Planting ideas

Some plants, often derived from those that happily grow in clay soil in their natural habitats, prefer clay soil to anything else you can give them. A few others have such shallow root systems that a little good soil over the clay is all they need to keep them happy. Others are simply adaptable.

Anemone

Wood anemones, Anemone nemorosa, only need a thin layer of good soil over clay to grow well and with blue, white or green flowers they should spread steadily in shade.

Limnanthes

Known as the poached egg plant for the colour of its flowers, Limnanthes douglasii is a low and spreading hardy annual that self sows in sun and enjoys the moisture provided by clay soil.

Camassia

Large bulbs support upright stems crowded with starry blue, or sometimes white, summer flowers. Best in sun, break up the base of the hole before planting to improve the drainage a little.

Helianthus

Tall annual sunflowers are ideal on clay as not only do they enjoy the conditions but when the extensive root system dies away in winter, tunnels are left that aid drainage.

Malus

You can’t beat a crab apple if you need a garden-sized tree for clay soil. ‘John Downie’ has white flowers then orange and red crabs, ‘Laura’ is upright with pink flowers and red fruits.

Forsythia

Classic winter shrubs, many achieve an uncomfortably large size so look out for neater modern varieties such as ‘Week End’ (‘Courtalyn’) or the very short ‘Marée d’Or’ (‘Courtasol’). Prune after flowering.

Hemerocallis

Daylilies, in so many colours and colour combinations, love clay soil, as long as it’s in the sun. Pick an AGM variety to be sure of a prolific and productive plant.

Roses

In mixed borders and as flowering hedges roses are ideal on clay. The Hybrid Musks such as ‘Buff Beauty’ (apricot) and ‘Felicia’ (pink) have long seasons and are beautifully scented.