What Grows in Clay Soil?
Clay soil has a reputation for making gardeners wince because the compact soil is hard and tough to cultivate. The flowers, shrubs or trees that adapt to and grow in clay have vigorous root systems that push their way through the clay. The University of Minnesota and University of Vermont Extension Services recommends numerous trees and shrubs that grow in clay. Does this Spark an idea?
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Planting
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Clay is a compact soil of a majority of firm particles that are difficult to penetrate. Clay soil doesn't drain well, but the moisture retention is necessary for plants and trees that grow well in clay. Clay is also nutrient-rich. To grow flowers, shrubs and trees in clay, amend the soil. This helps with drainage and aeration, making it easier for moisture and plant roots to push through the improved soil to the clay.
Flowers
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Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are one of the toughest plants around and now bloom in many colors and patterns. The Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x. superbum) is another plant that adapts to clay. Many varieties are available with different leaves or forms, but they all bloom in white with a yellow center. Both of these flowers are not fussy about the soil and perform well in clay with full to partial sun and moderate water.
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Shrubs
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The silverberry (Elaeagnus commutata) is a deciduous shrub native to the northern U.S. plains and Rocky Mountains. The plant spreads by suckers in the clay forming new growth. The silverberry grows up to 12 feet tall and has red-brown branches coated with silvery scales. The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) brings blooms to the garden with its fragrant flower clusters. Both shrubs grow in partial to full sun with moderate water.
Tree
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The Norway maple (Acer platanoides) flourishes in clay soil because of its vigorous-growing roots. The tree grows 50 to 60 feet tall and about 35 to 50 feet wide. It provides good shade in summer with its dense foliage and in the fall, it has yellow leaves. The maple is adaptable to many environments but thrives in partial to full sun with moderate, regular water that penetrates deeply to its root system.
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References
- University of Vermont Extension; Landscape Gardening on Clay; Leonard Perry
- University of Minnesota Extension Service: Trees
- University of Minnesota Extension Service: Shrubs
- Sunset: Sunset Plant Finder; Hemerocallis; Daylily
- Sunset: Sunset Plant Finder; Elaeagnus commutata silverberry
- Sunset: Sunset Plant Finder; Syringa vulgaris common lilac
Resources
- Photo Credit yellow daylily image by dwags from Fotolia.com
