walls include the butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), the potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa), and the dwarf nandina (Nandina domestica). When choosing shrubs for your retaining wall, it is important to consider their mature size and growth habit, as well as their tolerance to your climate and soil conditions.
What are the best shrubs to plant near retaining walls?
When it comes to planting shrubs near retaining walls, there are a few factors to consider. First, you'll want to choose shrubs that won't cause damage to the wall as they grow. Second, you'll want to choose shrubs that are suited to the growing conditions in the area, such as soil type, sun exposure, and moisture levels.
Some great options for shrubs to plant near retaining walls include:
1. Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper: This evergreen shrub is low-growing and compact, making it an excellent choice for planting near retaining walls. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
2. Dwarf Alberta Spruce: Another evergreen option, this shrub has a pyramidal shape and is slow-growing. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
3. Creeping Rosemary: This low-growing shrub has fragrant leaves and can be used as a groundcover or planted near retaining walls. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
4. Blue Star Juniper: This shrub has blue-gray foliage and a low-growing, spreading habit. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Ultimately, the best shrubs to plant near retaining walls will depend on the specific growing conditions in your area and the size and style of your retaining wall. It's always a good idea to consult with a professional landscaper or nursery to select the best plants for your needs.
