What Plants Can I Grow In Clay Soil?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Iris. Iris species, including Japanese, Louisiana, bearded and more, tend to perform very well on heavy soil. …
  • Miscanthus. Ornamental grasses do very well in clay. …
  • Heuchera. …
  • Baptisia. …
  • Platycodon. …
  • Hosta. …
  • Aster. …
  • Rudbeckia.

What plants grow best in clay soil?

  • Aster (Symphyotrichum) – Zone 4-8.
  • Bearded Iris (Iris germanica) – Zone 3-9.
  • Bee Balm (Monarda) – Zone 4-8.
  • Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) – Zone 5-9.
  • Daylily (Hemerocallis) – Zone 3-9.
  • Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) – Zone 3-9.
  • Sedum (Sedum) – Zone 3-9.

What grows in clay soil UK?

  • Ribes sanguineum. Flowering currant flowers are dainty and delicate, adding finesse to the garden in late spring. …
  • Malus (crab apple) Crab apples are superb all round plants for clay soil. …
  • Bergenia cordifolia. …
  • Spiraea japonica. …
  • Viburnum tinus. …
  • Syringa vulgaris. …
  • Lonicera periclymenum. …
  • Pulmonaria.

What produce grows well in clay soil?


Lettuce, chard, snap beans

and other crops with shallow roots benefit from clay soil’s ability to retain moisture, and broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage often grow better in clay soil than looser loams because their roots enjoy firm anchorage.

Is it OK to plant in clay soil?

In fact, clay soils offer plants two major advantages over other soil types: they hold

water

well, minimizing drought stress, and are abundant in nutrients essential for plant growth. … While clay soils’ ability to retain water usually benefits plants, in some cases, this can be too much of a good thing.

What fruit trees grow well in clay soil?

  • Citrus trees.
  • Figs.
  • Apple.
  • Plum.
  • Pear.
  • Apricots.

Can hydrangeas grow in clay soil?


Yes, you can grow hydrangeas even in clay soil

! In fact, smooth hydrangeas, also known as Annabelle hydrangeas, are native to North America and grow naturally in very heavy clay soils without a problem.

Does adding sand to clay soil help?

A:

Please do not add sand to your clay soil

. … The organic matter is large pieces which work their way between the clay particles. Organic matter also feeds the microbes that glue clay particles together so they act like the larger sandy (better-draining) particles.

Does lavender grow in clay soil?

It prefers poor, dry or moderately fertile soil, including chalky and alkaline soils.

Lavender will not thrive in heavy clay soil

or any soil that becomes waterlogged over winter.

Do I have clay soil?

If the soil falls apart when you open your hand, then you have sandy soil and clay is not the issue. If the

soil stays clumped together

and then falls apart when you prod it, then your soil is in good condition. If the soil stays clumped and doesn’t fall apart when prodded, then you have clay soil.

Can worms live in clay soil?

Worms have the ability to bulldoze through tightly compacted

clay soils

and ground up the material so that water can get in, making it much more suitable for plant life.

Do tomatoes grow well in clay soil?


Tomatoes can be grown successfully in clay soil

. But clay has two characteristics working against it to produce healthy tomato plants: Compaction. Clay tends to hold water.

What vegetables break up clay soil?

  • 1Broccoli.
  • 2Brussels sprouts.
  • 3Cabbage (red and green)
  • 4Cabbage (Napa and savoy)
  • 5Cauliflower.
  • 6Kale.
  • 7Bean (Bush or Pole)
  • 8Pea.

Can roots grow through clay?

Because of the water-holding nature of clay,

sufficient air does not reach

the plant’s roots, thus limiting its growth. Plants that begin as wild seeds in clay can sometimes develop appropriate root systems and survive.

How do you break up heavy clay soil?


Grit sand

for breaking up and improving heavy clay soil. It’s extra work but worth spreading a one or two inch layer of grit sand across the clay soil before spreading the organic matter and digging the whole lot in at the same time. This will help break up even heavy clay soil.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.