I just had a beautiful retaining wall put in and I would love to have some plants cascading over it. i love the look of Trailing Rosemary, but I'm told it isn't hardy in Zone 6a. What would you suggest?
Trailing Plant suggestions
Does it have to be perennial? I think some Tidal Wave petunias would look wonderful! They come in many different colors.
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Yes, I thought of that too. I like the idea of flowers all summer. I have a spot that would look perfect with something so colorful. But I'd like a perennials or shrubs that would grow to really soften the hard wall. It is a large retaining wall that extends the entire length of my house (and then some!).
Personally I like variegated vinca for projects like that but others might not. It can get quite spready when it's happy.
What material is the wall? I've seen the gaps in stones planted with succulents and it looks pretty.
Creeping phlox is hardy and will spill over the wall but I'm not sure how long it will grow before it starts to thin out.
I planted parrot's beak last spring and now it is 4' long, trailing down my retaining wall.
My tag says LOTUS BERTHELOTII. I love the color of the foliage - silvery green. The flowers are very interesting, though I did not get a lot of bloom this first year. Sun or part shade.
That is a favorite plant of mine! It gorgeous planted with Blackie or Ace of Spades sweet potatoes too. It would be a lovely annual for silver if desired.
Thanks for all the suggestions. Planning what I want is my favorite part of gardening (if you don't count sitting in the garden just relaxing!)
Dichondra "Silver Falls" is a fast growing cascading plant. It's a beautiful silver that really glistens in the light. I grew it from seed this year. Not sure if it's hardy enough for 6A though.
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/76508/index.html
I'm from California and I miss all the plants you can grow in warmer climates! But it sure is nice having frequent rainfall that keeps the garden nice and green.
When do you get to the part where you get to sit in the garden and relax??? I need that part! LOL
I'm jealous of the warm climate but don't want to give up all the things that need a cool winter.
I use the creeping sedum( I am not sure if it is ACRE)--but very vigorous, for trailing from my flower pots.
It can get 2+ foot long. In the winter (like right now!!), I just cut it back and stack the pots outside, ready to be put up again next spring with annuals.
Moss rose does re-seed here sometimes and drapes nicely.
Have seen wonderful creeping rug juniper on top of retaining walls that drapes down and turns burgundy in the winter.
If you like roses, check out www.chambleeroses.com and click on the miniature roses option. Check out "bright lights" -- they specifically recommend it for trailing over walls, and say it's hardy to zone 5.
I'm also under the impression, though I haven't tried it, that mint would trail. Of course it would take over everything else as well.
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