I've read all the info but now looking for people who have grown this. I'd like to plant this on a steep bank where there are lots of roots from thornbrush that cannot be removed. Is it possible? If not, I'd love any suggestions on what to put in there. Its south facing with all day sun.
Anyone growing Campanula Birch Hybrid?
I have planted other Campanulas that are probably related. They thrive in rich moist soil that is not in full hot sun all day. Under the dappled light of trees is good, where it is bright, but not full sun. Or plenty of morning sun.
For a steep slope where you need erosion control I would make this a 2-phase project.
1) Get something growing on it FAST. Some sort of erosion control seed mix that includes grasses (good matting roots to hold the soil), legumes (good to supply nitrogen to help the grasses) and perhaps some wildflower seeds (color, and some are helpful at erosion control)
2) Get something growing that may take a little longer, but that roots and creeps along the soil both above and below. Are you able to water the area without causing more erosion? Even if you can, look for plants that do not require too much water.
I am not familiar with your area, so I cannot name plants. How about searching with your USDA zone and the words 'erosion control plants' and see what comes up.
Another option would be to build a retaining wall that will help hold the slope. Soil is generally stable at a slope of 2:1 (2' horizontal distance with only 1' of rise) though some soils won't hold at that slope, and something closer to 3:1 is the steepest you can do. (ie: 3' horizontal distance with only 1' of rise)
I have quite a few Campanulas some of which are quite happy in full sun although I find the colours are better in dappled shade. I have found that Birch Hybrid is quite slow growing, in my garden, compared to others.
Have you considered herbs? Thyme might be good.
Or have look at Callirhoe involucrate or there are lots of Sedums like Sedum hispanicum minimum or Sedum Anglicum.
Maybe Arctostaphylos uva-ursi or one of thr Vincas (Periwinkle)
Hope this helps a little
Oh yes, I forgot about Thyme, that would be great for that area!
So sorry it took me so long to get back here. Unfortunately a retaining wall is not in my future or budget. But I do like the idea of the grass. I like the ornamental stuff. So I ordered 3 Cerastium Yo Yo plants. I'm also considering picking up several of the silver mound at my local nursery. I thought after planting these I could put in 3 each of the Delosperma Lavender Ice and 3 Campanula Birch Hybrid.
I love the idea of the thyme. I think I will also put that here and there. I also ordered several other plants for this area just to stick here and there. I'm not real worried about the erosion as there are numerous roots from the thornbrush etc in there. I'm thinking that I'll have a year, maybe 2 before those roots rot out so what ever I stick in there should have enough time to grab hold. Am I wrong in this thinking?
Diana, my area is zone 5. Yet I live on a hill in a valley so I deal with micro-climate. We had a colder than normal winter this past year (-38 below on one sunny morning). Normally we get around -20 for a couple of weeks in January and thats about it. Our springs are wet and in mid-summer we usually get a bit dry, but I am able to water this area if necessary.
I had not thought of herbs...maybe some at the base or lower end might work. Again this is a very difficult area, so its not going to get tended to very often. Am I bad...lol
Thanks for the great input. Always looking for more.
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