40 Perennial Plants for CLAY Soil in the Garden

[@deepost2604]

I garden in heavy clay in VA. Luckily, there are 13 huge oaks. Leaf drop is by the truckload. Nov. is time to mulch leaves and spread onto beds. This has resulted in beautiful top soil at this point. In the shade garden, the leaves are left whole as habitat for pollinators. Violets have taken over as ground cover. More and more, I’m trying to get the land SUSTAINABLE, without chemical imports of any sort. The lawn trails are mostly clover which is nitrogen fixing. I was told that this feeds underground for quite a distance. Anyway, the bees and rabbits adore the clover.

[@plantvibrations]

Love it

[@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!!

[@camicri4263]

Red clay soil in Georgia! Thank you Davin!

[@plantvibrations]

You are so welcome

[@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!!

[@alice_rabbit8345]

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

[@plantvibrations]

Hey! love Reading PA!

[@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!!

[@lyricmezzosoprano5357]

Hello, I have been experimenting with potted gardening all year as my entire backyard is a mess of clay soil in area 9b with some of the most sun exposure in the entire state. Thank you very much for this video, this is very inspiring and I’m excited for a lot of these pollinator friendly flowers.

[@plantvibrations]

I hope you find some success!!

[@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

[@Gardensiren24]

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

[@linakhoury6623]

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

[@plantvibrations]

Thank you! You too!

[@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 🙏

[@HandcraftedintheFoothills]

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

[@plantvibrations]

Got 30 more to add ;)

[@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

[@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 🙏🙏

[@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!

[@picklepirate]

YES both me and my mom planted our rose of sharons way too close to our house 😅 They really do indeed get HUGE in less than a year

[@plantvibrations]

If you need some help with pruning them check out this video! Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) Pruning Guide - How to Prune Correctly for Maximum Flowers, Hedge kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnqopaWPj9ajibs

[@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!

[@lesaamoore]

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

[@plantvibrations]

Great suggestion!

[@MeaghanFinegan]

Hey watching you from West Goshen 😊

[@plantvibrations]

Neighbor!!

[@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!

[@judyingram-kh1vm]

Great video, thank you for sharing this with us ❤

[@plantvibrations]

Thanks for watching :)

[@pixelated23-b9z]

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

[@plantvibrations]

Wonderful!

[@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!

[@deepost2604]

The positive thing about clay is that it is nutrient dense. Look at the huge old trees that grow in clay. The trick is to get enough loose surface at the top so seedlings can take hold. Once they get going, the roots know what to do!

[@Mindy-s-channel]

I live in mid Missouri and all I have is clay soil. I find the Proven Winners roses do amazing in my soil. I do have them on drip irrigation..❤I have a few videos on my channel of my roses and garden

[@plantvibrations]

Love it! I’ll check out the videos

[@Wendy-zl8kv]

Your list is wonderful!!! Thank you

[@plantvibrations]

You're so welcome!

[@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

[@scotthilborn1518]

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

[@plantvibrations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patlangille5375]

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

[@plantvibrations]

Good choice!

[@bellarosa009]

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

[@plantvibrations]

Niiice!! It was a great show this year

[@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!

[@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!

[@anhong2179]

This is an amazing list. Thanks for sharing!

[@plantvibrations]

You're so welcome!

[@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!

[@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!

[@theresatraugott6970]

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

[@plantvibrations]

Wonderful!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@SuperCutie4747]

Great video - lots of ideas 🌱

[@plantvibrations]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@SkysMomma]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@plantvibrations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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....

[@TDAEON]

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

[@plantvibrations]

oh jeez i can only imagine

[@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 :)

[@theaccidentalcook8557]

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

[@plantvibrations]

Thank you for watching :) blessings to you as well

[@MarkKempcke]

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

[@lordeverybody872]

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

[@plantvibrations]

Great!!

[@sis9622]

Thankyou for sharing

[@plantvibrations]

My pleasure

[@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!

[@saffloweroyl3663]

Thanks!

[@plantvibrations]

Thank youuuu

[@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 :)

[@graced188]

thank you great video!

[@plantvibrations]

Glad you liked it!

[@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

[@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

[@ftr911drvr]

Thanks for this, I just moved into my first home and tons of clay soil smh

[@plantvibrations]

It’s especially tough right now after a few weeks with no rain!!

[@pennyduncan5980]

Thx you

[@plantvibrations]

No problem

[@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

[@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

[@GramCrackers1016]

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

[@plantvibrations]

Unfortunately I’ve never grown it

[@juliknapp9270]

I just came across this. But wouldnt peonies and roses drown in heavy clay soil? I have a HUGE heavy clay area to plant for our display garden. No trees . Just baking heat in north missouri

[@plantvibrations]

There are always grades of clay, so it is dependent

[@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

[@kathbiddle-dutton7069]

Any suggestions for shade n clay ? Thanks

[@plantvibrations]

Should be some good options in the video!

[@kathbiddle-dutton7069]

@@plantvibrationsyikes u r right 😳 there r lots of plans for shade … great suggestions I have many ..but will add a few thanks 👍

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@n.caronnelson9690]

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

[@plantvibrations]

Great tip!

[@PearLcarolinejaneara6760]

You look handsome with your hairstyle ❤😇

[@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!

[@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

[@bobbiechinn9578]

Im in northern Kentucky zone 6b ❤❤❤❤😂

[@plantvibrations]

😎😎

[@cindysmith4392]

Could you please add a printable list 😌😎😬

[@plantvibrations]

good idea!

[@Mindy-s-channel]

I love the sedum in my garden

[@charchark365]

What zone are you in?

[@plantvibrations]

zone 7

[@gloriaruiz2332]

🙏🏻

[@plantvibrations]

thanks for watching

[@delicway]

Thank you very much! Wonderful wide plants set. Like and subscribe from me.

[@plantvibrations]

Thanks for joining :)

[@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.

[@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

[@Megalyssa007]

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

[@plantvibrations]

not sure what you mean

[@Tambisme]

🌸🌷🌺🌼🌹😄

[@plantvibrations]

:)

[@ceedee2570]

pick axe? sometimes we use a jackhammer

[@plantvibrations]

!!!

[@ChristinaSokolof]

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

[@plantvibrations]

I’m not following that comment