Shrubs can really improve how your retaining wall looks and functions. They add greenery and can help hold soil in place. But choosing the right shrubs is key, especially for a structure like a retaining wall. You don’t want plants with aggressive roots that might damage the wall or ones that need too much care.
Luckily, there are many attractive, low-maintenance shrubs that work well with retaining walls. You can find options that look good year-round, have nice flowers, or just make your wall area more appealing.
We’ve put together a list of 12 shrubs that are perfect for retaining walls, helping you make your outdoor space both pretty and practical.
Boxwood
Boxwood, commonly seen in various landscapes, is favored for its dense and small-leaved evergreen foliage. It often grows well in several US Hardiness Zones, especially 5 through 9, and can withstand a variety of climates. When it comes to planting, spring and fall are the best times to plant boxwood since they give the roots a chance to settle before harsh weather arrives. Because of its wide but somewhat shallow root system, it needs enough room to grow and thrive.
Japanese Spirea
The Japanese spirea is well-known for its changing seasonal colors. It blooms pink or white in the summer and changes to orange or yellow in the fall. In order to give this shrub time to form roots and adjust before the summer heat, it is typically planted in the spring. It is a popular option for gardeners looking for speedy results in their landscaping work because it grows reasonably quickly, usually reaching full size in a few years.
Juniper
Junipers are adaptable to a wide range of climates, since they flourish in US Hardiness Zones 3 through 9. Junipers can develop to their full capacity without requiring a lot of care over time because of their modest growth rate. For individuals who deal with these typical garden problems, its resistance to browsing by rabbits and deer can be a helpful characteristic, allowing Junipers to keep their form and foliage without suffering severe harm.
Hydrangea
Because hydrangeas can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and environmental circumstances, they can flourish in a number of US Hardiness Zones. They display noticeable seasonal variations and frequently have blooms that change color from blue to pink according on the pH of the soil. Popular variants ‘Limelight’ is appreciated for its rich blue blossoms that age to pink, while ‘Nikko Blue’ is noted for its pale green flowers that mature to pink; both are popular options for gardens.
Lavender
Worldwide, lavender is planted in gardens in the spring following the last frost to ensure maximum growth. Because it does well in US Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, it can withstand a variety of temperatures. This plant, which is well-known for its fragrant leaf, grows slowly to moderately and usually reaches its maximum height in a few years. Lavender takes ten to fifteen years to mature, and with proper care, it develops a woody foundation.
Rosemary
Planting rosemary in the spring allows it to get established roots before the summer heat. This is when it thrives the most. It grows moderately, reaching full height under ideal circumstances in about ten years. Due of its resilience to deer and rabbits, rosemary is a good option for areas where these animals are common. Some common varieties are ‘Arp’ and ‘Tuscan Blue,’ with ‘Arp’ being known for its resilience to cold weather and ‘Tuscan Blue’ for its larger size and eye-catching foliage.
Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina)
Nandina, also known as Heavenly Bamboo, is prized for its seasonal variations; it has red berries that last throughout winter and leaves that change from green to reddish-burgundy in the fall. This plant, which matures over many years and is known for its sluggish growth rate, is manageable for gardeners with limited area. It grows well in US Hardiness Zones 6 through 9, where it can adapt to a range of environments.
Euonymus
Gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants might consider euonymus due to its well-known minimal maintenance requirements. It grows at different speeds; some types grow quickly while others grow more slowly, meeting different landscaping requirements. Many kinds of Euonymus exhibit a striking seasonal change in leaf color; in the fall, leaves frequently take on shades of red or yellow, which adds interest to gardens as summer gives way to winter.
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral bells are a popular choice for gardens that are susceptible to deer and rabbits because of their well-known resistance to these animals. For this species, the best times to plant are usually in the spring or fall, when the roots may take hold before the summer heat or the winter cold. Prominent cultivars like ‘Palace Purple’ exhibit bronze-purple foliage, and ‘Caramel’ boasts peach-and golden-colored foliage, both of which offer a striking contrast to verdant garden settings.
Creeping Thyme
A popular option for ground cover, creeping thyme grows best in US Hardiness Zones 4–9, making it tolerant of a wide range of temperatures. Because of its exceptional disease resistance, this plant requires less chemical treatments and spreads healthily across the garden. ‘Red Creeping,’ with its low-growing mat of pinkish-red flowers, and ‘Elfin,’ with its dense, tenacious shape and small lavender petals, are two notable variants.
Rockspray Cotoneaster
Given that deer and rabbits tend to stay away from it, Rockspray Cotoneaster can be an excellent option for people seeking resistance to these species. The ideal seasons to plant are spring or fall, when the weather is mild and ideal for root formation. This shrub can spread out across several feet and reach a height of around 3 feet, thanks to its modest growth rate. It is a low-maintenance option for ground cover or border planting.
Blue Star Creeper
The Blue Star Creeper is a useful option for ground cover in gardens due to its low maintenance requirements and modest growth rate. It is usually ideal to plant in the early spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the roots can establish themselves. Due to its high resilience to illness, it is typically unaffected by common garden maladies. Because of its durability, gardeners looking for a self-sustaining, long-lasting ground cover solution can still rely on it.