Some plants work better than others for erosion control in my experience. Typically the ones with extensive root systems (no surprise), especially the groundcovers that root regularly and often. All plants are not all equal in this respect. If you have not had the need for erosion control, you may not have paid much attention to the differences.
plantladylin said:Under the heading of Suitable Locations I quite often check the box for Patio/Ornamental/Small Tree ... thinking of container plants that can be grown as Patio Ornamentals. Until zuzu told me today, I didn't realize that box should only be checked for trees.
That's news to me. It is not at all obvious from the text. Is there a better way to phrase it? Small trees sound like an extension of the patio plants and ornamentals, not the overriding descriptor.
Cross-posted! Zuzu, there are definitely some plants that require excellent drainage in pots, as opposed to the good drainage that works as a general rule. Excellent drainage by my standards would be half rock or more, a nice gritty mix. Most of my succulents grow just fine with good drainage, but there are quite a few that actually do require something better, if they're going to survive our winter rainstorms.
I think the drainage category works pretty well as it is.