Alphabetical Plant Listing

Great Shrubs for Sunny Slopes in New England Gardens

Regional Gardening, Best Shrubs, New England Gardening


Steep banks and slopes are particularly challenging for most gardeners. Often difficult to access, poor and sandy, they are prone to erosion, soil drying and tend to be overrun with weeds.

Rain tends to run quickly off sloping sites, leaving little time for the water to soak down into the soil. While running down the slopes, the water also carries the topsoil away with it.

Stabilizing the soil and preventing soil erosion is very important and planting the right plants for a sloping site is critical.

Below is the list of shrub species and cultivars that tolerate the conditions of a sunny slope in New England landscapes. Please note that a mix of plants is usually more effective because each plant has its own specific root system. Planting a diverse selection of shrubs will have the benefit of holding the soil in different ways.

As you will note, some are top performers and have received prestigious awards.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 3
Plant Type Shrubs
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Landscaping Ideas Banks and Slopes
New England Plant Combination Ideas New England Guides

johnson175 / 123RF Banque d'images

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 3
Plant Type Shrubs
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Landscaping Ideas Banks and Slopes
New England Plant Combination Ideas New England Guides

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