What to Grow, Where, and Why
Banks and steep hillsides present unique challenges such as soil erosion, poor soil depth, and exposure to wind and sun. Choosing native plants with strong, fibrous root systems and tolerance to harsh conditions can stabilise the soil, reduce erosion, and enhance biodiversity.
What Makes Banks and Steep Hills Unique
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Slope & Exposure: Steep angles with high erosion risk, often exposed to wind and sun.
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Soil: Shallow, rocky, or free-draining soils prone to drying out or washing away.
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Water: Variable moisture; some banks may be dry, others may experience runoff or seepage.
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Stabilisation Needs: Plants must hold soil firmly and thrive in challenging conditions.
What to Plant by Site Type
|
Site Type |
Best Plant Choices |
Why These Work |
|
Dry banks & steep hills |
Kunzea ericoides (Kānuka), Leptospermum scoparium (Mānuka), Ozothamnus leptophyllus (Tauhinu) |
Tough shrubs with deep, fibrous roots to stabilise soil and tolerate dry, exposed conditions. |
|
Moist banks & gullies |
Carex secta, Phormium tenax (Harakeke), Coprosma robusta |
Grasses and shrubs that stabilise moist soils and prevent runoff erosion. |
|
Rocky slopes & cliffs |
Olearia odorata, Corokia cotoneaster, Poa cita (Silver tussock, Olearia cheesemanii |
Hardy shrubs and cushion plants adapted to shallow, rocky soils with good root anchorage. |
Signature Plants for Banks and Steep Hills
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Kunzea ericoides (Kānuka) – Fast-growing, drought-resistant shrub with strong roots.
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Olearia cheesemanii – An alpine shrub, compact and hardy; prefers well drained rocky soil; good on slopes or cliff margins.
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Ozothamnus leptophyllus (Tauhinu) – Light, airy shrub helping soil retention on dry slopes.
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Carex secta – Tall sedge perfect for moisture-retentive areas and stream banks.
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Corokia Cotoneaster – Tolerant of dry, rocky or poor soils; foliage and form give wind‑ and drought‑resilience.
Planting Tips for Banks and Steep Hills
|
Tip |
Advice |
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Planting time |
Early autumn or spring to allow roots to establish before dry or wet extremes. |
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Soil preparation |
Minimise disturbance; add organic matter if soil is poor or compacted. |
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Erosion control |
Use biodegradable matting or mulch to hold soil until plants establish. |
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Watering |
Water young plants regularly on dry slopes to improve survival. |
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Spacing |
Plant densely enough to form a protective ground cover and shelter seedlings. |
Why Choose Natives for Banks and Steep Hills?
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Provide natural, strong root systems to prevent erosion
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Adapted to local climate and soil conditions for better survival
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Support native fauna by providing habitat and food sources
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Lower maintenance once established compared to exotic species
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Help restore natural landscapes and improve ecosystem health