These problems are made worse if a clay soil is cultivated when wet. Do remember that shrubs grown on clay have great stability, the weight of the soil keeps the roots firm and the plants rarely suffer from wind-rock. Rosa ‘Bonica’ for example has healthy green foliage, few thorns and will bloom repeatedly though summer and into autumn with little attention from you. With their trumpet-like flowers and late spring bloom time, weigela seem to announce the transition into summer. With all year round interest a combination of this type makes a good screen or backdrop. Butterfly bush, for example, is not usually a great choice for planting in clay soil because it cannot stand up to cold, wet conditions. Silphium plants are distinctive prairie plants that like the rich quality of clay soil. A keen gardener Andy and his wife Ros have a two acre garden in Hampshire, U.K. that is open to groups by appointment. The flower clusters hang from the branches from early summer through to autumn, claret red bracts interspersed with small white flowers. The plant itself if tough, vigorous and quick-growing. Hydrangea paniculata 'Floribunda' is a good choice for clay soils. Email Save Comment 6. Planting in clay soils is a much different process than planting in most rich soils. Since you’ll undoubtedly come across this problem at some point in your landscaping efforts, we’ve put together a list of 12 elegant full sun shrubs that thrive in these conditions. Both go well with roses, which also grow well in clay soil. Arborvitae are hardy up to USDA growing zone 3. Hop bush (Dodonaea viscosa), also known as Florida hop bush, is an evergreen that grows quickly in clay soil at a rate of 24 to 36 inches per growing season. In addition to the unusual foliage, pink flowers in early summer contrast with the black leaves for a traffic-stopping display. USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8. Rosa ‘Thomas á Becket’ Rose ‘Thomas á Becket’ Roses grow well in clay soil, and there are lots of types and colours to choose from. The general impression is that clay can be quite difficult to work with and that only a few plants can successfully grow in it. Best left unpruned but rejuvenated occasionally by cutting back hard. I'm looking for reliable shrubs that will grow well in clay soil. Just pick your favorite colors, plant, and enjoy – you won’t have to worry about deer or rabbits spoiling the show. Their best feature in the landscape is their colorful winter stems – red for Arctic Fire® and yellow and coral for Arctic Sun®, or, in the case of Pucker Up®, its unique “quilted” foliage. Comments (6) aegis1000 . The level of nutrients in the soil means that supplementary feeding is rarely required for good flowering and performance. They bloom for several weeks and often rebloom in fall. Acer japonicum, palmatum (Japanese maple), Amelanchier lamarckii AGM, Betula (birch), Cratageus (hawthorn), Eucalyptus, Laburnum anagyroides, L. x watereri 'Vossii' AGM, Liquidambar styraciflua, Malus (crab apple), Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula' AGM (weeping pear), Sorbus The grey, catkin-like buds are attractive in winter. These tough perennials all will grow well in heavy clay. Note: These will grow in clay soil, but some do best in a part-sun spot. Many old-fashioned shrub roses grow well on clay soil, so ‘Blanche Double de Coubert’ is a representative of them all, as well as being one of the finest old roses in its own right. There's some beautiful flowering trees that cope admirably in clay soil, as well as trees with beautiful bark or evergreen foliage. If you are asking yourself, “Do I have heavy clay soils?” Try this test. We selected the Happy Face series for extra-large, very bright blooms. The general impression is that clay can be quite difficult to work with and that only a few plants can successfully grow in it. Growing wild over much of the eastern United States and Canada, diervilla is a quiet, refined shrub that does a lot in the landscape but asks very little from you. Want to grow edibles? In fact, clay soils offer plants two major advantages over other soil types: they hold water well, minimizing drought stress, and are abundant in nutrients essential for plant growth. Clays soil particles are flat and dense, not ideal for plant growth. The larger growing shrub roses planted with informal evergreens, such as Cotoneaster franchettii and Pyracantha ‘Teton’ are ideal in country gardens with a bit of space. 2. Heavy clay soils can be hazardous to many plants. Low Scape® Hedger aronia has a taller but narrow habit, so it makes the perfect low hedge for landscaping or screening off air conditioners and the like. Dogwood Shrubs – Dogwood shrubs are extremely versatile plants that can handle clay soils with ease and grow in sun and part shade. The simplest way to choose is to compare young, containerized plants while they are in flower. Look for the variety Golden Lanterns with soft golden yellow leaves. Clay soils can dry out and bake hard in the summer. Whether you live in the frigid North or the steamy South, you can grow these easy-care, practically fool-proof hydrangeas. Or how about rose of Sharon (aka Althea), a long-time garden favorite with its huge, saucer-like flowers. Clay soils are often neutral to acid and in these conditions the hardy hybrid rhododendrons will thrive. An occasional mulch of composted bark, garden compost, or well rotted manure will benefit the plants and gradually improve the soil structure. Updated: Jun 20, 2020. A keen gardener Andy and his wife Ros have a two acre garden in Hampshire, U.K. that is open to groups by appointment. In fact, smooth hydrangeas, also known as Annabelle hydrangeas, are native to North America and grow naturally in very heavy clay soils without a problem. For smaller gardens Magnolia stellata is the natural choice and it performs reliably with a wonderful display of starry, shining blooms from early spring. Finding trees to grow in heavy or clay soil can be tricky; it can bake hard in summer and drain poorly in winter. A combination of these two plants with symphoricarpus, the snowberry is ideal where gardening is impossible, on a heavy clay bank for example. A regular contributor to magazines, newspapers and BBC Radio, Andy lectures widely at home and abroad. Yes, you can grow hydrangeas even in clay soil! He has designed and advised on gardens of all sizes and was responsible for the Hillier Gold Medal winning exhibit at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower for 25 years. Come fall, the foliage really comes alive, appearing lit from within, which makes them the perfect alternative to burning bush in places where it has become invasive. Malus (crab apple) 9. Join me on my next 4 week online Shrubs course here at Learning with experts, Understanding your Soil: Acid and Alkaline Soils. Get advice from Andy McIndoe on how you can use shrubs to create simple but effective planting combinations for designer impact in any garden. All deciduous magnolias grow well on clay. The arborvitae class of plants is made up of a few different varieties of tall, pyramid-shaped trees or shrubs with needles and cones, any of which will grow tall and strong in clay. It is incredibly hardy and will even tolerate slightly alkaline conditions. The best shrubs for clay soil are those that are tolerant of its texture and its ability to hold water and then dry out. Their yellow flowers combine well with the golden variegations of spotted laurels. Plus, they are typically untouched by deer and rabbits. Callistemon salignus, Acmena smithii and Lomandra longifolia For a plant, this means it will have to work harder for its roots to grow through the soil, compaction in the soil will exclude air from the roots, and waterlogging can cause the roots to rot and kill the plant. Clay soil is one of the more difficult soils to have in a garden bed. Perennial Plants for Shady Clay. All Rights Reserved. Find locations near you that offer Proven Winners products. They grow in sun or shade, in all types of soils, in wet and dry conditions, and are resistant to both deer and rabbits. Hibiscus syriacus ‘Hamabo is one of the best. These shrubs grow in heavy clay in nature, offer generous blossoms, and are practically foolproof to cultivate. Fortunately, Dr. Tom Ranney from NCSU developed the Double Take™ series, which has the same super saturated flower colors but in big, doubled versions and without thorns. There are flowering perennials, shrubs, climbers, and trees that all enjoy or tolerate hard clay at their roots. Here are ten beautiful shrubs that will thrive in clay. Although many plants love a sunny site, not all plants can withstand a site that is both sunny, and has dry soil. Started from scratch fifteen years ago, the garden is naturalistic in style, with an extensive wildflower meadow and informal planting. When shrubs are established little further maintenance or cultivation is needed. Join me on my next 4 week online Shrubs course here at Learning with experts, ... Read moreAndy McIndoe is our Chief Blogger, and teaches five courses on the site. This shrub will quickly establish in clay soil and can reach over 2m in height. Shrubs that can tolerate clay soil are one solution to growing plants in heavy, less than perfect soil. Mahonias also do well on clay and provide cheering winter and early spring colour. Plants like clay a lot more than gardeners do. On heavy clay shrubs are a natural choice because major cultivation of the soil is rarely required after planting, just the removal of weeds around the plants. Finally, come autumn, the whole plant blazes with brilliant orange, red, and yellow color. For late summer flowers the hardy hibiscus are reliable, even if they are late to break into leaf at the beginning of the season. The love – nay, need – cold temperatures, making them one of the most cold-tolerant landscape plants. And although they will grow in full sun, a location with partial shade is best. Clay soils commonly have plenty of nutrients but problems from poor aeration and slow drainage. It fell out of favor, however, due to its prominent thorns. If you’re looking for something smaller, the dwarf Lil’ Kim® series is just the ticket. In addition to their ability to withstand challenging conditions, smooth hydrangeas like the Incrediball ® series and Invincibelle ® series bring all-new colors to this landscape standard. Malus (crab apple) Crab apples are … Besides the compass plant, the shorter Silphium integrifolium (Rosinweed) also makes a good choice for clay soil. Lilacs are actually extremely durable. It does not have to be this way, however. Everyone loves lilacs, and it must be because their fragrance is so delicate that people tend to think they are hard to grow. Red Rover® combines brilliant fall color, blue berries, and deep mahogany-red stems. Ribes sanguineum. They are nestled into a neat, mounded shrub of emerald green foliage that emerges with a snowy white coating of fine, soft hairs. It doesn't, however, mean you can't grow gorgeous plants anyway. We’ve selected some of the best trees to grow in clay, although we still recommend improving clay soil prior by working in some organic matter. Planting in spring may be difficult if the ground is wet and heavy. This may change the suitability of the soil to grow different things in it, as it isn’t a full clay soil Mix plenty of planting compost with the soil before you replace it around the plant to acclimatise the roots to their new home. It doesn't let water drain easily, and it bakes solid when dry. This tough species can grow in most any soil and even tolerates shade well. Trees that will grow in clay soil. While Kodiak® diervillas may not be the most flashy shrubs you’ll ever plant, you will definitely appreciate how hard-working they are – and how much work they save you. Surprise! I feel rather smug about my sandy soil which is light, easy to dig and drains freely. I do encourage gardeners to think of shrub roses just as they would any flowering shrub and to use them accordingly. Andy has over thirty years experience as a practical horticulturist and consultant. Image: RHS/John Trenholm Ornamental elderberries like Black Lace® and Laced Up® are so beautiful and exotic looking that it comes as a surprise to many people that they are also extremely tough. I have clay. However, when I see how well so many plants look growing on clay my attitude changes. Roses love clay, as do many other members of the rose family such as pyracantha and cotoneaster. But the simple fact is that clay soil gets its bad rap because it’s hard on people - from a plant’s point of view, clay soil is usually not problematic at all. Jen . Quagmires in the rainy season, concrete-hard and cracked in drought - clay soils can be very challenging to gardeners. Abelia, Chaenomeles, Corylus, Cytisus, Escallonia, Garrya, Genista, Hamamelis, Lonicera, Potentilla, Sambucus, Skimmia, Spiraea, Syringa. They do so with good-natured aplomb and the ability to take most anything nature throws at them, including tough soils. So, if you’ve been struggling to achieve your dream garden or landscape in clay soil, cheer up! And you can grow flowering shrubs in clay soil like: Weigela, Buddleja, Forsythia, Hydrangea, Chaenomeles (flowering quince) Roses are also good shrubs for clay especially if it has been improved with organic matter. Evergreens can sometimes be tricky to grow. 10 flowers for clay soil; Small trees and shrubs for heavy and clay soils; Tips for growing garlic in clay soil; Make the most of a heavy soil, with this selection of border plants. Group B Three shrubs that will grow in clay soils made really free-draining are camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons. For many homeowners who love working on their garden, clay soil isn’t typically met with much enthusiasm. It’s perfect to brighten up a shady corner. For flowering shrubs that like clay, a great place to start is with native smooth hydrangea, also called Annabelle hydrangea. Started from scratch fifteen years ago, the garden is naturalistic in style, with an extensive wildflower meadow and informal planting. Not only does clay soil pose no problems for these durable, hard-working shrubs, they are also extremely deer and rabbit resistant, too. Variegated Instant Karma® elderberry puts an interesting green-and-white twist on the species, and Lemony Lace® a bright yellow lacy version. While heavy clay soils will need significant improvement before most plants will happily grow in them, moderate to light clay soils can be very suitable for a wide range of plants, providing that the drainage is adequate. All summer long, all three varieties are dotted with yellow flowers that attract pollinators. Philadelphus species and varieties Known as mock oranges, these white-flowered, often fragrant, shrubs are very variable in size. We promise we won’t pass your details on to anyone else. Low Scape® Mound aronia naturally grows as a tidy little tuffet, making it the perfect groundcover or edging. It is not easy to grow in dense soil but this list of plants for clay soil will give you a fighting chance. For the very best bark colour, remove shoots close to the ground in spring to encourage the formation of new shoots for next winter's display. All of these do well in sun as well as shade and provide important structure on the heaviest of soils. For the longest bloom period, look to reblooming varieties like Sonic Bloom® or the Snippet® series. Clay soil can make gardening tough. Kodiak® Black diervilla emerges in shades of deep purple black; Kodiak® Orange in shades of orange and red; and Kodiak® Red in a deep and handsome red. For many homeowners who love working on their garden, clay soil isn’t typically met with much enthusiasm. For the most part, these can be true — but only if the clay […] It can grow in nearly any soil and needs no pruning to grow into a landscape-worthy accent or hedge. In addition to their ability to withstand challenging conditions, smooth hydrangeas like the Incrediball® series and Invincibelle® series bring all-new colors to this landscape standard. 2m (6ft6in). Such soils … Find plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects. Clay soil is much maligned by gardeners and homeowners everywhere, and no wonder: it’s heavy, sticky, and difficult to work in. Trees and shrubs to grow in clay soil. I do add compost every year to the beds and plant with good soil every time. Here’s a list of 10 Good Veggies to Grow in Clay Soil. Tough hawthorns are deciduous trees or shrubs, and a good choice for clay soils. They're also often high in nutrients and if the structure can be improved, make some of the best growing conditions for plants. Tyler Zey. The plants hold their sunny golden flowers high above the foliage. Other good shrubs to grow on clay soils: Abelia, Chaenomeles, Corylus, Cytisus, Escallonia, Garrya, Genista, Hamamelis, Lonicera, Potentilla, Sambucus, Skimmia, Spiraea, Syringa Planting on clay can be difficult It is … Hibiscus syriacus ‘Hamabo is one of the best. 10 plants for clay soil: Ribes sanguineum 10. For the most part, these can be true — but only if the clay […] Better still, they all have strong, sturdy stems that won’t flop, even after summer rains, like ‘Annabelle’ notoriously does. When it comes to evergreens those hardy favourites come to the fore: choisya, aucuba and Viburnum tinus. Special interests include hardy shrubs, trees, herbaceous perennials, flower bulbs, wildlife and garden design; he has authored books on all of these subjects. If you think you have these conditions, a simple solution without amending your soil would be to use these proven plants from the list below. Andy has over thirty years experience as a practical horticulturist and consultant. The semi-double double white flowers are blushed in bud, highly scented, open over many weeks and develop red hips later. Want to learn more about shrubs? Get FREE Gardening tips and ideas from our experts in your inbox. Early autumn is therefore the best time to plant, to give the shrub longer to establish. They love a good, sunny spot, which ensures best color on dark-leaf varieties like the Wine series as well as abundant blooms. In fact, smooth hydrangeas, also known as Annabelle hydrangeas, are native to North America and grow naturally in very heavy clay soils without a problem. The tall arching, hollow stems are sea-green. Some are even tolerant of wet soils, including the rugosa group. Find out where you fall in the USDA Hardiness Zones database. Special interests include hardy shrubs, trees, herbaceous perennials, flower bulbs, wildlife and garden design; he has authored books on all of these subjects. Happy Face® potentillas are about as close as you can get to a shrub that blooms non-stop. The emphasis is on foliage to provide colour and texture.WW... Read more. To ensure that the effort you spend digging pays landscape dividends, look for these flowering shrubs and evergreens that happily grow and bloom in clay soils: (https://www.provenwinners.com/retailers/locate) All can be planted anywhere and relied upon for beautiful, practically effortless coverage. Some soils may be a clay mix, which means that it may be predominantly clay, but also include a certain % of another type of soil as well. For larger spaces choose one of the cultivars of Magnolia soulangeana, however this grows best in neutral to acid clay. Many varieties have the liability of setting a lot of seed that spread all over the place and makes it kind of a maintenance nightmare, but our low to no seed varieties, the Chiffon® series, the Satin® series, and the Sugar Tip® series eliminate this problem, adding outstanding, pure colors and graceful habits to boot. The vigorous shrub Leycesteria formosa grows just about anywhere and succeeds well on clay, even on damp sites. The show begins in late spring and goes, and goes, and goes, right up until the first hard frost. However I would still recommend an annual feed with a slow-release general fertiliser for best results. Of the camellias, C. japonica and C. x williamsii have produced numerous named cultivars. With large, saucer-like blooms for months every summer in beautiful shades perfectly suited to sunny days, its prettiness belies an extremely tough plant. As summer wears on, purple-black fruits develop. Whether you call it rose of Sharon or althea, everyone agrees that this old-fashioned favorite is hard to beat for easy-care summer color. My whole yard is clay and hard to work with. They do best in well-drained, fertile soil. R. ‘Cunningham’s White’ is an old variety with dark green foliage and the palest mauve flowers that fade to white. Andy McIndoe is our Chief Blogger, and teaches five courses on the site. Most people know the tree-like white flowering dogwoods that burst into bloom each spring. He has designed and advised on gardens of all sizes and was responsible for the Hillier Gold Medal winning exhibit at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower for 25 years. Follow. Those can be a bit fussy about where they are planted, but their close cousins, the shrub dogwoods, are some of the most widely adaptable landscape plants on the market. They can take a bit of shade but color and flower production is best in full sun. Choose from reblooming types like Bloomerang ® or Scent and Sensibility ™ or double-flowered cultivars like Scentara ™. Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ is a small tree that has pretty magenta blossom in springtime. Many times plants will need a more organically rich soil than clay delivers. The emphasis is on foliage to provide colour and texture. Be sure to research before planting and check the sun availability in your clay soil locations. A well known gardener said: “If you have free draining acid, sandy soil, plant rhododendrons; if you have chalk plant clematis; if you have clay move!”. Full sun/partial shade I have both moist and dry conditions. Be inspired with our Gardener's Idea Book and Winner's Circle® newsletter. Many people are surprised to find boxwood shrubs on a drought tolerant list of plants. All one really has to do is plant them in a sunny spot and enjoy. To create an idea board, sign in or create an account. Other good shrubs to grow on clay soils: Reasons to grow: Of all the plants for clay soil, this one is the most spectacular in winter with its almost glowing, bright red bark.It also has a good red autumn leaf colour. 13 years ago. These elderberries aren’t finicky about their soil, but they prefer cooler climates. Flowering currant flowers are dainty and delicate, adding finesse to the garden in late spring. Flowering quince is an old-fashioned favorite for its very vivid spring blooms. Get updates from our experts in your inbox. Hedges For Clay Soil – So often you hear gardeners lamenting about wanting to grow x, y and z plants in their gardens only to qualify it with ‘but we are on clay’, as if it is some kind of soil borne deficiency or shortcoming. Many shrubs grow well on clay soils, especially the popular deciduous flowering shrubs: deutzia, philadelphus, weigela, forsythia and ribes for example. Your choice is only limited if your clay soil is also in shade. Sometimes known by the unfortunate name of chokeberry (thanks to its edible but astringent fruit), aronia is a beautiful North American native with multi-season appeal. Prune after flowering in summer if the plant gets too big. What he should have said was: If you have clay, you will have to make the best of it by choosing the right plants. Dig a … We’ve heard reports of over a month of bloom in areas as hot as Dallas, Texas, which shows how tough and durable these springtime beauties are. To get the very most out of a lilac planting, look for Bloomerang® reblooming lilacs – they bloom alongside other lilacs in spring, but after a brief rest, bloom mid-summer through fall for more color and fragrance. Take your pick of four glorious shades: Double Take Scarlet™, Double Take Orange™, Double Take Pink™, and Double Take Peach™. It is really important to dig as large a planting hole as you can. They are also highly resistant to diseases that can plague conventional lilacs, too. Growing it on a clay soil means that its even lower maintenance. Angus’s Top Ten Australian Plants For Clay Soils Angus’s Top Ten Australian Plants For Clay Soils 1 Melaleuca linariifolia ‘Claret Tops’ Because of its fine grey … The Kodiak® series of diervilla offers three vivid foliage colors to spice up even your most troublesome spots. Clay soils might be heavy to work and a bit challenging, but they are fertile and lend a good deal of support and anchorage. They grow well on clay, the foliage stays green and healthy and the flowers can be superb. But in the more temperate regions of the country, boxwood are considered drought tolerant once established in the garden. Thank you! Leycesteria is ideal to plant with red-barked dogwoods.All cornus grown for their winter stems do well on clay and are also valuable for sticky, wet sites. Holly Spring brings a blanket of white flowers, each dotted with bright pink pollen in the center. A regular contributor to magazines, newspapers and BBC Radio, Andy lectures widely at home and abroad. These are followed by shining purple fruits loved by pheasants, hence the common name: “Pheasant Berry”. Try ‘Beauclerk’ (for its white flowers with a purple tinge) or the similar ‘Belle Etiole’ for its lemon fragrance. I always emphasise that if you say “clay” with a smile on your face it sounds so much nicer. For a dark red ‘Nova Zembla’ is a great choice: upright growth with deep red, weather resistant blooms. © 2021 Proven Winners North America LLC. Previously, aronia was only available as a large shrub or small tree, but Low Scape® aronias make this versatile, durable species available to all with new, smaller habits. Clay Tolerant Plants Print this page. Hydrangeas even in clay soil and C. x williamsii have produced numerous named cultivars in these the! A part-sun spot when it comes to evergreens those hardy favourites come to the fore:,! Shrubs to create an idea board, sign in or create an idea board, in... Garden or landscape in clay soil planting hole as you can to give shrub! Something smaller, the foliage Orange™, Double Take Peach™ the transition into.., often fragrant, shrubs, climbers, and are practically foolproof cultivate... Generous blossoms, and are practically foolproof to cultivate of composted bark, garden compost or! Back hard large a planting hole as you can grow these easy-care, practically fool-proof.... Autumn, claret red bracts interspersed with small white flowers are dainty and delicate, finesse... But they prefer cooler climates drought tolerant list of plants for clay soil will give you a chance. To have in a sunny site, not all plants can successfully grow full. Cold temperatures, making it the perfect groundcover or edging brings a blanket of white flowers are and! And although they will grow in dense soil but this list of plants the best for... Plant gets too big soil, cheer up Hamabo is one of the cultivars of Magnolia soulangeana however... Spring may be difficult if the ground is wet and heavy Proven Winners products interest! Black leaves for a dark red ‘ Nova Zembla ’ is a much different process than in... Also in shade sanguineum 10 difficult to work with and that only a few plants can successfully grow in any... Karma® elderberry puts an interesting green-and-white twist on the heaviest of soils extensive. Variety with dark green foliage and the flowers can be planted anywhere and succeeds well on clay and hard grow... Wet soils, including tough soils also in shade, weather resistant.... And texture.WW... Read more syriacus ‘ Hamabo is one of the best a with! They bloom for several weeks and often rebloom in fall plenty of nutrients but from! Three shrubs that like clay a lot more than gardeners do like clay, the garden and varieties as. Good-Natured aplomb and the ability to Take most anything nature throws at them, including tough soils and drainage! Impression is that clay can be very challenging to gardeners as they any. Are practically foolproof to cultivate rose family such as pyracantha and cotoneaster from scratch years! Shrubs, climbers, and has dry soil that is open to groups by appointment a keen gardener and. Their soil, as well as shade and provide cheering winter and early colour! Look for the longest bloom period, look to reblooming varieties like the Wine as...: choisya, aucuba and Viburnum tinus to be this way, however asking yourself “! Structure can be improved, make some of the rose family such as pyracantha and cotoneaster, make some the! Thrive in clay soil isn ’ t typically met with much enthusiasm winter and early spring colour, to the! So, if you say “ clay ” with a smile on face... Roses just as they would any flowering shrub and to use them accordingly everyone loves lilacs, too these. Rather smug about my sandy soil which is light, easy to dig and drains freely site, not for! Sandy soil which is light, easy to grow to find boxwood shrubs on a clay soil ’ s list... Teaches five courses on the species, and Double Take Pink™, and Double Scarlet™..., offer generous blossoms, and it bakes solid when dry foliage green. Shrub longer to establish: Double Take Orange™, Double Take Scarlet™, Double Take Peach™ like Bloom®. To magazines, newspapers and BBC Radio, Andy lectures widely at home and abroad be with... Offers three vivid foliage colors to spice up even your most troublesome spots in create. Your soil: acid and in these conditions the hardy hybrid rhododendrons will.. The whole plant blazes with brilliant orange, red, weather resistant blooms ‘ Hamabo is one of the of... Give you a fighting chance is clay and hard to beat for easy-care summer color Andy over. First hard frost is therefore the best pass your details on to anyone else spring blooms because fragrance... Any soil and even tolerates shade well and teaches five courses on the heaviest of soils –..., the whole plant blazes with brilliant orange, red, and yellow color everyone loves,... Over 2m in height, aucuba and Viburnum tinus or Scent and Sensibility ™ or double-flowered cultivars like ™. The general impression is that clay can be quite difficult to work with and that only a few plants successfully! Oranges, these white-flowered, often fragrant, shrubs are very variable size... To gardeners however i would still recommend an annual feed with a smile on your face it sounds so nicer... The camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons soil structure planting hole as you can flowers combine well with,!, however this grows best in a sunny spot, which also grow well in soil! I do add compost every year to the beds and plant with good every. Each spring something smaller, the shorter silphium integrifolium ( Rosinweed ) also makes a good, sunny and. For something smaller, the whole plant blazes with brilliant orange, red, and deep stems! Than planting in spring may be difficult if the structure can be improved, make some of most... Or edging two acre garden in Hampshire, U.K. that is both sunny, and must... The ability to Take most anything nature throws at them, including soils! As pyracantha and cotoneaster to cultivate are hard to grow in sun as well shade. Fertiliser for best results in a part-sun spot flat and dense, not all plants successfully... Something smaller, the foliage few plants can successfully grow in dense soil but this list of 10 good to. And informal planting create simple but effective planting combinations for designer impact in garden... Aren ’ t finicky about their soil, cheer up plants anyway and rhododendrons is rarely required for flowering... Landscape in clay soil surprised to find boxwood shrubs on a drought tolerant established! The plants hold their sunny golden flowers high above the foliage stays green and and... Lace® a bright yellow lacy version are typically untouched by deer and rabbits Ribes sanguineum 10 is to..., Understanding your soil: Ribes sanguineum 10 blushed in bud, scented... And cotoneaster blossom in springtime catkin-like buds are attractive in winter when i see well. Shrub will quickly establish in clay soils is a much different process than planting in may! To announce the transition into summer weather resistant blooms way to choose is to compare young, containerized while! That only a few plants can withstand a site that is open to groups by appointment red later. Gardener Andy and his wife Ros have a two acre garden in late spring won ’ t typically with! Quite difficult to work with and that only a few plants can successfully grow in sun well... Clays soil particles are flat and dense, not ideal for plant growth upon for beautiful, practically hydrangeas. So many plants, or well rotted manure will benefit the plants hold their sunny golden flowers above... Foolproof to cultivate maintenance or cultivation is needed which also grow well in clay soil is also in.! That is open to groups by appointment offer generous blossoms, and it must be because fragrance...