Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

plants for a dry bank

If you’re searching for plants for a dry bank, you’re in the right place. Gardeners often face the challenge of transforming steep, sun-baked slopes or embankments into thriving landscapes. Fortunately, there are plenty of resilient, attractive, and easy-care options that bring life and beauty to even the driest banks and slopes. The right plants will help control erosion, reduce maintenance, and add visual interest year-round. Below, we’ll share our top picks and tips for choosing plants for a dry bank in New Zealand conditions.

Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and graceful arch as it expands. Dark brown seed heads in summer add an interesting element to this plant, which grows to 70 cm tall and the same width.

Buy Carex solandri

From $11.50

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Grasses

Height: 70 cm

Spread: 70 cm

Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Shade, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Paths & Steps, Ponds

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian

Lomandra 'Katrinus Deluxe'

Lomandra 'Katrinus Deluxe' is an evergreen, ornamental grass known for its mid-green, arching foliage and tidy clumping habit. Growing to approximately 70 cm in height and width, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly tolerant of drought, frost, wind, and coastal conditions.

Buy Lomandra 'Katrinus Deluxe'

From $14.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Grasses

Height: 70 cm

Spread: 70 cm

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern

Why Choose Special Plants for a Dry Bank?

Dry banks are notorious for poor soil, rapid drainage, and harsh sun exposure, making them tough sites for gardening. The steep terrain also increases the risk of erosion and runoff. Choosing the right groundcover plants and hardy low-maintenance species makes all the difference. They not only stabilise the soil but minimize your watering and maintenance needs. When selected carefully, these plants create lush coverage that’s both practical and attractive.

Best Plants for a Dry Bank

1. Carex solandri

One of our top recommendations is Carex solandri, a New Zealand native tussock that thrives in dry and difficult spots. This hardy grass displays elegant upright foliage and forms dense clumps that help prevent soil erosion on banks and slopes. Carex solandri is especially valued for its low care requirements and year-round structure.

2. Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

For excellent groundcover, Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine) is hard to beat. This NZ native spreads quickly across dry, poor soils, weaving a fine network of wiry stems and tiny leaves. It’s especially useful for stabilising banks and blending into rock gardens or retaining wall plantings.

3. Juniperus conferta

If you’re after evergreen foliage and a soft, spreading look, Juniperus conferta is a standout. Known for its needle-like blue-green leaves, this coniferous groundcover is ideal for dry banks where other plants struggle. It adds texture and year-round colour while suppressing weeds and anchoring loose soil.

4. Aristea major

For a pop of colour, consider Aristea major. This perennial produces stunning spikes of blue flowers in late spring and early summer, contrasting beautifully with its upright strap-like leaves. Aristea major tolerates dry banks and withstands intense sun well.

5. Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia)

Add a unique and native touch with Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia). This prostrate fuchsia forms a mat of glossy foliage dotted with small, vibrant flowers. It’s ideal for planting alongside other drought-tolerant species to create a layered effect on dry slopes and banks.

Planting and Care Tips

To give your plants for a dry bank the best start, loosen compacted soil and add organic matter to retain some moisture. Plant in autumn or early winter, so roots can establish before the heat of summer. Mulch with fine gravel or bark to further conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Water only during prolonged dry spells—most of these selections are drought tolerant once established.

Using the right mix of groundcovers and perennials, even the driest bank can become a beautiful, low-care landscape. Explore our full range of groundcovers and resilient plants to create a lush, stable slope filled with character.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

plants for a dry bank

Carex solandri

Lomandra 'Katrinus Deluxe'

Did you find what you are looking for?

Why Choose Special Plants for a Dry Bank?