Getting Started In Your Garden
Being a beginner gardener can be a little daunting. This section is all about sharing beginners advice, choosing the right plants, garden designs and inspiration to help get you started.

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What can I grow in clay soil? (2 replies)

yellowclare
8 years ago
yellowclare 8 years ago

Hi

My garden has areas of heavy clay soil. When wet this becomes water-logged and why hot the soil bakes. What are the best sorts of shrubs and perennials for this type of soil?

Thank you

Yellowclare

Florexpert
8 years ago
Florexpert 8 years ago

Hi Yellowclare,

You could try Eryngium bourgatii (sorry it's a bit spiky...), Euphorbia rigida, most roses (in full sun), Perovskia, Asters (still go for A. amellus or A. x frikartii if you want no mildew though!), Achilleas, Rudbeckias, Pennisetum, Hostas (with slug bait!), Sedums, Heucheras, Lamiums....

For the shrubs, try Mahonias (yummy winter scent...), Sarcococca, Aucuba, Viburnums, Nandina, Euonymus, Hydrangeas (best in half shade), Callicarpa (nice purple berries!), Photinias, Weigelas...

I'm sure there are plenty more that it gives you a start:)

Ednaduck
8 years ago
Ednaduck 8 years ago

Great list Florexpert! Thank you.

Make sure you also keep adding plenty pf organic matter to your soil to help improve the conditions. Being clay it  will seem as though you're forever adding it but trust me eventually it will help with the waterlog/ baked dry problem.





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