Gardening is nature’s artwork, and each available space is a canvas waiting to become a masterpiece. However, not all spaces are created equal, so we’re here to make light of heavy soils with high clay content and drainage issues.
What is clay soil?
Clay soil is characterized by its high mineral content, fine texture, and small particle size that makes the soil retain a high amount of water. The high mineral content means that the soil is rich in nutrients, making it an ideal component of many great gardens.
Despite its fertile nature, clay soil is prone to compacting, making this particular substrate difficult for many gardeners to work with. Plus, soils with high clay content create poor drainage, causing pools to form and risking root rot for plants.
What causes drainage issues?
Aside from soil with heavy clay content, soil drainage issues are caused by slopes and elevation, compacted soil, lack of organic matter, improper grading, excessive rainfall or poor irrigation, and blocked or inadequate drainage systems.
Can I still grow plants in clay soil?
Yes, you can absolutely grow plants in clay soil. Make sure to choose the right plant varieties, their proper care techniques, and your overall gardening strategy.
10 Plants to Grow in Clay Soil
You’d be surprised to know how many plants thrive in clay soils, even in soils with a bit of a drainage issue. It was pretty difficult but we’ve narrowed it down to our top 10!
Aster (Aster sp.)
| Aspect | Description |
| Ease of Growing | Easy to Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Profuse Fall Blooms, Attracts Pollinators |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Possible Problems | Mildew, Aster Yellows, Aphids, Deer browsing |
Asters are easy to grow, making them perfect plants for beginners and experts alike. They are known for providing bursts of pink, purple, blue, and white colors from late summer to fall, a time when many plants are done flowering.
Asters are popularly cultivated as border plants, grown in mixed perennial beds, or as part of a native plant garden.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
| Aspect | Description |
| Ease of Growing | Easy to Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Vibrant Tubular Flowers, Attracts Pollinators |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Possible Problems | Powdery Mildew, Spider Mites, Root Rot |
Known for its vibrant and distinctive tubular flowers, the Bee Balm is easy to grow and makes a wonderful perennial plant in many gardens. Just pick from the various shades of red, pink, purple, and white to attract bees and hummingbirds!
If you’re into sensory gardens, this could work as the foliage emits a pleasant fragrance once touched.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
| Aspect | Description |
| Ease of Growing | Easy to Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Bright Yellow Petals, Dark Brown Center, Drought-Tolerant |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Possible Problems | Powdery Mildew, Aphids, Slugs, Rust Disease |
The vibrant and cheerful flowers of the Black-Eyed Susan never fail to attract attention. With their bright yellow petals and distinctive dark brown or black centers, the flowers bring in some much-needed sunshine to brighten up your day.
Plant them if you want to attract bees and butterflies, whether placed in formal flower beds or as part of a country cottage garden.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
| Aspect | Description |
| Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
| Unique Features | Attracts Monarch Butterflies, Drought-Tolerant, Native Wildflower |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Possible Problems | Aphids, Milkweed Bugs, Poor Drainage |
This beloved native wildflower is prized for its vibrant red-orange to orange blossoms, attracting Monarch butterflies in the process of blooming. And yes, it’s extremely easy to grow them too!
It’s quite adaptable when it comes to soil, growing in sand, gravel, loam, and clay soil.
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
| Aspect | Description |
| Ease of Growing | Easy to Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Distinct Cone-shaped Center, Attracts Pollinators |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Possible Problems | Powdery Mildew, Aphids, Echinacea Herbivory, Root Rot |
The unique cone-shaped center, surrounded by petals in various shades of pink, purple, and white, is what gives this plant its name. This perennial is beloved for its ability to attract bees and butterflies, making the plant a great addition to many gardens.
Grow them as borders or as focal points in wildflower gardens and cottage-style landscapes to enjoy their blooms from summer to early fall.
Daylily (Hemerocallis)
| Aspect | Description |
| Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
| Unique Features | Profuse Blooms, Variety of Colors |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Possible Problems | Aphids, Slugs, Rust Disease, Overcrowding |
Looking for some easy-to-grow plants with showy blooms in a wide array of colors? Daylilies come in vibrant oranges, yellows, pinks, and purples aside from white.
Requiring minimal maintenance, you can grow them in various garden settings and enjoy their multiple blooms, even if each one lasts only for a day.
Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’)
| Aspect | Description |
| Ease of Growing | Easy to Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Striking Red Foliage |
| Plant Type | Ornamental Grass |
| Possible Problems | Invasive in Some Regions, Prone to Drying Out in Extreme Heat |
Add some dramatically vibrant red foliage to your green gardens with the Japanese Blood Grass and watch the colors pop! The red leaves intensify in color as the growing season progresses, reaching their peak during late summer and fall.
The plant is typically used as an accent in many gardens. Just check if it’s suitable to grow in your area as it’s considered invasive in some regions.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
| Aspect | Description |
| Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
| Unique Features | Brilliant Fall Foliage, Tolerates Wet Soil |
| Plant Type | Deciduous Tree |
| Possible Problems | Tar Spot, Leaf Scorch, Aphids, Scales |
Easy to grow and blazing with colors, the Red Maple tree is known for its ability to tolerate wet soil conditions. If your area has occasional or seasonal flooding, then this large tree is the perfect specimen to grow in yards or along streets to add curb appeal.
When autumn comes, take a sip of your warm drink and enjoy the brilliant red, orange, and yellow leaves in full display.
Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica)
| Aspect | Description |
| Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
| Unique Features | Graceful, Narrow Leaves; Vibrant Blue to Purple Flowers |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Possible Problems | Iris Borer, Aphids, Wet Feet in Poorly Drained Soil |
Hardy and easy to grow, this perennial adds grace and color to many gardens due to its elegant narrow leaves and striking blue to purple flowers. If you’re a fan of neat upright clumps of plants, then the Siberian Iris is your go-to grower.
Wait for late spring to early summer and watch as the slender grass-like leaves provide the perfect backdrop to the standout blooms!
Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
| Aspect | Description |
| Ease of Growing | Easy to Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Bright Red Berries in Winter, Deciduous Holly |
| Plant Type | Deciduous Shrub |
| Possible Problems | Dioecious (Need Male and Female Plants), Deer Browsing, Aphids |
Nothing announces the winter season more than the Winterberry Holly. This shrub shows bright red berries during the cold season when other plants are dormant.
Just make sure you get both male and female shrubs to get those brilliant berries, otherwise, you’d be left with leafless branches during winter.
Gardening Strategies to Resolve Heavy Clay Soils with Poor Drainage
When you have a garden with heavy soil with drainage issues, don’t lose hope. There are still so many things you can do about it!
Here’s a quick checklist of how you can improve the drainage condition of your soil.
Amend the Soil
If you’re working with clay soil, think about adding organic matter like compost, well-rotted and dried manure, or even peat moss. These materials enhance the soil structure, promote better drainage, and increase the current nutrient content.
Choose Suitable Plant Varieties
Some plants do well in soils with high moisture content. Look for those that naturally thrive in heavy clay soils so that you won’t have to constantly maintain their health.
Consider Native Plants
Native plants that grow best in heavy soils are your best bets. These are naturally adapted to the local soil and climate conditions, so they require less watering and maintenance.
Group Plants by Water Needs
Another way you can grow plants in heavy clay soil is to group them since they already have one thing in common: the ability to thrive in compact and moist soil. When grouped together by watering needs, you lessen overwatering and underwatering risks.
Install Drainage
If drainage is a constant issue, think about installing drainage solutions like French drains, swales, or raised beds in these areas. These will divert excess water away from the plant roots.
Mulch Regularly
Apply a two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch such as wood chips, straw, or tree leaves around your plants. Organic mulch retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, reduces soil compaction, and even provides nutrients as it breaks down over time.
Water Properly
Water the soil deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth while avoiding overly wet soils. Think about using a soaker hose or a drip irrigation system to water the soil directly.
