Periwinkle, Cotoneaster, Euonymus, Hypericum, lavender, ivy and shade-tolerant ground cover: low, spreading plants for banks and slopes, with RHS hardiness, size and sun data. Many are young plants in 9 cm pots sold in packs, which suits covering a larger area. Free tracked delivery to Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
Which plants suit a bank or slope?
Low, spreading evergreens such as periwinkle (Vinca), Cotoneaster, Euonymus and Hypericum calycinum are the plants the RHS names for banks and slopes, and this page also lists sun-loving lavender and shade-tolerant ground cover. The RHS describes banks as difficult to access, prone to soil drying and often overrun with weeds, and recommends strong-growing ground cover or climbers.
| Plant | RHS hardiness | Size (height x spread) | Sun | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Periwinkle (Vinca minor, Vinca major) | H6 (to about -15 °C) | 0.1-0.5 m x 0.5-2.5 m (up to 10 cm for some varieties) | Full sun to full shade | Evergreen. Clay, sandy or loam soil. On the RHS banks list. |
| Euonymus (Euonymus fortunei, E. japonicus) | H5 (to about -10 °C) | 0.5-1 m x 0.1-2.5 m, varies by variety | Full sun or partial shade; several also full shade | Evergreen. E. fortunei 'Dart's Blanket' is on the RHS banks list. |
| Cotoneaster (C. dammeri, C. procumbens) | H6 (to about -15 °C) | Up to 0.5 m x 1.5-2.5 m | Full sun or partial shade | Evergreen. On the RHS banks list. |
| Hypericum (H. calycinum and hybrids) | H5 (to about -10 °C) | 0.5-1.5 m x 0.5-1.5 m | Full sun or partial shade; H. calycinum also full shade | Evergreen or semi-evergreen. H. calycinum is on the RHS banks list. |
| Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia and hybrids) | H5 (to about -10 °C) | 0.1-1 m x 0.1-1.5 m | Full sun | Evergreen. Sandy, loam or chalky soil. |
| Liriope (Liriope muscari) | H5 (to about -10 °C) | 0.1-0.5 m x 0.1-0.5 m | Partial or full shade | Evergreen. Sandy or loam soil. |
| Ivy (Hedera helix, H. hibernica) | H5 (to about -10 °C) | 8-12 m x 2.5-8 m eventually | Full sun to full shade | Evergreen. H. hibernica is on the RHS banks list. |
Data is from the RHS Plant Finder and PFAF. Where varieties differ, the table gives the range. Temperatures are the warm end of each RHS band.
Preparing and planting a slope
- Prepare the soil: the RHS says soils on banks are often poor and sandy. It advises removing perennial weeds and adding well-rotted manure or garden compost where possible.
- Make a level spot for each plant: the RHS suggests planting each one on a small horizontal shelf of soil so water does not run straight off, then watering in thoroughly.
- Timing: in Ireland, plant October to November or February to April.
Spacing, mulch and watering
The RHS gives spacings of 90 cm to 1.2 m for its banks list, closer on poor soils, and expects effective cover after two growing seasons in good conditions. For ground cover it gives 60 cm for Vinca minor and Cotoneaster dammeri. A mulch at least 5 cm (2 in) and ideally 7.5 cm (3 in) thick, laid over moist, weeded soil, helps the soil hold moisture in summer. Keep weeding until the plants form a cover, and check watering throughout the first growing season, including winter for evergreens.
What this list does and does not mean
The data is from the RHS Plant Finder and PFAF, checked October 2026. Several plants here appear on the RHS banks and slopes list, while others are included for their low, spreading habit and the sun and soil ranges in the table. A plant that tolerates a condition is not the same as one that thrives in it. Check the sun, soil and steepness of your own slope. The RHS says close-mown grass is neither realistic nor safe on a steep bank, which is one reason to plant instead.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best plants for a bank or slope in Ireland?
The RHS lists periwinkle (Vinca major and V. minor), Cotoneaster, Euonymus fortunei 'Dart's Blanket', Hypericum calycinum and Hedera hibernica among suitable banks plants. All are rated H5 or H6.
How far apart should I plant ground cover on a slope?
The RHS gives 60 cm for Vinca minor and Cotoneaster dammeri and 45 to 60 cm for Hypericum calycinum. For its banks list it suggests 90 cm to 1.2 m, closer on poor soil.
Do plants on a slope need watering?
Yes, while they establish. The RHS says banks are prone to soil drying and advises regular checks throughout the first growing season. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture in summer.
Are young plants in 9 cm pots suitable for a slope?
Yes, they suit covering a larger area at the RHS spacings, but they take time to fill in and need watering while they establish.
What else should I read for a dry, open or gravelly site?
See our collections of gravel garden plants, plants for exposed sites and plants for sandy soil.