Best Plants for Retaining Walls: Ground Covers and Climbers

Why Plant Around Retaining Walls?

Strategic planting around retaining walls serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. The right plants can stabilise soil, reduce erosion, manage water runoff, and transform a plain structural wall into an attractive garden feature. In Melbourne’s climate, there is a wide range of plants that thrive around retaining walls, from cascading ground covers to lush climbers.

However, choosing the wrong plants can cause problems. Invasive root systems can damage wall structures, while poor plant selection can trap moisture against the wall and accelerate deterioration. Understanding which plants work best is essential.

Best Ground Cover Plants for Retaining Walls

Ground covers planted along the top of a retaining wall can cascade over the edge, softening the wall’s appearance while holding soil in place.

Trailing and Cascading Plants

• Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) – Fragrant, evergreen, and excellent for trailing over wall tops
• Native Violet (Viola hederacea) – Low-growing Australian native that thrives in Melbourne’s climate
• Creeping Boobialla (Myoporum parvifolium) – Hardy native ground cover with excellent spreading habit
• Grevillea (prostrate varieties) – Native options that attract birds and require minimal water once established
• Dichondra (Silver Falls) – Dramatic silver foliage that cascades beautifully over wall edges

Soil-Stabilising Ground Covers

• Lomandra (dwarf varieties) – Deep-rooted native grass that holds soil firmly
• Dianella – Attractive strappy-leafed native with strong root systems
• Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) – Dense, low-maintenance ground cover ideal for wall tops

Best Climbing Plants for Retaining Walls

Climbers can soften the face of retaining walls and add vertical interest. Choose varieties appropriate for your wall material, as some climbers can damage certain surfaces.

Safe Climbers for Retaining Walls

• Star Jasmine – Can be trained on wires against the wall face without causing damage
• Hardenbergia violacea – Australian native with purple flowers, twining habit
• Pandorea jasminoides (Bower Vine) – Fast-growing native with trumpet-shaped flowers

Climbers to Avoid

• English Ivy – Aerial roots can penetrate mortar joints and damage masonry
• Boston Ivy – Adhesive pads leave marks and can trap moisture against the wall
• Wisteria – Extremely vigorous growth can damage walls and drainage systems

Planting Tips for Different Wall Types

Your wall material affects which plants are suitable. Garden retaining walls offer particularly good opportunities for integrated planting.

Sandstone Walls

Sandstone retaining walls pair beautifully with native plants and succulents. Small ferns and trailing plants in the joints between sandstone blocks can create a natural, established look. Avoid plants with aggressive root systems that can shift stones.

Concrete and Sleeper Walls

Concrete and sleeper walls benefit from trailing plants along the top edge to soften their appearance. Climbers on wires or trellises mounted to the wall face can also add visual interest.

Plants to Avoid Near Retaining Walls

Certain plants should be kept well away from retaining walls:

• Large trees – Root systems can undermine footings and exert significant pressure on walls
• Bamboo – Running varieties have extremely invasive root systems
• Fig trees – Aggressive roots can destroy wall structures
• Any plant with vigorous tap roots – Can penetrate drainage systems and wall joints

Maintenance Considerations

Plants around retaining walls require some specific maintenance:

• Keep drainage weep holes clear of plant growth
• Prune climbers regularly to prevent excessive weight on the wall
• Monitor root growth near the wall base
• Ensure mulch does not block drainage outlets

For garden retaining wall design inspiration, browse our gallery of completed projects featuring integrated planting.

Get Help Designing Your Planted Retaining Wall

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Ready to enhance your retaining wall with plants? Use our free builder matching service to find a professional who can design and build a wall that complements your landscape.