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Recommended plants for full sun clay soil border

#1 · 29th April 2023, 8:50 pm

Hi Ninjas!.. I have a 3m x 1m south facing border with clay soil and I am looking for suggestions/ recommendations for evergreen shrubs that are best suited for this soil and exposure.

Thank you in advance

Gary

#2 · 30th April 2023, 11:22 am

Hi @garysullivan

Thanks for your question.

Full sun and heavy clay, you say! So we're looking for plants that like warm, bright conditions and also very wet and nutritious soil. South-facing or sunny gardens are always thought to be the holy grail for growing conditions but they can have some setbacks such as plants getting scorched. You can see more with the below garden aspect video.

Clay soil is often thought of as a pain to work with, but the beauty of clay soil is its super nutrient full for healthy plant growth. You'll never need to feed plants with heavy clay! But only certain shrubs can tolerate this moisture.

Here are 3 evergreen shrubs for clay and sun to get you started.

1.Viburnum tinus - This is a wonderful well, behaved evergreen shrub.It flowers in early spring with white to pink tiny blossoms. It's a good filler plant that offers structure and doesn't have too many pests or illnesses.

2.Fatsia japonica - the Caster oil plant or shrub. Totally bulletproof and a good space filler. When they get bigger, they have wonderful alien-like flowers! Great when mixed with other clay-loving herbaceous perennials like Berginia or bog plants like Gunnera or marsh marigold.

3. Rhododendrons - these amazing spring coloured shrubs will work well in your heavy soil and there's a myriad of types based on size, colour and sun levels. Choose one that doesn't need partial shade so the leaves don't get scrorched.

Hopefully, that helps get you started Gary!

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