Looking for plant to match specific needs

11 years ago

I've got a large dirt wall - I'm building an outdoor stone staircase into a hillside, and the right-hand side of the cut-away is now a large dirt wall.

I'd like to get plants to plant directly into the side of the wall - cutting holes angled slightly downward and stuffing the plant roots in.

A picture of the unfinished staircase is here:

http://www.yearofglad.com/images/firepit.jpg

The area will probably get 4-6 hours of direct sun in the summer. I live in Portland, OR - USDA Zone 8a/8b.

Here is my wishlist for the plant, in order of importance:

1) Will grow to cover the wall area (some sort of vine-like plant; am more than willing to plant as many of the mystery plant as needed)

2) Will grow close to the wall (the further out it grows, the more I have to cut back the wall initially to make sure there's ample room for the staircase - something that "hugs" the wall would be ideal)

3a) Stays green year round

3b) Flowers seasonally

4) Fast-growing

Any suggestions on what will meet some/all of my preferences?

Thanks for your help!

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Comments (7)

wisconsitom
11 years ago
Todd, I'm not so savvy on plants adapted to your region, but I find your idea quite interesting. One additional thing you might do is install some kind of "holdfasts" or some form of grippable surface which, while not really changing the ultimate look of your plan, could make for quicker colonization by whatever vining types of plants you end up going with. So, this could be wooden pegs, small areas of screen or hardware cloth-really anything you can dream up which will enable the plant to hang on better. And do note also, vining plants vary in their method of attachment. Some twine around things, others have little suction disks, etc. so make your decision based on that factor.

+oM
Todd Wagner
Original Author
11 years ago
Glad you mentioned that - I was thinking about attaching some black netting to the wall when planting, so I'm glad to hear confirmation of that idea and will make sure it's appropriate to the type of plant I end up using. Thanks!
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
You want groundcovers, not vines. Vines grow up, so you would need to plant at the base of the wall, plus supply something for them to attach to. And very few will attach themselves to the soil or root sufficiently in anyway to provide any sort of support to the wall. The only one I can think of is English ivy and I certainly am not going to suggest that to another PNW'er!!

But there's lots of groundcover to choose from that would work for your purpose. I'd suggest a visit to Portland Nursery (one of the best) and see what they carry. One that comes to mind as working perfectly in this situation is creeping raspberry, Rubus calycinoides.
Todd Wagner
Original Author
11 years ago
Okay - someone suggested Vinca to me, which seems like it might work - any thoughts on that one?
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
Not happy in much sun.
wisconsitom
11 years ago
Depends on location. Vinca minor, AKA "periwinkle" handles full gamut of sun to shade around these parts quite readily. Won't put up with bone-dry soils though.

+oM
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
Becomes very chlorotic when planted in full sun here (or what passes for full sun in these parts :-))