Native Pittsburgh Plants for Your Retaining Walls

If you're looking for native plants that can handle Pittsburgh's climate and won't require much maintenance, consider planting:

Black-eyed Susan

This plant offers a bright pop of yellow to your landscape. They can attract birds and butterflies to your yard. This plant has a dark, brownish-purple center inside the flower, hence the name "black-eyed." These plants are drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of environments. They need moderate water and full sun, along with acidic, well-drained soil. They can reach about 2 or 3 feet when mature and come in perennial and annual varieties.

Aromatic Aster

The aromatic aster is a stunning flower that can adapt to a variety of environments. Other names for this plant include the wild blue aster, shale aster, and fall aster. You can expect this plant to flower in the fall between September and November. This plant flowers with small flowers that range from pink in color to lavender-blue color. The flowers give off a balsam-type fragrance that attracts skippers, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Caterpillars and wild turkeys enjoy eating the foliage of this plant.

These require low water and full sun/partial shade to thrive. Additionally, the soil should be dry to moderate and well-drained. These are perennial plants that can mature to one to three feet high.

Fireweed

This plant, also called willow herb, is ornamental and spreads quickly once planted, featuring spires of flowers with stunning pink color and willow-like leaves. You can expect this plant to be in bloom from June to September and should be planted sparingly as it will spread easily.

This plant attracts moths, bees, and butterflies, and young plants offer edible shoots and leaves when cooked. To thrive, you will need full sun and partial shade, low water, and moist, well-drained soil.

Cascading Plants to Add Diversity to Your Retaining Wall

If you want to add even more visual interest to your retaining wall, consider adding these cascading plants, such as:

Creeping Thyme

Creeping Thyme is a low-growing plant that creates a dense mat of tiny leaves and flowers when the plant blooms. There is a wide variety of creeping thyme, which means you can mix and match colors and textures for a stunning look! This plant will spread between 12" and 18" with a height between 6" and 12" and thrives best in full sun areas.

Morning Glory

Morning Glories are beautiful plants with colorful flowers. This broadleaf perennial is great for pollinators and thrives in various light and soil conditions. You can get varieties that bloom in pink, blue, violet, or purple. It's important to keep in mind that this plant is toxic to humans, cats, horses, and dogs if ingested, so be mindful in planting this if you have small children or pets that could ingest this plant. This plant thrives in full sun and can grow from 1' to 10' tall and up to 6' wide.

Wave Petunia

The wave petunia grows and covers retaining walls quickly and can spread up to four feet. They offer beautiful color to your retaining wall and thrive in the sunshine with good draining soil. They can spread about four feet with a height from 6" to 12".

Retaining Wall Installation Services at J Birds Landscaping

J Birds Landscaping is among the top South Hills retaining wall contractors. We offer expert retaining wall installation services and can also help you determine the best plants to use to accent your wall. Contact us today to learn more!