What Can I Plant as Ground Cover? (La Mesa, Mesa: 2014, Home Depot)

[djxpress]

I live in La Mesa and I need something to plant on my hill to make it look better. When I moved in in 2014 there was more iceplant covering the hill. Now, much of that is gone, not sure if it's because I only water it a couple of times a week for 4-5 minutes, but there is only minimal iceplant left.

I've tried buying this iceplant at Home Depot and covering in the bare areas, but the iceplant seems to die. I've also put some grass seeds in, but they don't seem to be sprouting. I'm not sure if the dirt is just not very nutrient rich, or if it's because it's a sloping hill.

What can I put on the hill to cover it and make it look more pleasing? Something that isn't too expensive and won't take a lot of maintenance - and something that a green thumb like me can do.

Thanks.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Look at what is growing as food for local fauna. Maybe some grasses or shrubs. Low water trees. Think low maint flora.

[malcorub16]

We have rosemary growing on a couple of our slopes. It grows quite well as a bush and doesn't need too much water.

[cruitr]

Ice plant grows everywhere here. It is hard to kill. It's ideal for slopes. Forget Home Depot. Ask a real gardener at a local nursery.

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C...h=540&dpr=1.88

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by cruitr

Ice plant grows everywhere here. It is hard to kill. It's ideal for slopes. Forget Home Depot. Ask a real gardener at a local nursery.

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C...h=540&dpr=1.88

That stuff is a magnet for the American Cockroach though.

[eastcoastbias]

You can get some good ideas from local landscape suppliers.


Have two things ready: Give them your area La Mesa/maybe a Zip (so they know your zone) and know the amount of sun that hits that particular area. Hillside trees and shrubbery can be tough. Lower ground cover probably more ideal something that doesn't need a large root base.

[broncosilly]

Do not use iceplant for many reasons. Use rosemary and or star jasmine. Put in a drip system and mulch.
During summer soak for an hour to two hours a week. Don't be cheap with the water. La Mesa summers can be very toasty. I know.