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Landscaping help for steep bank?

It's spring or almost here in Southwestern, PA. I'm zone 4 or 5 depending ont he gardening catalog I'm looking at. I have a very steep bank that we cannot mow, therefore my husband uses the weed wacker about every 2 months. So the weeds get very high. The top of the bank levels out to be our yard. The bottom of the bank is our driveway - we live on the side of the hill and our yard is in many different levels. I'm looking for a shrub or plant that will cascade down over the bank and choke out the weeds. Lots of color would be nice as we are in the woods. But the plants will have moist to wet ground and all day sun. Low maintenance and fast growing would be a bonus. Any suggestions? Thanks so much for your help.

Public Comments

1. I would suggest sedum or ice plant. Ice plant has colorful foliage and gets small flowers in the summer. Sedum is a rock garden crop and grows about anywhere it's foliage is less desirable but it has somewhat attractive flowers in late summer to fall. Hope this helps.
2. For years crown vetch was the answer to steep banks. It's rather wild looking but does cover quickly and have pretty pink flowers. Probably you'll want something else. The trick will be the time between planting and complete coverage...........the weeds will still grow and need whacking but your DH will have to carefully trim least he whack the growing plants! (been there, done that) http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/wildflower/2005fa_nativegroundcovers.html has some neat ideas. I'm in awe of Phlox subulata, wish it grew in my area.
3. phlox would work good. it blooms and is very pretty in the spring. Clematis vines are very pretty and bloom in the summer.