Understanding the clay soil in your garden is key when choosing what to plant. Fortunately, once you have established that you have clay soil, there is a wide variety of plants to select from that will thrive in this condition.
View our collection of plantsCharacteristics of clay soil
Clay soil (also referred to as heavy soil) can actually be very fertile ground for planting. While it is relatively hard to manage, it is rich in nutrients and will appear smooth, dense and sticky to touch. A good way to test for clay is to moisten a small section of soil and roll it into a cylindrical shape; if no cracks appear and the surface maintains a shine, it is a sign that the soil is rich in clay.
Choosing plants for clay soil
There are so many options to choose from if you have clay soil. The best way to select your next planting is to work with the seasons. This will offer you a fantastic guide on how to make the most of your garden throughout the year.
Plants in spring for clay – Shrubs
Weigela
Weigela flowers in the late spring and acts as a great backdrop to those later flowering plants. Their blooms are a brilliant attraction for bees and are relatively easy to maintain.
Discover Weigela ‘Picobella Rosa’, that has plentiful clusters of rose-pink flower trumpets with a dark eye, are produced in spring and summer.
Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster is great for attracting wildlife into the garden and can easily adapt when planted in a border or near a fence or wall. They are very versatile and come in many shapes and sizes, bringing height and depth to most plantings and serving as a useful structural point for other plants.
Discover Cotoneaster horizontalis, that looks excellent against low wall or fence where branch framework is displayed to advantage.
Plants in spring for clay – Perennials
Tiarella
Tiarella brings unique and delicately coloured flowers into the late spring, as its foliage continues to last until the autumn. They appreciate a sheltered placement in full or partial shade.
Geranium
The hardy Geranium is a popular choice in gardens due to its attractive flowers and wonderful colouration. Geraniums can be grown in both sunny spots and those with partial shade.
Discover Geranium phaeum ‘Wendy’s Blush‘, a hardy perennial with masses of light violet flowers are produced in early summer.
Kniphofia
Kniphofia, also known as Red Hot Poker, brings an exotic feel to any garden and it makes for a fantastic addition to coastal gardens. It is distinctive in shape and colour and will flower from spring through the autumn.
Plants in summer for clay – Shrubs
Hydrangea macrophylla
Hydrangeas work brilliantly in a summer border with their well-known show of colourful blooms. They have delicate flowers and attractive leaves that will last in lovely colour until the autumn months.
Discover Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Zorro’, a hardy, vigorous deciduous shrub with glossy ovate dark green leaves borne on deep purple-black stems.
Rose
The instantly recognisable Rose brings sweet scent and glorious colour to its versatile form. They work well in any garden and respond well to mulch and feeding for an extra bit of nutrition.
Discover David Austin Guide to Designing with Roses.
Buddleja
Buddleja is an easy and fast-growing shrub. There are larger and smaller varieties, good for borders and pots. Commonly known as the butterfly bush, the flower heads are full of nectar and are a magnet for many insects.
Flowers come in a wide range of colours, including purple, blue, pink, white and even yellow. Flowers appear continuously for around four to six weeks in late summer.
Discover Buddleja davidii ‘Black Knight’, an easy-to-grow garden favourite for the border, adored by bees and butterflies
Plants in summer for clay – Perennials
Alchemilla mollis
This plant flowers in clusters of bright yellow and will grow well when positioned in full or partial shade. It is very hardy and enjoys moist, well-drained soil.
Alchemilla mollis also grow well in shade.
Astrantia
Astrantia are summer flowers with a dainty, delicate appearance. They come in a range of beautiful colours and like fertile soil that is well-drained.
Discover why solitary bees love Astrantia.
Solidago
When planted in well-drained soil under full sun, Solidago produces vibrant flowers and narrow, delicate leaves. They make an attractive splash of colour amongst larger plantings.
Plants in autumn for clay – Shrubs
Escallonia
Escallonia work as a great backdrop for other autumn flowering plants and can act as brilliant hedging. They attract wildlife as they are a good source of pollen and nectar.
Hydrangea paniculata
Hydrangea paniculata produces pretty clusters of flowers in pink and white and thrives in full sun or partial shade. Its dark green leaves create a wonderful backdrop to the flowering in late summer and early autumn.
Discover why Hydrangea paniculata is one of Frances Tophill’s favourite plants.
Plants in autumn for clay – Perennials
Anemone x hybrida
Anemones can add a certain charm to the autumn garden as they display a pretty colour and unique form. Japanese Anemone is extremely versatile and will work well in borders or containers.
Discover a variety of Japanese Anemone that you can include in your garden.
Gaultheria
The Gaultheria has round, aromatic, leathery leaves that turn red in the winter. Scarlet berries appear in the autumn once the white-pink flowers of summer have passed.
Discover more autumn berries to adorn your garden.
Sedum
Sedums can be wonderful subjects in the garden as they are robust in appearance and appreciate the full sun. They work well in gravel gardens or as container plants.
Hillier Top Tip: Sedum as a name has been reclassified and you might find them labelled as Hylotelephium.
Discover Sedum Sunsparkler ‘Cherry Tart’, ideal as edging for mixed borders or rock, alpine and gravel gardens.
Plants in winter for clay – Shrubs
Viburnum tinus
Featuring oval, dark-green leaves, this evergreen shrub produces cream-white flowers in clusters. Dark blue-black berries will also appear in the autumn and winter months.
Discover how you can design with more evergreen shrubs.
Abies koreana
Also known as the Korean fir, Abies koreana are evergreens and can grow very tall with needle-shaped dark leaves. They appreciate being positioned in the full sun and are extremely hardy.
Plants in winter for clay – Perennials
Hellebores
Hellebores are great during the winter months as they can grow well in cold conditions. Many are hardy and can grow in partial or dappled shade, producing delicate and pretty flowers.
Discover more about Hellebores and how you can integrate them into your garden.
Bergenia overture
Bergenia overture, also known as elephant’s ears, is great for ground cover and has a mass of glossy green leaves that, during the winter, take on a red colouration. During the spring, it has bright magenta-coloured flowers and a wonderful red stem.
Maintaining plants in clay soil
Clay soils hold water really well and are usually nutrient-rich. Avoid walking on any clay soils when they’re wet, as it could cause structural damage. Due to their drought-resistant nature, it’s really important that you create a good drainage system and choose the best plants for clay soil. Raised beds are a fantastic way of utilising clay soil while incorporating drainage to prevent overwatering.
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