Clay soil is a real challenge for gardeners because it is one of the most demanding soils. The soil texture is moist and compact, hardly any oxygen gets through and in the summer sun it can resemble a brick structure. This type of soil does not promote good oxygenation or water drainage, creating difficult conditions for most plant species. The planting must be carefully considered here, because some plants are actually plants for clay soil. They loosen the soil structure and help increase oxygen supply to create better living conditions. We have put together some suitable suggestions for you here.
Plants for clay soil: which types are suitable?
Clay soil is one of the most horticulturally challenging soil structures. Few plants thrive under these conditions. Garden planning needs to be carefully considered and requires the correct choice of plants.
Perennials for clay soil
Knollige Seidenpflanze (Asclepias tuberosa)
The North American perennial tuberous milkweed is popular with bees, butterflies and hummingbirds in its homeland. It also produces clusters of flowers in brilliant yellow, orange and red colors. Herlong taprootenables a good supply of nutrients despite difficult soil conditions and is also drought-tolerant. You should choose a sunny spot for this plant.
Jointed-leaved cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum)
This huge perennial plant is also called resin herb and produces impressive large, yellow flowers similar to those of the sunflower. She likes clay,moist groundand can tolerate drought well once it is well established and stable. The location should be sunny because it loves a place in the sun. It is very popular with and attracts birds and butterflies, promising a good summer show in the garden. Due to its size, it should be placed in the background of the picture, as it can easily grow to the size of a gardener.
Aster (Aster sp.)
Aster is a popular perennial plant whose subspecies bloom at different times. Depending on which type you choose, you will be delighted with flowers in pink, purple, red, white or blue from the months of May to November (winter asters). They tolerate clay soil, but they require some drainage and your plant care should therefore include regular loosening of the soil. The aster prefers sunny to partially shaded locations.
Plants for clay soil: suitable shrubs
Fingerstrauch (Potentilla fruticosa)
Some species of crabgrass, from the rose family, enrich the look of your garden with a marathon blooming period that you can enjoy from spring until the first frost. It is not sensitive to cold and not only tolerates but also loves dry, loamy soil.
Ballhortensie (Hydrangea arborescens)
Yes, you can also plant hydrangeas in loamy soil because they thrive there as this corresponds to their natural growing conditions. They are also very easy to care for and ideal for beginner gardeners. In addition to their resilience to challenging growing conditions, they also provide the gardener with a beautiful view of flowers.
Resilient ground cover
Carpet-Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Also known as carpet phlox or upholstery phlox, the colorful, friendly and useful ground cover sprouts despite clayey soil and provides you with a very easy-care solution for this soil condition. This ground cover is easy to manage even for beginning gardeners. It blooms in spring and is very popular because of its pretty multi-colored flowers in pink, white, purple and red. The location requirements are partially shaded to sunny.
Small periwinkle (Vinca minor)
The small evergreen is one of the most versatile options when it comes to suitability for difficult growing conditions, including our loamy soil. It produces delicate white, blue or purple flowers surrounded byevergreen foliage. The plant blooms best in the sun, but doesn't mind shady places, for example under a tree. You should keep in mind that Vinca minor is best planted underneath itself, as the small plants tend to push other plants away. Warning: Vinca minor is poisonous to dogs and cats. Consider this in advance if you have pets and small children in the household.
Bergamot Indian nettle (Monarda fistulosa)
The fragrant, hardy plant, with beautiful blue and purple flowers, is robust and can handle any type of soil, including loamy soil. It is suitable as a ground cover because its growth spreads out to form a carpet and thus helps keep weeds away. It grows well in sun and partial shade.
Suitable grasses
Chinaschilf (Miscanthus sinensis)
The popular evergreen, hardy ornamental grass is very resilient to the soil and can even tolerate loamy soil. It has a medium green leaf color and forms beautiful, magnificent ornamental clusters. How could you not like it? It is self-sowing and therefore requires some control on the part of the gardener if you do not want the plant to take over in your garden. The ornamental plant can be planted all year round, except when the ground is frosty or too hot, and likes a sunny to partially shaded location.
