23 Fast Growing Ground Covers For Sloping Gardens

Choosing the best ground covers for slopes and hillsides can be challenging. Some ground covers will wash away almost as quickly as you plant them. Fortunately, many ground cover plants grow fast and can withstand heavier rainfall, even in sloping garden areas.

One of the biggest benefits of fast-growing ground covers is that the quicker they establish a sturdy root system, the better they can anchor themselves in place. Many also make excellent companion plants, allowing you to create a beautiful, cohesive hillside design.

If you have struggled to find the right plant for the hilly areas in your garden, you are in the right place. There are many ground covers with rapid growth rates that establish well on sloping grades. Below you will find a comprehensive list of ground covers that settle in quickly and add visual interest to any sloped garden space. Ready to learn more? Let’s dig in.

Asiatic Jasmine

	botanical name Trachelospermum asiaticum (Japan, Korea)
	plant type Perennial vine
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6-10′ spread
	hardiness zones 7-11

Despite its common name, Asiatic jasmine is not part of the jasmine genus ( Jasminum ) but earns its name from its fragrant flowers. Unlike jasmine vines or shrubs, Trachelospermum asiaticum makes an excellent ground cover. It forms dense, low-growing foliage and produces small, star-shaped flowers in spring.

This beautiful, hardy ground cover becomes nearly maintenance-free once established. It tolerates drought, resists most serious pests and diseases, and is salt-tolerant.

Asiatic jasmine can handle most soil conditions as long as the soil drains well, although it performs best in soil enriched with plenty of organic matter.

Barrenwort

	botanical name Epimedium spp. (Asia, Mediterranean)
	plant type Perennial, Ground cover
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 8-12″ tall, 12-36″ wide
	hardiness zones 5-8

Barrenwort, or Epimedium, is a family of plants well known for its lush, carpeting growth. These perennials naturally thrive in woodland conditions, making them an excellent choice for shaded slopes or hillsides where trees block much of the sun.

Most Epimedium varieties have arrow or heart-shaped leaves often marked with touches of red. In spring, the dense green foliage is topped with delicate pale purple flowers that resemble tiny butterfly wings.

Bunchberry

	botanical name Cornus canadensis (North America)
	plant type Deciduous shrub
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 4-12″ tall, 6″-1′ spread
	hardiness zones 2-6

Bunchberry plants make excellent ground covers in moist woodland gardens and produce attractive flowers before they fruit. Spreading rapidly through underground root runners, this flat, creeping plant can transform a garden in no time.

Its eye-catching foliage forms whorls of shiny green leaves in spring and summer that turn a deep red in autumn. Cornus canadensis attracts pollinating insects like butterflies, but thankfully does not appeal to pests such as rabbits or deer.

Dianthus

	botanical name D. plumarius, D. superbus, D. deltoides (Europe, Asida, Africa)
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 6-36″ tall, 6-24″ wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

It can be easy to get confused when searching for dianthus plants because there are more than 300 species to choose from. It is important to select a variety that matches your hardiness zone. These dainty, low-growing ground covers for slopes feature attractive bluish gray foliage that brightens your garden even when the plants are not in bloom.

Despite one of their common names, pinks, dianthus blooms may be pink, red, rose, lilac, white, yellow, or bi colored, with the signature jagged petal edges the genus is known for. These ground covers for slopes can thrive in a range of conditions, though they bloom best with plenty of sunlight and weekly watering.

Creeping Juniper

	botanical name Juniperus horizontalis (North regions of North America))
	plant type Evergreen shrub
	sun requirements Full sun
	height Up to 1′ tall, 10′ spread
	hardiness zones 3-9

If you do not enjoy spending all day maintaining your garden or you are not a fan of mowing the lawn, creeping juniper could be an excellent choice for ground covers for slopes.

Many gardeners love using creeping juniper for its fast growth and minimal maintenance. This drought-tolerant shrub can thrive in most soil types.

Although these low-growing shrubs are often used as ground covers for slopes, keep in mind that it does not cope well with heavy foot traffic. It is a hardy option for rocky slopes and hillsides, where it can help prevent erosion and spread reliably with very little care.

Creeping Myrtle

	botanical name Vinca minor (Europe)
	plant type Evergreen perennial
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 6″ tall, with trailing vines up to 18″ long
	hardiness zones 4-9

Creeping myrtle makes an attractive flowering ground cover that is fast-growing, low-maintenance, pest-free, and tough. Also known as periwinkle, its creeping habit and blue spring flowers make this evergreen perennial an excellent ground cover for slopes in many gardens.

Its sprawling growth habit and ability to root along the stems make creeping myrtle especially useful on hillsides, slopes, or any garden area where rainfall causes erosion. As it spreads, it helps hold soil in place and stabilizes the ground.

These low growers can quickly choke out weeds while covering large areas with a carpet of glossy foliage and spring blooms. They are also drought-tolerant and thrive in shade, making them ideal for difficult, low-light spaces.

Creeping Phlox

	botanical name Phlox stolonifera (North America)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6-12″ tall, 9-18″ wide
	hardiness zones 5-9

Creeping phlox is a low-growing, mat-forming plant that spreads beautifully as a ground cover for slopes in rock gardens and even through crevices in stone walls. In late spring and summer, it produces fragrant clusters of small, five-petaled flowers that attract butterflies to the garden.

When the blooms fade, the foliage remains an attractive green for most of the year before dying back in winter.

This low-maintenance plant needs very little care beyond watering during drought. If you notice weeds trying to pop through the mat of foliage, pull them promptly to keep the planting looking tidy and healthy.

Creeping Thyme

	botanical name Thymus spp. (Europe)
	plant type Herbaceous, Woody perennial
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 2-6″ tall, 6-18″ wide
	hardiness zones 2-9

Thymus spp. is a mint family genus with more than 300 varieties of woody perennials. Though not all types are grown as culinary herbs, many still offer the classic minty fragrance. While some thyme species grow in a small shrub form, many low-growing creeping types have a vine-like habit that makes them excellent ground covers for slopes.

These plants feature pointed, bluish green leaves that gently blanket the ground. In summer, they produce flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white, depending on the variety you choose.

Creeping thyme grows best in well-drained soil and often thrives in poor soil conditions. If the stems begin to take over, prune them back to encourage fresh new growth. Over time, older stems may become woody. These cold-hardy ground covers for slopes are well-suited to lower hardiness zones and fill in quickly without demanding much care.

Creeping Zinnia

	botanical name Sanvitalia procumbens (Mexico, Guatemala)
	plant type Herbaceous annual
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 4-6″ tall, 12-18″ wide
	hardiness zones 2-11 (true annual in all USDA zones)

Despite the name, creeping zinnia is not in the same genus as true zinnias (Zinnia spp.). It gets its common name from its pointed, oval-shaped leaves, which strongly resemble zinnia foliage.

Creeping zinnia features delicate green leaves and dainty flowers that look like miniature sunflowers or daisies. They have a long bloom period and come in bright shades of yellow and orange.

These low-growing annuals have a spreading habit, making them ideal as seasonal ground covers for slopes. They are easy to grow and will thrive in partial shade or full sun as long as they receive plenty of water without becoming soggy and are planted in moderately fertile soil.

False Rock Cress

	botanical name Aubrieta spp. (Southwestern Europe)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 4-9″ tall, 12-24″ spread
	hardiness zones 5-7

False rock cress is a cheerful ground cover that works well as edging or as a fast-growing plant for slopes. After its lush magenta blooms fade, you are left with attractive grayish green foliage that blankets large sloped areas of the garden.

Aubrieta spp. thrives in well-drained, alkaline soil and a sunny location. By mid-summer, it can benefit from a good pruning to keep it tidy and encourage fresh growth.

Once established, these drought-tolerant ground covers for slopes need very little care. It has no significant pest or disease issues, making it an easy, reliable choice for trouble-free ground coverage.

Fern Moss

	botanical name Thuidium delicatulum (North America, Asia, Europe, and South America)
	plant type Pleurocarpous perennial
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height Up to 2′ tall, 18″ spread
	hardiness zones 3-11

Fern moss is not for everyone, but it can give a garden a unique, lush look with its green, fern-like spread. Several moss species within the Thuidiaceae family are known as fern moss. As the name suggests, they produce branching fronds that resemble traditional ferns.

Thuidium delicatulum performs well in challenging growing conditions, including rocky or compacted soils, slopes, and hillsides where turf would struggle or be damaged by erosion.

Once established, fern moss requires very little water. Even during drought, it can absorb moisture from the air. If it begins to look dry, it will appreciate a light watering, but it generally remains low-maintenance and resilient.

Japanese Pachysandra

	botanical name Pachysandra terminalis (Japan, Korea, China)
	plant type Evergreen perennial
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 8-12″ tall
	hardiness zones 4-8

Japanese pachysandra is a tough plant that tolerates challenging conditions. One of the biggest benefits of this evergreen perennial is its ability to control weeds. It spreads by rhizomes to form a dense mat, making it a highly effective ground cover for shaded areas.

Although Pachysandra terminalis is evergreen, it is herbaceous since it lacks woody stems. The foliage does not die back in winter, though it may yellow slightly.

This fast-growing perennial can cover ground quickly. If you want to keep it confined, dig up the runners each year to control its spread. If you live in an area where it is considered invasive, it will be difficult to keep it contained. In that case, choose a different plant from this list.

Lilyturf

	botanical name Liriope spicata or L. muscari (East and Southeast Asia)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 9-18″ tall, 12-24″ spread
	hardiness zones 4-10

Lilyturf, also known as Liriope, is a tough, drought-tolerant ground cover for slopes that resembles grass, though it is actually a herbaceous perennial in the asparagus family.

It makes an attractive ground cover for preventing erosion and helping with weed control. In late summer or early fall, it produces spikes of white or lavender flowers.

Liriope grows and spreads rapidly, especially when given plenty of water and regular fertilization. However, it is considered invasive in some regions. Liriope spicata tolerates most soil types, including clay and sandy soils. Plant lilyturf about a foot apart to allow room for its spreading habit.

Mazus

	botanical name Mazus miquelii (Himalayas)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-6″ tall, 6-12″ wide
	hardiness zones 5-8

Mazus has lush green foliage that can brighten your yard all year long if you live in a warmer climate. In spring, it produces clusters of dainty bluish purple flowers. These tiny blooms form a dense mat across the bright green leaves as the plant spreads quickly.

Mazus miquelii prefers moist, fertile soil in a sunny location, though it can adapt to a wide range of soil and light conditions. It may not flower as heavily in shade. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Weekly watering is usually enough to help it thrive.

Mondo Grass

	botanical name Ophiopogon japonicus (Southeast Asia)
	plant type Evergreen perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 5-12″ tall, 1-2′ wide
	hardiness zones 5-10

Mondo grass is a low-growing, grassy ground cover for slopes that looks similar to turfgrass. Ornamental grasses with a running habit, like mondo grass, are excellent for stabilizing slopes.

Although Ophiopogon japonicus can handle some light, it thrives in filtered sunlight or shade, making it a great choice for areas where heavy tree cover limits what you can grow.

Also known as monkey grass, this evergreen perennial prefers regular, even moisture but can tolerate drought once established. Soil type is not a major concern, though it grows best in loose, loamy soil.

Mountain Cornflower

	botanical name Centaurea montana (Europe)
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-2′ tall, 12-18″ wide
	hardiness zones 3-8

Also known as perennial cornflower, mountain cornflower is a popular purple flowering species related to the traditional cornflower plant. This clump-forming ground cover features grayish green, lance-shaped leaves and tiny flower buds that look a bit like pineapples.

It produces lacy blue, white, or purple blooms in spring and summer, though it may take a couple of years for the flowers to fully establish.

Mountain cornflower is low maintenance and only needs well-drained soil and the occasional removal of new shoots every few years to keep it tidy.

Purple Heart

	botanical name Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’ (Mexico)
	plant type Perennial
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 12-18″ tall and wide
	hardiness zones 10-11

Aptly named, purple heart produces iconic purple stems topped with elegant flower clusters in shades of pink, violet, or something in between.

Even with the pretty blooms, its vibrant foliage is the true standout. The leaves, stems, and upper surfaces are a rich royal purple, sometimes shifting toward a turquoise gray tone depending on light exposure.

Gardeners grow Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’ as an evergreen perennial in warm climates. In cooler regions, it is typically grown as an annual. Keep in mind that purple heart is toxic to pets and humans and can cause contact dermatitis, so handle it with care.

Rocky Stonecrop

	botanical name Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ (Europe, Turkey)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 4-6″ tall, 1-3′ wide
	hardiness zones 5-9

Rocky stonecrop, also known as ‘Angelina’ stonecrop, is an evergreen perennial with succulent foliage that forms a low-growing mat.

This cultivar features golden to chartreuse, needle-like leaves. In summer, it produces small yellow flowers, and in fall, the foliage shifts from bright yellow to warm rust or orange tones.

For the best results, plant rocky stonecrop in a sunny spot with dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil. This hardy herbaceous perennial also tolerates rocky or sandy soils, making it an excellent choice for tough, sloped, or drought-prone areas.

Spotted Dead Nettle

	botanical name Lamium maculatum (Europe, North Africa, West Asia)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Full to partial shade
	height 6-9″ tall, 12-24″ wide
	hardiness zones 4-8

Spotted dead nettle is a popular perennial ground cover for slopes that grows well in shade and can fill in patches or slopes that would otherwise remain bare. In warmer regions or sheltered areas of the yard, it may stay evergreen. In cooler climates, it is more likely to behave as a semi-evergreen or herbaceous plant.

Many gardeners choose spotted dead nettle for its silvery foliage, though the purple flowers add an eye-catching touch in spring and early summer. Lamium maculatum spreads by creeping stems and is listed as invasive in some states, so be sure to check local guidelines before planting.

Sprawling Wire Vine

	botanical name Muehlenbeckia axillaris (New Zealand, Australia)
	plant type Prostrate evergreen shrub
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-4″ tall, 30″ spread
	hardiness zones 6-9

Sprawling wire vine is a dwarf shrub with distinctive foliage made up of small, round leaves attached to thin, wire-like stems. This hardy evergreen forms a beautiful ground cover and is tough enough to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion.

It is fast-growing and requires very little maintenance to thrive. Not picky about soil, it can handle a wide range of light conditions as well. Just be careful not to overwater, since it prefers soil on the drier side once established. Its quick spreading root system also helps keep weeds under control, making it an easy and effective ground cover for slopes.

Sweet Woodruff

	botanical name Galium odoratum (Europe, Africa, Asia)
	plant type Perennial herb
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 6-12″ tall, 9-18″ wide
	hardiness zones 4-9

Sweet woodruff is a mat-forming perennial herb often used as a ground cover in shady garden areas. In spring, it produces fragrant clusters of star-shaped white flowers. Its foliage consists of dark green, lance-shaped leaves arranged in attractive whorls.

Galium odoratum is easy to grow and adapts well to a range of soil and moisture conditions. The blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Sweet woodruff is deer-resistant and is also one of the few flowering plants that rabbits typically ignore.

Virginia Creeper

	botanical name Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Eastern and Central United States)
	plant type Perennial vine
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 6-8″ tall, 30-50′ spread
	hardiness zones 3-10

Virginia creeper is a relative of Boston ivy and boasts stunning foliage that shifts from green to reddish orange or burgundy in fall. Although it is a flowering vine, it also works well as a ground cover for slopes. Without a trellis, the vine will sprawl across the ground and help protect slopes from erosion.

Its dark blue berries add a pop of color, but they contain oxalic acid and are toxic to humans, so avoid eating them. Birds, however, enjoy the fruit. The sap also contains needle-like oxalate crystals that can irritate skin and may cause a rash. Wear gloves when handling the plant, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Wild Ginger

	botanical name Asarum canadense (Eastern North America, Southeastern Canada)
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 6″ tall
	hardiness zones 3-7

Wild ginger grows naturally throughout the eastern United States, southeastern Canada, and parts of Asia. Despite its name, it is not related to the common culinary ginger (Zingiber officinale). At first glance, you may not notice how remarkable this plant is.

Its brownish, bell-shaped flowers hide beneath the foliage at the base of the leaves. Wild ginger also has a long history of use as both food and medicine among Native American communities. Deer and rabbits tend to ignore it, but pollinating insects are drawn to the flowers and will happily visit your garden.