What to plant in red clay soil?

It is often daunting to look down at this fine red soil and think to yourself: “What can I plant here?”

In this post, you will quickly learn about what you can plant in clay soil. We list edible plants and ornamental flowers

What to plant in red clay soil – Edible vegetables

1. Lettuce has shallow roots, so you don’t have to work your soil deeply.
2. Daikon radish is good at penetrating clay and breaking it up for later crops.
3. Brassicas like Brussels sprouts and broccoli benefit from the support of heavier soil.
4. Gooseberry bushes, appreciate rich and moist clay soil.
5. Pumpkins and squash grow beautifully with just a little added manure.
6. You could plant a walnut tree if you have the space.
7. Swiss chard for something a little less imposing.
8. Apple trees do fine because they’re grafted you can choose a suitable rootstock for your garden.
9. Peas much prefer cool moist soil. So go ahead and plant them in early spring or 3 weeks before the last frost of winter.
10. Blueberries perform very well so long as they’re given good drainage.
11. Onions and leeks are quite adaptable and benefit from the support of firm soil.
12. You can get away with corn/maize but just keep in mind that clay soil is slower to warm up so you’ll have to sow the seed a little later and
13. Fruit trees: try pear, plum or even black mulberry

What to plant in red clay soil – Ornamental plants for attracting pollinators

Magnolias develop fuzzy buds before the foliage emerges

Aquilegia, and in fact all buttercup relatives appreciate a cool moist soil

Pulmonaria usually in blue or purple flowers

The cultivar Henry Eilers is a gardening favourite

Eupatorium cannabinum can be used as a cut flower filler.

The Buddliea x weyeriana hhas amazing color for a butterfly blush.

Hydrangeas of all sorts, but the Annabelle particularly thrives in clay soil.

Alchemilla mollis with foamy chartreuse flowers.

Japanese quince looks gorgeous when budding.

Roses do well in a heavy soil

Ligularia if moisture is sufficient to keep the leaves from flagging.

Hellebores are colourful to cheer up the cool season garden

Laburnum golden chain tree makes a nice companion to Kolkwitzia the beauty bush and they bloom around the same time.

Kniphofia will tolerate clay soil and comes in so many colours now.

Redhorse chestnut

Liatris planted in a large group for the best display

Monarda they call it bee balm, but it’s such an important plant for butterflies.

Anemone is simply charming

Aruncus loves a rich moist soil

Echinops – globe thistle has a gorgeous colour and shape

Ribes – ornamental currant

Polemonium – Jacob’s ladder with its fine-textured foliage

Here is a video to watch if you’re not in the mood to read