40 Perennial Plants for CLAY Soil in the Garden

Shop plants here: plantvibrations-shop.myshopif...
Gardening on clay soil is not fun. It was the first thing I noticed when I moved into my current garden and began gardening at my home in Chester County, Pennsylvania Zone 6b. However, there are many plants that are well adapted to growing in clay soils. So in this video I go through 40 different perennial plants that will grow well in your garden if you also have clay.
I have divided the video into four sections: Showy Flowering Perennials, Fruiting/Edible Plants, Shrubs and Groundcovering Perennials. Look below for chapters.
Check out my Amazon shop for some great garden tools and accessories:
www.amazon.com/shop/plant.vib...
1:15 Showy Perennials Category
1:20 Monarda Beebalm
1:52 Alchemilla mollis
2:16 Clematis
2:34 Asclepias
3:05 Echinacea coneflower
3:25 Coreopsis tickseed
3:40 Phlox paniculata
4:00 Peony Itoh and Garden Peony
4:19 Rudbeckia Black eye susan
4:43 Hardy Geranium
5:02 Hemerocallis Daylily
5:25 Liatris
5:43 Perovskia Russian Sage
5:59 Astilbe
6:14 Solidago & Aster
6:34 Achillea Yarrow
6:54 Iris germanica Bearded Iris
7:10 Fruiting & Edibles
7:12 Malus Apples
7:34 Prunus Cherry & Plum
7:52 Rubus Blackberry & Raspberry
8:08 Shrubs
8:09 Forsythia
8:32 Roses
9:02 Viburnum
9:36 Spirea
9:55 Salix Willows
10:12 Amsonia
10:37 Grasses
10:51 Cornus Dogwoods
11:05 Syringa Lilac
11:31 Potentilla fruticosa
11:47 Aronia melanocarpa
12:20 Hibiscus syriacus
12:53 Groundcovers
12:55 Convallaria majalis Lily of the Valley
13:24 Heuchera coral bells
13:47 Epimedium
14:13 Helleborus Hellebores
14:40 Hosta
14:53 Lamium
15:14 Polygonatum Solomon's Seal
15:30 Sedum Stonecrop
*******************************
My favorite plants products:
Best Deluxe Growlight: amzn.to/3Tz3Vm1
Best Inexpensive Growlight: amzn.to/3hz2gzV
Growlight Bulbs: amzn.to/3G3bZIS
Clamp On Growlights: amzn.to/3TCgqxy
Rooting Hormone: amzn.to/3Uujxsx
Best Fertilizer for Foliage Growth: amzn.to/3fUACgi
Best Fertilizer for Flowering: amzn.to/3WRkcFY
Fungus Gnat Help: amzn.to/3UO4A4h
Floral Tape: amzn.to/3A6vH2B
Insect Control: amzn.to/3A3DgHe
Pruning Shears: amzn.to/3A6vQDb
Timer for Grow lights: amzn.to/3TnuYAU
Moss Pole Ingredients: amzn.to/3hDYTY8
Heat Pad for Propagations: amzn.to/3WMsYF8
More Plant Stuff: amzn.to/3WRkCMy
Make sure to peruse my channel for ever more content related to all things plant! I have many videos showing how to propagate various houseplants like Monstera, Anthurium, Philodendron, Pothos, and other Aroids. I also have tons of videos for the outdoor gardener looks for tips on pruning and growing some of my favorites like Hydrangea, Peony, Daylily, Black eye Susan, Beebalm, Groundcovers, succulents, and more.
Disclosure: Some links in the description are affiliate links that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

[@claireellis299]

We have a huge plum tree over 20 years old and it absolutely loves our clay soil! Just planted raspberry bushes last year and they are thriving!

[@plantvibrations]

Great additions to the list!!

[@chattyreeds2787]

Michigan here, I have clay soil and I find Bleeding heart does quite well. So many hybrids. they give great visual interest.

[@plantvibrations]

Great plant!!

[@camicri4263]

Red clay soil in Georgia! Thank you Davin!

[@plantvibrations]

You are so welcome

[@alice_rabbit8345]

I’m in Reading PA, can’t wait to hear your suggestions!

[@plantvibrations]

Hey! love Reading PA!

[@AnhNPham-dz2cv]

Love this Video. I'm from NORTH TEXAS area but there's alot you mentioned that I have. Didn't know peonies was on the list. I expanded my list😅😅😅😅. Yay.. more garden plants to buy. Lol. My area is hard clay and I have amended well. But this yr, I'm expanding 😂

[@plantvibrations]

Make sure your zone gets cool enough for the peonies!!

[@saffloweroyl3663]

San Francisco Bay Area, all clay all the time. This is su h a great resource thank you!

[@plantvibrations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@honestly1970]

Central Valley! Same

[@LSFprepper]

Here in mid Missouri our clay is so good, it grows rocks! lol. This is exactly the list I need. Also btw we have a Lavender Chiffon rose of sharon that my wifes late mother planted. It never bloomed until the year she passed and now the thing is about 14 ft tall. It doesn't seed but I've done air layered cuttings that have successfully been transplanted to our front yard. I plan on taking 4-5 more cuttings next spring and making a whole row of them.

[@plantvibrations]

I love that story, plants that bring good memories are the best kinds of plants. and kudos to you for the air layering!

[@digby_dooright]

My mum planted some Rose of sharon in her garden and a deer came and ate them. 😂@@plantvibrations

[@ameliabotello6701]

I literally find rocks all the time like literally I'm like where'd this rock come from?? For real though... Lol in my clay soil garden

[@susannewlove2115]

Perfect amount of content for 1 video and the pictures were helpful. You are a good teacher. Love your calm enthusiasm and smile! An entire video showing all the different viburnum would be great. I am looking for winter interest of woody shrubs that are red, orange or yellow. Perhaps you could create content showing several shrubs or small trees that have unusual growth patterns. Thank you!

[@plantvibrations]

Thanks for watching! And those are some great suggestions, I will add them to my list!

[@Vilmaasson]

Perfect for Garden lovers, thanks a lots 🙏

[@patlangille5375]

Baptisia! Hands down my favorite plant in my heavy clay soil!

[@plantvibrations]

Good choice!

[@lesaamoore]

Thank you for this list! Would be great to categorize additionally by toxic to pets and non toxic.

[@plantvibrations]

Great suggestion!

[@missdeeva2266]

Wow we have 10 off this list in our East TN zone 7 garden

[@plantvibrations]

Got 30 more to add ;)

[@auberthere3737]

Wow right away you get the location and your Zone. Love that! I'm in Northeast Indiana and we have a lot of clay too so I think I'm in zone 5-6.

[@plantvibrations]

I’m a fellow Hoosier!

[@linakhoury6623]

Hi Devin . Very cool video fo these beautiful plants grown in clay soil . Have awonderful day.

[@plantvibrations]

Thank you! You too!

[@jmas2312]

I had to laugh at your description of clay soil. I call it like trying to garden in concrete.

[@plantvibrations]

Lol someone pass me the jackhammer!

[@saffloweroyl3663]

Thanks!

[@plantvibrations]

Thank youuuu

[@anhong2179]

This is an amazing list. Thanks for sharing!

[@plantvibrations]

You're so welcome!

[@jomassey4207]

Just what i was looking for!!! I will be going back to this video and jotting down the plants. Thanks, Jo New Zealand 😊

[@plantvibrations]

Glad you found it helpful 🙏🙏

[@Wendy-zl8kv]

Your list is wonderful!!! Thank you

[@plantvibrations]

You're so welcome!

[@judyingram-kh1vm]

Great video, thank you for sharing this with us ❤

[@plantvibrations]

Thanks for watching :)

[@SkysMomma]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@plantvibrations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SuperCutie4747]

Great video - lots of ideas 🌱

[@plantvibrations]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@sis9622]

Thankyou for sharing

[@plantvibrations]

My pleasure

[@scotthilborn1518]

Thanks! Such a helpful video for those of us in clay belts!

[@plantvibrations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marianneminato4981]

I also grow acanthus and Mmontbretia along with wind anemones with all your other plants, very successfully on the west coast of Canada, in the Fraser Valley; great check list of clay tolerant perennials. Love epimediums and hellebores.

[@plantvibrations]

I just planted some wind anemones myself!

[@margaretchiodo-keller4495]

This video was extremely informative, and useful. I too live in the same area as you, so I agree with the plants that you have chosen for this clay soil area. Thank you for the very useful information. I love your channel!

[@plantvibrations]

Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad I can offer something of use!

[@graced188]

thank you great video!

[@plantvibrations]

Glad you liked it!

[@yogalates23]

My hostas and astilbes are growing beautifully in zone 10b, CA clay soil! Thanks for the list

[@plantvibrations]

Wonderful!

[@theresatraugott6970]

I’m in Colorado zone 6b. Clay soil. Thank you😊

[@plantvibrations]

Wonderful!

[@moirad6579]

Great video! I have killed a few hydrangeas trying to grow them in my heavy clay... will give a few of these a try

[@plantvibrations]

Yes plz do!

[@arnoldheenan8266]

Very cool content with great information and beautiful pictures. You have given me so many ideas. From Massachusetts like I have mentioned before. Fun fact before my house was built the property was all woods. But we discovered a few “lady slippers” so beautiful.

[@plantvibrations]

Wow! i would love to plant some of the hardy lady slippers at my garden, theyre so gorgeous

[@arnoldheenan8266]

@@plantvibrations I would gladly send you some.

[@bellarosa009]

Hey Devin, we were just in Pennsylvania for the Philadelphia Flower Show. Beautiful state!!

[@plantvibrations]

Niiice!! It was a great show this year

[@melfuz]

We have a lot of clay soil in Calgary, Canada. I love my gayfeather and day lilies! They both do very well. Great video.. thanks! 🙂

[@plantvibrations]

Thanks for watching!

[@John-wr6yo]

I have grown herbaceous peonie for years and i am convinced they are the queen of flowers. Amou my favorites are festiva maxima,and moon over barringto and dutches de Nemours These are peonie varieties of great antiquity time tested and proven.

[@plantvibrations]

Thank you for sharing!! I need to add some of these classics to my garden

[@pennyduncan5980]

Thx you

[@plantvibrations]

No problem

[@carolineharnish5633]

If you love hostas, but deer are a problem, then Brunner & bergenia are lovely shade plants with big leaves!& deer resistant too.

[@plantvibrations]

Great tips!

[@nicolasbertin8552]

I got very heavy clay in the community garden I take care of, and out of those plants, there are some that I would not really recommend. Monarda and echinacea would work in a soil with a bit of clay, but not in clay that stays water logged in winter, no way. In my garden I have to use those on the little mounds that were dug up when the city created the garden. They're 1 meter above the paths, so drain a lot better. In that, I can do monardas, eupatorium, most types of asters, agastaches, centaureas, echinaceas... In the bottom part of the garden, the one that often stays water logged in winter, I need different plants. Some eryngiums will do ok, as well as echinops. And then it's the humid soil plants like campanulaes, achillea ptarmica, aconitum, aquilegia, rudbeckia, inula, some asters and some not, thalictrum, euphorbias, astrantia. Very few plants will adapt to both, but there are achillea filipendulina will, artemisia ludoviciana, papaver orientale, the stipas (weirdly enough), and many sage species, as well as many perennial geraniums. I would like to try alchemilla mollis, but for some reason it does not want to germinate from seeds... And that's how I do almost all my plantings. If we're talking shrubs, it's much easier. Cratægus, spirea, most prunus, viburnum, buxus, sambucus, amelanchia, euonymus europaeus, berberis...

[@plantvibrations]

Thank you for this awesome comment!

[@TDAEON]

Central Valley CA hardpan is legendary. 9b so some of these might work here, too.

[@plantvibrations]

oh jeez i can only imagine

[@shwetanithin]

This is the exact video I've been looking for!! Thank you so much. Which ground cover would you recommend for an area prone to weeds? Would herbs work?

[@plantvibrations]

I’d consider Lysimachia nummularia Aurea, it is what I’m using I’m similar situations in my garden!

[@joannpreen5880]

Found your site and love it since I have clay and in zone 6b. I was wondering if you have done a video on the best way to plant in clay soil. Thanks

[@plantvibrations]

I don’t have a video yet! I will get working on one though

[@user-gm7un3sz9h]

Great video. Hope you yo a native grass video. Really exploring for an area of our property. Hard time figuring out a colorful Nebraska grass less than 5 feet in height

[@plantvibrations]

thats a great topic! i need to delve more into adding grasses into my garden as well

[@MeleneRose-ms3se]

Thank you! I'm looking at your photo of coreopsis and I'm wondering what are the other plants around it? The different foliage look great!

[@plantvibrations]

What was the timestamp of the section you’re wondering about?

[@MeleneRose-ms3se]

@@plantvibrations At 3:31

[@RS-on5zg]

Thanks for the picks! Yikes. Some sedum is invasive and very hard to get rid of, so caution on that one. Highly recommend sparaxis if you have a clay area big enough to naturalize. I grow these corms in California and they provide beautiful spring blooms.

[@plantvibrations]

ohhh wow i bet that looks lovely! thanks for the suggestion for the warm weather gardeners here :)

[@TheDragonsGarden]

just so you know, many (bit not all) of the perennials you mention that are not usually thought of as "food"? are edible. Daylilies (NOT other lillies!) Hosta, roses, even one single variety of Asclepias! and bee balm and many other herbs are perennial (and some love my clay soil, although some dont) I used to live in Philadelphia, and used the community garden at Benjamin Rush State Park... and we joked that we should set up a pottery wheel, not a garden! currently out in Dover PA near York PA and still dealing with pretty heavy clay soil!

[@plantvibrations]

Thanks for that addition! I ought to make a video all about that topic. So many edible plants out there that people don’t realize

[@TheDragonsGarden]

@@plantvibrations i adore planting "decorative" plants that are edible! i am lucky to not live in an HOA but i pretty much could landscape you an edible garden that would pass muster in one....

[@lordeverybody872]

Just planted a tree hydrangea, seems to be doing well for now

[@plantvibrations]

Great!!

[@lorrainedurgee1761]

I subscribed cause your so detailed & I live in Colorado so I have clay soil which I amended with lots of homemade compost - I live near Denver & u tell us about what to go - I grow a tons of succulents so later tell us what succulent perrentials that have color .. I took most of our lawn out cause of shortage of water so I need plants that are zones 4-5 ..we have really hot sun….

[@plantvibrations]

Thank you for subscribing and for your lovely comments :)

[@kbsuess]

I would not recommend Coral Bells for Clay Soil unless it is in a raised bed. Coral Bells do not like to sit in water. They like soil that is well draining.

[@plantvibrations]

Really? I guess in my clay garden where they are planted is sloped so that helps with drainage. Thanks for sharing

[@jeffreyrossi5084]

Great list many plants that I wouldn't have thought of. It seems your mostly about the plants (which is why I watch) but would have any videos mixed in that would give information on amending clay soil?

[@plantvibrations]

Yes that is a good topic, thanks for the suggestion :)

[@jeffreyrossi5084]

As you may know peat moose will not be available much longer (for good reason) so I'm sure many will be looking for alternatives.@@plantvibrations

[@plantvibrations]

ok sounds good

[@fannylang6525]

Yes, plz! A clay soil amending video would be so helpful! I’m new to clay soil and it’s so challenging….but I love to garden so I need help.

[@bbyjcky1]

You are awesome! Quick question: i container garden… and i i have plant food but granular (4-4-4 and 10-10-10) should i not use this type of plant food for pots? Is it too “hot”?

[@plantvibrations]

That should be fine!

[@theaccidentalcook8557]

Love this. Thanks Devin, y'all have such helpful content. God bless

[@plantvibrations]

Thank you for watching :) blessings to you as well

[@PearLcarolinejaneara6760]

You look handsome with your hairstyle ❤😇

[@plantvibrations]

:)

[@gloriaruiz2332]

🙏🏻

[@plantvibrations]

thanks for watching

[@GramCrackers1016]

Any advice for hostia? I like the red flowering one. I’m in South Jersey. Thanks

[@plantvibrations]

Unfortunately I’ve never grown it

[@JennyArmstrong-hy4rr]

Is there a similar list for shade plants for a small scale shade garden?

[@plantvibrations]

here is a small list, i should make one with a larger list kzbin.info/www/bejne/moDOaKWGdrKhf5Y

[@n.caronnelson9690]

I use spent coffe grounds around my hosta; the deer ignore them....

[@plantvibrations]

Great tip!

[@matheya]

I made a list ! I see the same plants and fruits in the area I have a country house. Is clay soil always alkaline?

[@plantvibrations]

That’s a great question! I’m not sure if it’s always alkaline but in my experience it does tend to be so

[@waltermaples3998]

Devin I Love you and Samantha ❤. I need to know what plants that works good on the Beach soil . My yard is mixed with good dirt but some sand Devin and Samantha I Love you you my friends ❤❤❤

[@plantvibrations]

A video about plants on sandy soil is a great idea!

[@lisawarner9224]

If you live in Idaho can most of these plants be planted here? Unfortunately our soil needs to constantly needing to amend the dust (our soil) to plant bushes and flowers

[@plantvibrations]

Just double check the plant zones to make sure they can handle your winter

[@bobbiechinn9578]

Im in northern Kentucky zone 6b ❤❤❤❤😂

[@plantvibrations]

😎😎

[@davidhodgin8900]

I love your vids but have you considered doing some more modern techniques for overlaying text to your videos? It’s very 2012 or earlier vibes. I guess by by now it’s almost retro.

[@plantvibrations]

thanks for the feedback!

[@RVBadlands2015]

I have sun no shade and heavy clay soil. I have a lot of oxailas weed and don’t know how to get rid of it.

[@plantvibrations]

that can be very tricky. have you seen this video? it may be helpful kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqLHeZdsl9OZgck

[@RVBadlands2015]

I have no shade I live in California it gets 110 degrees in the summer. I do have clay soil what shrubs do you recommend.

[@plantvibrations]

Oh dang that is a harsh environment

[@jeffword2562]

Hey Laura, I have a quick question do you have a problem with Rose Rosetta in your area. I live in North Texas, and then the 2000s knockout roses were planted by the thousands all along the highways and shopping centers. This caused a devastating effect on the spread of rose Rosetta. I have literally taken out all my roses and have several of my friends. I see lots of them in the Dallas area stealing shopping centers that look so sad people really don’t know the difference. In all you end up with is a thorny ugly bloomed rose. The activity center for special-needs adults that I work at love to watch you every day. We are planting Walla Walla onions, we started them in water jugs and are getting ready to transplant to grow bags due to very limited space. Have a wonderful day.

[@plantvibrations]

Thanks

[@cindysmith4392]

Could you please add a printable list 😌😎😬

[@plantvibrations]

good idea!

[@charchark365]

What zone are you in?

[@plantvibrations]

zone 7

[@JoseMartinez-df2db]

Please say which are Native and which can be invasive via birds. Mother Nature needs our help.

[@plantvibrations]

We have global viewership so it is difficult to do so

[@Tambisme]

🌸🌷🌺🌼🌹😄

[@plantvibrations]

:)

[@bejul2]

My clay soil kills lily of the valley 😅 not even phlox spread in my soil 😂😢 (should I cry or laugh … ) also bearded iris nearly died (all 7 of them 😢) had to dig it out

[@plantvibrations]

Cry.

[@Megalyssa007]

Don't we just plant and plant more and wat h them grow?

[@plantvibrations]

not sure what you mean

[@oldyeller6518]

I’ve not found that phlox paniculatta do well in clay AT ALL! The opposite actually

[@plantvibrations]

That’s good feedback. I wonder what the difference is

[@monroe1258]

Bee Balm is beautiful..but, mine struggle with extremely bad cases of powder mildew every year, that absolutely takes over them and makes them look decayed 😢.

[@plantvibrations]

That is definitely a problem I face as well. I find that when they can be well watered they stave off the mildew better

[@ceedee2570]

pick axe? sometimes we use a jackhammer

[@plantvibrations]

!!!

[@christinesokolof8387]

I’m in zone 5 and this is not it at all

[@plantvibrations]

I’m not following that comment