Question

Retaining wall   QUESTION: What can I plant on top of a rock retaining wall to cover the cement bags on top and trail over into the rocks?  The wall is about 150', on a lake in Texas.  Hot summers, some water splash up on rocks, sometimes very windy, sometimes freezes in winter. Photo attached.  Thanks for your help!

ANSWER: Hey, Carol.

It sounds like you're somewhere in Central to East Texas.

I that were my retaining wall, I would plant morning glory (Ipomea) because it flowers, the flowers are large, it's pretty much ever-blooming, and it grows rapidly.

My second choice would be one of the ivies, English ivy, Boston ivy, or Persian ivy.

If you go with ivy, I think one of the specifies with larger leaves like Hedera helix (English ivy) or Hedera colchica (Persian ivy) would work best because of the rocks. Hedera helix 'Gold Heart' is an English ivy with variegated leaves, and Hedera colchica 'Dentato-variegata' is a Persian ivy with variegated leaves. I think they would look stunning.

Hope you'll send me some pictures at the end of the summer.

Russel

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much Russel.  I really like your suggestion about variegated ivy, but I have a question.  How can I keep it growing towards the rocks instead of into the lawn?  I can't wait for it to warm up around here enough for me to go buy the ivy!


Answer
Hey, Carol.

As with any plant, you'll have to prune it, but it looks like you have a pretty nice boundary so that edging/pruning shouldn't be much of a problem.

When you first plant the vines, just point them in the direction you want them to grow and keep them in place with some small stakes. Cutting the tips off will force them to put out additional vines and eventually you'll have the rocks covered.