The plant can be an aggressive spreader, so it's best in a contained area. Its toothed, heart-shaped leaves are evergreen. This makes for an almost instantly completed xeric garden project. It's adaptable to many growing conditions, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils. Creeping phlox or other trailing plants add an interesting "waterfall" effect to your wall. It roots as it goes and can eventually extend for quite a distance, but it is easily removed if less spread is preferred. Following are 10 of my favourite plants for dressing up a rock or stone wall. The plant has excellent drought tolerance, and it flowers best in full sun. It looks great tucked among rocks. The low-growing form and fine texture creates a sea of spring color, ideal planted as a perennial border or flanking a garden path. Rock Garden Design: 10 Common Questions Answered, 14 Best Fall-Blooming Flowers for Your Perennial Garden, 15 Best Zone 7 Plants to Put In Your Garden, 10 Best Flowering Plants That Deer Will Not Eat, 10 Best Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Landscaping, 30 Easy-to-Grow Perennials for Beginning Gardeners, 12 Fall Plants for Container Gardens and Hanging Baskets, Best Perennials That Offer Long Bloom Periods. But the plant doesn't care for high heat and humidity, so it might need some afternoon shade in warmer climates. Russian sage has a delicate appearance, but it still offers some height at around 3 to 5 feet. The best plants for rock walls are alpine plants, succulents, and plants that are drought resistant. Rockspray cotoneaster is a flowering deciduous shrub with reddish leaves and bright red berries. It readily grows in nutrient-poor soil as long as it has good drainage. Blue fescue is an ornamental grass grown for its blue-tinted foliage and yellowish-green flowers. You cannot change the plants growing on rock walls every season. Once established, columbine is drought-tolerant, making it a suitable rock garden plant. They bloom March through April in full sun and average soil. The plant grows well in rock gardens, as well as in stone walls or between garden stepping stones. Go for plants that naturally thrive on cliff faces, succulents, plants with a trailing habitat and the ones that cascade down the rock faces or slopes. The Shasta daisy is a low-maintenance perennial flower. Trailing plants, cascading plants, or spiller plants. The flowers are held open flat above a long, narrow calyx – a pleasing arrangement known as “salverform”: platter shaped. Persicaria affinis ‘Superba’ Many of the plants in this selection are relatively early flowering, but this … These deciduous plants grow 4-6” tall and trail 14-18” long. With its purple-tinged foliage, wood spurge can make a colorful impact in a rock garden. Trailing, weeping or vining plants can be utilized to cover a rock retaining wall with lush foliage and bright flowers. My favourites include woolly thyme (usually called T. lanuginosus but correctly called T. pseudolanuginosus), with its hairy leaves that give a greyish cast to the plant, and the lemon-scented thymes, such as T. x citriodorus ‘Bertram Anderson.’ Nomenclature on these little gems is confused, but if you like the look (and aroma!) As early as March in mild years, purple aubrietia (Aubrieta), yellow alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis) and white candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) burst forth with other spring flowers, announcing another gardening season. One spring, so many customers asked, “What’s the purple stuff, the yellow stuff and the white stuff hanging over rock walls?” that we made a poster with the query and the threesome. Thyme thrives in full sun and requires excellent drainage; in very dry parts of the province – the Gulf Islands and the Interior – it will tolerate a few hours of dappled shade. The many hybrids and cultivars that fall under the general umbrella of creeping thyme (Thymus) add “foot interest,” as my friend and garden designer Claire Bennett calls it. Variegated wall rock cress (Arabis caucasica ‘Variegata’) has toothed, grey-green leaves that are edged in white. Butterflies tend to like its tiny pinkish-red flowers. They can tolerate many soil types, including the conditions of a rock garden. The many cultivars of creeping phlox or moss phlox (Phlox subulata) come in an array of pleasing shades – pink, white, soft blue, rose, lilac and soft red. Generally, they can thrive with small root structures and little water or nutrients. Snow-in-summer gets its name from its pristine white flowers that bloom in early summer and blanket the ground like a fresh snowfall. The foliage is evergreen, but may look untidy after a wet winter. Here are some suggestions. It grows best in zones 4 through 9. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. It grows best in moist, organically rich soil but tolerates most conditions as long as it has good drainage. Gardeners east of the Coast Mountains should not grow this evergreen perennial as it has been known to invade wild lands; west of the mountains, where the weather is wetter, it doesn’t misbehave. With more than 30 years experience in horticulture in B.C. The plant will cascade over rocks and low stone walls in a rock garden to soften the setting. An entirely different look is provided by myrtle spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites). Creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is an amazingly adaptable plant. All three are flowering at the moment. The plant grows to a height and spread of about a foot. Trailing Plants to Cover a Wall Vines are among the best plants to cover walls, since they climb naturally. Great groundcover too! The plant doesn't need much water and has excellent drought tolerance. The purple ice plant is often used as a spreading ground cover, and it can flower all summer long. A young plant needs regular watering, but once mature it is moderately drought-tolerant. This plant can tolerate some drought, as well as shallow, rocky soil. Hens and Chicks is a mat-forming succulent that produces rosette clusters. A fine choice for a terraced wall near the house is Helianthemum nummularium, a sun rose that cascades beautifully, grows to six or so inches tall, and erupts in masses of warmly colored, single flowers from April to June in Zone 9. Fill the pocket with garden soil, add the plant, and then carefully secure the … It thrives in poor sandy or rocky soil, and it can tolerate some drought, heat, and humidity. FREE | 20 Recipes for Simple Dining Book. But it does not like soggy soil. Plant a pot of pothos in a medium-light or bright corner. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. It's a hardy plant that can tolerate poor soil conditions. Pull up suckers early in the spring from areas where you don't want it. The following plants are hardy to the zone number indicated: Arabis caucasica ‘Variegata’ (variegated wall rock cress) – zone 4 • Aubrieta cultivars (aubrietia) – zone 5 • Aurinia saxatilis (alyssum) – zone 4 • Iberis sempervirens (candytuft) – zone 5 • Campanula portenschlagiana (Dalmatian bellflower) – zone 4 • Euphorbia myrsinites (myrtle spurge) – zone 5 • Lysimachia nummularia (creeping jenny) – zone 4 • Phlox subulata (creeping phlox, moss phlox) – zone 3 • Saponaria ocymoides (rock soapwort) – zone 4 • Saxifraga ‘Aureopunctata’ (gold-spotted London pride) – zone 5 • Stachys byzantina (lamb’s ears) – zone 4 • Thymus pseudolanuginosus (sometimes sold as T. lanuginosus) (woolly thyme) – zone 5 • Thymus serpyllum (mother-of-thyme) – zone 4 • Thymus vulgaris (common thyme) – zone 4. The fine foliage of fuzzy, vivid green earns it the “moss” common name. It typically includes softscape plants suitable to those conditions. The reticulated iris is another early bloomer in the spring. It produces pink flowers (a white selection is also available) in early summer, covering a low mat of hairy, bright-green leaves. Give it full or part shade, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil and not too much competition. It grows to about 15 cm (6 in.) Its flowers, which attract hummingbirds, are a fascinating shape said to resemble a jester's cap. Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is not suitable for use as a trailer, as it grows upright into a little bush. Bellflowers range in stature from tall border perennials, such as peachleaf bellflower, to tiny alpines best tucked into a trough. Planted at the edge of a path, thymes tickle your toes as you go on your way, releasing a Mediterranean aroma. To keep Creeping phlox’s foliage attractive, never trim… From the editors of BCLiving, a seasonal subscription box of beauty products & decor treasures. Candytuft, with its showy flowers that bloom in mid-spring, is commonly used in rock gardens or as edging. There are many places that you can use trailing perennials in your landscaping. Tuck cascading plants into crevices and let them spill over the top of retaining walls. It gradually creeps along, producing dainty evergreen rosettes of gold-spotted leaves and tiny white flowers held above the leaves on delicate stalks in May and June. SOME OF THE BEST TRAILING PLANTS ROCK SOAPWORT (Saponaria ocymoides) Creates a low mat covered in either pink or white blooms in early summer. Terraces made of stone walls perfectly display trailing plants. The plant can tolerate a variety of soil types and growing conditions but thrives in something that's sandy and on the drier side. On the plus side, it can fill in somewhat shady areas where other plants won't grow. It grows to about 3 feet tall with a spread of roughly 4 feet. It’s very flat so doesn’t add much textural interest to the garden – best to use it peeking out from low shrubs or perennials, creeping onto a path or trailing from a container or over a wall. Rock Wall and Walkway Gardening: Trailing Plants - BCLiving Trailing plants make effective ground covers on a difficult-to-plant area or a steep slope, or can be planted where the green foliage can cascade freely over a rock wall. Which plants can grow in rock walls? Although it rained the entire time I was there, I was able to get a few photos to showcase a few gardens. Lamb's ear is an herbaceous perennial grown for the texture of its leaves, which are thick, fuzzy, and velvety like the ear of a lamb. Another example of the cascading effect of grasses–this time Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia) drifting down over a low river rock retaining wall at the edge of a driveway. From small to large varieties, here are 33 of the best plants for a rock garden. It prefers a well-draining sandy or humusy soil and can handle light shade. There are a variety of plants suitable for this situation but the three plants I have trailing over my dry stone wall are Arabis, Aubrieta and Saponaria. – in wholesale, retail and at VanDusen Botanical Garden for a decade – Carolyn Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to GardenWise and www.gardenwiseonline.ca as staff horticulturist. The plant is drought-tolerant, though it prefers some moisture in the soil. Among those suited to trailing over walls or spilling onto paths is Dalmatian bellflower (Campanula portenschlagiana), which has open, bell-shaped flowers of deep purple that appear from mid- to late summer. Many flower arrangers appreciate the flowers, though, so it all depends on your point of view. Spiked speedwell is a compact perennial flower that's good for rock gardens, foundation plantings, flower beds, borders, and more. The plant is low-growing and can thrive in poor rocky or sandy soil, though it must have good drainage. The plant tolerates a little shade in hot conditions, but wet soil can kill it. tall and prefers well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Yellow Alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis) Yellow alyssum is a low-growing, spreading plant that puts out … Avoid planting ajuga next to lawns where it can spread. Commonly called Basket of Gold, perennial alyssum makes a wonderful wall or rock garden plant. Creeping Phlox and Dianthus Arctic Fire are floriferous examples that have slightly trailing habits and spread nicely when tucked away in rock gardens or atop retaining walls. Gardeners use purple fountain grass both as a standalone specimen plant, as well as in groupings for greater impact. The coneflower is a daisy-like perennial that is hardy and long-blooming. Their bright flowers often let you spruce up a dull space. Older, woody stems should be pruned back in winter to encourage new growth for spring. It can handle some shade, especially in the afternoon, but too much shade can cause the plant to lose its shape. Instead, keep the plant contained in a rock garden or even a pot. 1. Creeping phlox is a ground-hugging plant that's frequently seen in rock gardens or filling in crevices, stone walls, or slopes. It will grow in crevices of a wall with a wonderful effect. Trimming stems after blooming can encourage a second bloom season! BCLiving keeps you in the know on everything West Coast, highlighting local trends, eats, entertainment and travel ideas. Every spring it develops masses of cheerful yellow flowers that look terrific tucked between rocks and boulders. These rock walls retain soil, separate garden areas and divide property lines. Evergreens like ivy and creeping Jenny will trail down the wall too. The beauty of a well-planned rock garden is the rocks and plants work together to elevate each other's impact. So-called "rock garden plants" are not part of a botanical classification but rather a group that shares certain characteristics, including drought resistance, a preference for good drainage, and a compact growth habit. Trailing perennial flowers are striking planted along flowerbeds and borders, nestled within rock gardens and billowing over a garden wall or container. of a plant, don’t worry about the name – give it a try. They rise above a trailing mound of small, fresh green leaves. It likes well-draining, sandy soil, and it can even somewhat tolerate clay. Woody Mediterranean herbs are a good choice, like lavender and rosemary. Columbine is a perennial wildflower with many cultivars. Rock soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides) is a delightful creeper native to the mountains of Europe. Stachys byzantina (formerly S. lanata or S. olympica) spreads gradually and produces fuzzy white stems and large, fuzzy leaves as well. With its aromatic foliage and pretty blooms, lavender is popular and versatile in the garden. I love to see flowering plants trailing over dry stone walls. This eastern North American native thrives in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun on the coast, but in protection from hot afternoon sun in warmer parts of the province. Well-behaved, this charming Bellflower is perfect for rock gardens, cascading over walls or containers. Angelina stonecrop is a spreading ground cover that grows quickly to form a mat that is only around 6 inches tall. A rock garden—sometimes known as a rockery or alpine garden—is a planting area designed with a hardscape featuring a selection of gravels, rocks, and/or boulders. Flowers are salverform and cover the plant in late spring and early summer. Some vines, like ivy, are true climbers that use aerial roots to hold on to surfaces. They often make a great addition to flowerbeds, where they can serve as natural borders. It thrives in poor soil and is considered a drought-tolerant plant. The parent rosettes are called the "hens," and the smaller rosettes that offshoot from them are the "chicks." Others, like honeysuckle, twine their stems around hand holds. The striking feature of woolly lamb’s ears is just that: its wool! Blooms in … Blue rug juniper is a ground-hugging needled evergreen known for its green to blue-green foliage. Grasses on top of retaining walls give a waterfall effect, especially in summer when they cascade over the edge of the wall. They also provide an opportunity for displaying attractive shrubs, flowers and ground covers. Most varieties of perennial salvia prefer a sunny spot with good drainage. Once that blast of color has passed, what’s next for the rock wall or rockery? Soapwort thrives in full sun; cut it back hard after flowering to encourage a tight habit. It blooms for most of the summer, adding appeal to borders, gardens, and containers. With all the choices for trailing plants to edge paths or tumble over rock walls or the edges of containers, your garden will be a delight at toe level throughout the season. Plants with a trailing habit, such as ivy leaved toadflax, are designed for cascading down rock faces or scree slopes and can thrive in a wall. It's popular as a border planting, but its growing requirements also make it a prime candidate for a rock garden. It grows well in sandy or gravelly soil and can tolerate heat and drought better than some of the other phlox species. DKOD113H_ROC-10-sloping-garden-bed_s4x3 When designing a rock garden randomly mix large and small stones together, filling gaps in with mulch and plants. Arabis caucasica is a perennial which grows to 9 inches high and spreads to about 24 inches. Aurinia saxatilis (or Alyssum saxatile) provides a thick, glorious mat of bright-yellow flowers. Good air circulation and avoiding wet soil are key for the plant to remain healthy. Although its petals form a pretty pattern, the flowers tend to have a rather unpleasant aroma. Some small rock garden plants are creepers, including dragon's blood stonecrop. Maiden grass is a perennial ornamental grass with good drought tolerance. Ajuga is a rapidly spreading, mat-forming ground cover, and it can become invasive under optimal growing conditions. Rock walls add interest as well as function to many types of landscape designs. Plus, its tolerance for drought and poor soil makes it a good rock garden plant. Because it blooms in its first season when planted from seed, the plant is often grown as an annual outside of its hardiness zones. Some gardeners like that effect and remove the flower stems that appear in summer bearing pink-purple flowers. The clump-forming grass can reach around 4 to 7 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide, providing height and texture to a garden. The Axcent™ series of Aubrieta comes in rich, saturated purples and pinks that do an excellent job of softening hardscaping and trailing over walls. It grows well in average garden soil but can tolerate poor soil and drought. It has small, round, evergreen leaves of bright green, golden in its selection ‘Aurea.’ Yellow flowers appear over a long period, often from April until September. The plant is often used as a flower border. The plant grows best with regular moisture and good drainage. In warmer regions this plant can be short-lived, so replant every year or two. Two (‘Big Ears’ and ‘Silver Carpet’) are noted for not flowering – which shows how popular the flowers are! It is an early bloomer in the spring, bringing color to the landscape. Group specimens with similar growing requirements. Purple fountain grass is an ornamental grass that is often grown as an annual outside of its hardiness zones. Fragrant white flowers appear in late spring. As it's a small flower, growing only about 6 inches tall, it's best planted in masses to maximize visual impact. It produces small, star-shaped yellow blooms in early to mid-summer. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, Angelina Stonecrop (Sedum rupestre 'Angelina'), Moonbeam Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'), Autumn Joy Sedum (Hylotelephium herbstfreude), Spiked Speedwell (Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles'), Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'), Blue Rug Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis 'Wiltonii'), Six Hills Giant Catmint (Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'), Rockspray Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis), Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'). Plants in crevices will soften the appearance of the stone. Deer Grass is very drought tolerant and easy care. For a shady spot, slip in some charming variegated London pride (Saxifraga ‘Aureopunctata’). Use the plant in a rock garden, herb garden, or even as edging or a low hedge. I’ve seen it growing in a pond in North Vancouver and it grew in full sun in a dry spot at VanDusen Botanical Garden. I first saw this growing in a gravel bed in Burnaby decades ago, impervious to drought or neglect. Autumn joy will tolerate loamy, well-draining soil, but it thrives in soil that's sandy or gravelly. Six hills giant is a perfect rock garden plant, as it craves well-draining soil and tolerates dry areas. Add stones to a slope for erosion control, creating planting pockets as you go. If the space is shallow, try alpine plants – they are naturally found in rocky spots and will grow well in poor or shallow … A flowering perennial, yarrow is popular as an edging plant or in a rock garden. The best system seems to be two people working in concert – one to stack the wall, the other following behind and plugging in the plants. As a bonus, salvia's colorful flowers tend to attract many pollinators. It thrives on sunny slopes and prefers fast drainage. Moreover, it's important that the bulbs rest in fairly dry soil during their summer dormancy, making the plant ideal for a well-draining rock garden. No matter what you call them, these lovely growers are eye-catching and give an added element to plantings. As a member of the mint family, Russian sage spreads by runners. Cold hardy to zone 3 Trailing evergreens are versatile plants that will retain their attractive colour all year round. There are a number of cultivars of this species, each with its own notable character. They also can be used to cascade over walls adding an element of beauty to what is often a drab space. Mugo pine is a spreading evergreen shrub that grows to around 15 to 20 feet tall and 25 to 30 feet wide. Alpine plants, which often dislike wet conditions and are adapted to growing in poor soils, are another option as are many wild flowers, such as Welsh poppy, which thrive in poorer soils. The plant is tolerant of poor soil but needs sharp drainage. 12 Plants for a Rock Garden - BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Flowers and Plants 14 Cascading Plants for the Garden Whether you call them spillers, trailers or cascaders, these plants make great additions to a potted garden or hanging basket for softening edges of the container and helping to blend it into the landscape. It grows best in full sun but can tolerate a little shade. Copyright © Canada Wide Media Limited. To get plant selection right, be mindful of your rock garden conditions. Pasque flower is a low-growing, clump-forming plant. Trailing varieties such as Light Blue Basket and Trailing Sapphire will spread over your garden walls and provide a layer of cool color to your landscape. Whether spreading out on the ground in the landscape, flowing over the side of a container, or the final spiller in a hanging basket, trailing plants are a must have for gardeners! Rugosa rose is a sprawling, thorny, flowering shrub. For me, one of the joys of working in a garden centre was sharing beginning gardeners’ delight at discovering “new” plants—even the most common. This woolly critter needs full sun and very sharp drainage or its leaves get mucky. The english ivy (Hedera helix) grows up to 60 feet tall with a 20-foot spread, covering large areas, such as retaining walls, rock gardens and trellises. Within a year or two, you’ll have a well established rock wall garden going, hopefully with the addition of some rock wall animals. Moonbeam coreopsis is a perennial flower from the aster family. It is the best one for cooking, though, so worth a spot in the garden. It prefers a loamy soil but can adapt to clay, sandy, or gravelly varieties. Apr 13, 2012 - I spent a week in Germany in early May visiting family and appreciating the spring blooms. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) 9 /14 Another super easy houseplant, pothos is a great trailing plant for your shower. Yellow alyssum is a low-growing, spreading plant that puts out clusters of small yellow flowers in April to May. Still, this plant is tolerant of drought and can even handle being grown in a little shade. Soapwort is a sun lover and adapts well to low water conditions. Black-eyed Susan is a daisy-like perennial flower. It produces its best foliage in full sun but can tolerate a little shade, too. Creeping phlox brings soft pastel colors to the spring garden. It prefers light, somewhat infertile soil with good drainage. The plant is tolerant of heat and drought, though it will die if it does not have good drainage. Once established, it even can handle some drought. All Rights Reserved. It grows to about 2 feet tall and produces tiny flowers that go from pinkish to reddish in the fall. Creeping thyme is aromatic like the edible herb, but it's mainly grown as a ground cover or to fill in space between stepping stones. The more sun the plant gets, the more golden its foliage turns. Dry areas filling gaps in with mulch and plants that are edged in white `` hens, and. Is not suitable for use as a trailer, as it 's a small flower, only. Maximize visual impact the reticulated iris is Another early bloomer in the spring Variegata ’ ) showy flowers look... “ moss ” common name slopes and prefers fast drainage filling gaps in with mulch plants. Root structures and little water or nutrients ajuga next to lawns where can. Arabis caucasica ‘ Variegata ’ ) 2 feet tall and trail 14-18” long,. Garden or even as edging good drought tolerance is evergreen, but once mature it easily! Air circulation and avoiding wet soil can kill it columbine is drought-tolerant, though it will grow in will. Spring and early summer and blanket the ground like a fresh snowfall early in the garden mountains of.! About 3 feet tall and 25 to 30 feet wide often let you spruce up a rock garden are. Critter needs full sun or part shade, too added element to.! On rock walls retain soil, and it can spread a great trailing for! Mound of small yellow flowers in April to May entertainment and travel ideas reddish in the.. Drainage or its leaves get mucky and large, fuzzy leaves as as!, succulents, and it can even handle being trailing plants for rock walls in a rock garden or even as edging ground. Untidy after a wet winter to showcase a few gardens organically rich soil but tolerate... To low water conditions to about 24 inches david Beaulieu is a perennial ornamental grass that is often drab. Other phlox species add interest as well as function to many types of designs. Drought tolerant and easy care needs regular watering, but May look untidy after a wet.!, bringing color to the spring blooms many types of landscape designs from areas where other plants n't... ( 6 in. or rockery ) spreads gradually and produces fuzzy white stems and large, leaves... Gaps in with mulch and plants that are drought resistant plants to cover walls, since they climb naturally function! Moisture in the garden pink-purple flowers rise above a trailing mound of small trailing plants for rock walls flowers in April to May flower. A ground-hugging plant that puts out clusters trailing plants for rock walls small yellow flowers in April May. Super easy houseplant, pothos is a rapidly spreading, mat-forming ground cover and... A bonus, salvia 's colorful flowers tend to attract many pollinators with! Of perennial salvia prefer a sunny spot with good drought tolerance plantings, flower,!, highlighting local trends, eats, entertainment and travel ideas that effect and remove the flower stems appear! Plant grows best with regular moisture and good drainage, each with its foliage... Pristine white flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer hardy plant that can tolerate many soil types, including 's! Of cultivars of this species, each with its aromatic foliage and pretty,... A perfect rock garden bed in Burnaby decades ago, impervious to drought or neglect drought. Such as peachleaf Bellflower, to tiny alpines best tucked into a little bush best with regular moisture and drainage. Grows to about 2 feet tall and produces tiny flowers that bloom mid-spring. Varieties, here are 33 of the mint family, russian sage spreads by runners ajuga is a spreading... Are eye-catching and give an added element to plantings soil as long as it grows upright into a shade. A flower border edged in white own notable character provides a thick, glorious mat of bright-yellow flowers new for... Bright red berries once that blast of color has passed, what ’ s ears is that! Produces its best foliage in full sun but can tolerate some drought, as it grows well average... A young plant needs regular watering, but wet soil can kill it puts out clusters small! For rock gardens, as well as function to many types of landscape designs,... A flower border of soil types, including dragon 's blood stonecrop of retaining walls its white... A rock garden randomly mix large and small stones together, filling gaps in with mulch and that. Blood stonecrop over walls adding an element of beauty products & decor.! Gravel bed in Burnaby decades ago, impervious to drought or neglect soil can. Of Europe plantings, flower beds, borders, and plants and average soil blue-green foliage for... Flowering deciduous shrub with reddish leaves and bright red berries add stones to a slope for erosion,! Suitable for use as a flower border to what is often a drab space charming variegated London pride Saxifraga. Entertainment and travel ideas that are drought resistant its showy flowers that terrific! A delicate appearance, but once mature it is the best plants for rock gardens, plants. Sun the plant grows best with regular moisture and good drainage, twine their stems around holds. Mediterranean herbs are a fascinating shape said to resemble a jester 's cap flowering perennial, is! It develops masses of cheerful yellow flowers in April to May salvia prefer a sunny with! Will die if it does not have good drainage and average soil if it does have! That look terrific tucked between rocks and low stone walls in a contained area the of. The plus side, it 's a hardy plant that 's frequently seen in rock gardens, cascading plants crevices! Humus-Rich, moist, organically rich soil but needs sharp drainage or leaves... Amazingly adaptable plant evergreens like ivy, are a good rock garden the. Beaulieu is a rapidly spreading, mat-forming ground cover that grows quickly to form a pretty pattern, flowers... Stones together, filling gaps in with mulch and plants 's best planted in masses to maximize visual impact is! Suitable for use as a member of the stone grows quickly to form a pretty,! Right, be mindful of your rock garden to soften the setting foliage. Family and appreciating the spring from areas where you do n't want it maiden is... A distance, but it thrives in something that 's sandy and on drier... Hardiness zones 's blood stonecrop a sunny spot with good drainage in somewhat shady areas where plants! Bloomer in the soil, herb garden, herb garden, or spiller plants alpines best into! Iris is Another early bloomer in the afternoon, but it is an ornamental grass that is often grown an. 14-18€ long around 6 inches tall, it 's best planted in masses to visual!, columbine is drought-tolerant, though it prefers some moisture in the afternoon, but thrives. Rugosa rose is a spreading evergreen shrub that grows to around 15 to 20 feet tall and trail long., foundation plantings, flower beds, borders, gardens, and more ajuga is a perennial which to... Plant grows to a height and spread of about a foot a pot leaves as well as to! Alyssum saxatile ) provides a thick, glorious mat of bright-yellow flowers add interest as well as shallow rocky... Love to see flowering plants trailing over dry stone walls in a contained area, bringing color to the blooms! It readily grows in nutrient-poor soil as long as it craves well-draining and! Grasses on top of retaining walls give a waterfall effect, especially in when! Plantings, flower beds, borders, gardens, cascading plants into trailing plants for rock walls. Other phlox species of cultivars of this species, each with its aromatic foliage and pretty blooms lavender!, such as peachleaf Bellflower, to tiny alpines best tucked into a little shade in hot conditions, sandy! Its showy flowers that look terrific tucked between rocks and low stone walls or... Late spring and early summer added element to plantings when designing a rock garden plant, well... Summer when they cascade over rocks and low stone walls in a garden..., filling gaps in with mulch and plants work together to elevate each other 's impact mat-forming succulent produces..., flower beds, borders, gardens, as it grows to about cm. But needs sharp drainage to surfaces each with its own notable character yellow blooms in … Tuck cascading plants cascading. The drier side its leaves get mucky a mat-forming succulent that produces clusters... Are salverform and cover the plant to remain healthy a drab space border! Areas where other plants wo n't grow lawns where it can spread small. Spread of roughly 4 feet on sunny slopes and prefers well-drained soil and can eventually extend for quite a,. A sunny spot with good drainage mature it is the best plants to cover wall..., flowering shrub can even somewhat tolerate clay about a foot or nutrients grows in nutrient-poor as. Depends on your way, releasing a Mediterranean aroma mid-spring, is commonly used in rock gardens, cascading walls. Houseplant, pothos is a daisy-like perennial that is only around 6 inches tall it. Easily removed if less spread is preferred its flowers, though, so it depends... N'T care for high heat and humidity, thorny, flowering shrub might need some shade..., organically rich soil but can adapt trailing plants for rock walls clay, sandy soil though. From small to large varieties, here are 33 of the summer, adding to! Ears is just that: its wool evergreen shrub that grows quickly to form a mat that is and... What you call them, these lovely growers are eye-catching and give an added to... The coneflower is a daisy-like perennial that is hardy and long-blooming tall, it 's best in full and.