When you dig 130 holes on a steep, compacted clay bank and haul buckets of aged compost and armfuls of plants to put back in the holes, you want to get it right!

Pretty florals are always stunning to look at but in conditions such as this, suitability and practicability need to come first. But that doesn’t mean you need to go vanilla. There are many striking plant varieties that thrive in tough conditions.

It is always wise to do your homework. On steep banks you need plants that will not grow too tall. Tall plants and shrubs run the risk of falling over or growing downwards and smothering everything else. This can become an expensive issue down the track.

Plants on steep banks need to have good strong root systems and study growth habits. If you choose classic landscaping plants such as Libertia grandiflora (New Zealand Iris) or the Phormium (New Zealand Flax) varieties bear in mind both these plants grow big, profusely self-seed and, despite their hardy natures, need care!  

In a home garden setting both varieties will eventually need pruning and dividing, to keep them looking attractive and healthy. Once the flowers have died off, dead-heading is a must if you want to avoid a monocrop! This is effective for roadsides and roundabouts but can become unruly for most domestic settings.

Many plant species have attractive qualities for birds, bee’s, butterflies and other insects. If this is important to you, research the plants thoroughly before you buy.

We are fortunate to have so many amazing plant varieties that provide shelter and food for wildlife, as well hold your clay bank firmly in place. Importantly they can also provide year-round interest and joy.

On this particular clay bank there were two groups of three Alectryon excelsus (titoki) trees that provided shade. This enabled a more diverse plant selection.

Below is a list of plants that are tolerant of clay soils and can hold their own on a semi-exposed bank, with some shade.

 Pittosporum ‘Little Kiwi’

Pittosporum ‘Little Kiwi’

This fabulous green, tightly packed little pitto makes an eye-catching, low growing hedge that can be shaped into balls, squares or anything that takes your fancy. As the soil is naturally richer at the bottom of the slope, we used this as a striking feature along the first half of the drive-way.

 ‘Little Kiwi’ hedge

 Nandina ‘Gulfstream’

These tolerant shrubs form densely packed green-yellow to bright red foliage year round. They add a flamboyancy to any planting arrangement. These were used along the second length of the driveway to add colour and texture.

Coprosma ‘Poor Knights’

This prostrate form of Coprosma has flashy, shiny green leaves all year round. Its sprawling habit lends itself perfectly as a showy groundcover. Its soft appearance helps break up the harsh clay slope.

 Arthropodium cirratum

A real favourite of mine. Rengarenga was planted ‘en mass’ under the Titoki trees. It is an attractive lily with long fleshy leaves. Panicles of white to cream flowers shoot up on tall flower stalks from November to January. 

 Dianella nigra (Turutu)

This grass/flax-like plant has highly attractive showy purple berries on long stems in summer through to autumn. It was selected for its hardy nature but smaller growth habit. Its leaves look stunning as they catch the sun and move freely in the wind.

 Callistemon ‘Little John’

To add touches of colour and interest to the bank ‘Little John’ was selected for its dramatic deep red brush-like flowers which grow throughout spring and summer.

 Grevillea ‘Gaudi Chaudi’

This vigorous ground cover has the coolest ‘toothbrush’ like burgundy flowers and is green all year round. It is very well suited to banks and will cover some of the toughest areas. Not only are its flowers striking but its leaves and red stems add a textural layer to the planting scheme.

 Toetoe

Not to be mistaken for the invasive Pampas grass, this New Zealand native was used to add gentleness. Sparingly planted throughout the garden, its gorgeous flower plumes will sparkle in the sun and move with a peacefulness in a gentle breeze.

This list only shows a tiny selection of what is available. Experts at your local nursery or garden centre will be able to you offer more ideas.

Happy planting!

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