Shrubs that will tolerate heavy clay soils

Below is a list shrubs that will grow on heavy clay soils; in fact many will flourish on heavy clay soils. Planting such shrubs could actually help dry and improve wet clay soils in the long term prior to future planting.

On planting such shrubs dig in plenty of well rotted organic matter to improve drainage immediately around the root system and use a fertilizer such as blood fish and bone to give the young plants a good start.

Click on the plant or genus name to view information, cultivation tips and pictures.


Click on an image or plant name to view the full plant profile
Click Image for Full ProfileLatin & Common NameType & FormFlowersFoliageEarmark
Abelia X grandiflora - AbeliaAbelia X grandiflora

Abelia
Shrub, Ground cover, Rounded - BushNon-floweringDark Green foliage
Berberis X stenophylla - BerberisBerberis X stenophylla

Berberis
Shrub, Hedging & Screening, Spreading archingYellow flowers (Summer early, scented)Dark Green foliage
Rubus cockburnianusRubus cockburnianusShrub, Ground cover, Rounded - BushNon-floweringMedium Green foliage
Sambucus racemosa - Plumosa Aurea - Cut leaf ElderSambucus racemosa

'Plumosa Aurea'

Cut leaf Elder
Shrub, Container-friendly, Rounded - BushWhite flowers (Summer early)Golden foliage
Spiraea nipponica - Snowmound - Bridal wreath, SpiraeaSpiraea nipponica

'Snowmound'

Bridal wreath, Spiraea
Shrub, Hedging & Screening, Spreading archingWhite flowers (Summer)Medium Green foliage
Viburnum opulus - Sterile - Guelder RoseViburnum opulus

'Sterile'

Guelder Rose
Shrub, Hedging & Screening, Rounded - BushWhite flowers (Summer, scented)Medium Green foliage
Salix caprea - Kilmarnock - Dwarf weeping willowSalix caprea

'Kilmarnock'

Dwarf weeping willow
Tree, Shrub, Weeping - TreeNon-floweringMedium Green foliage
Cornus controversa - DogwoodCornus controversa

Dogwood
Tree, Shrub, Rounded - TreeWhite flowers (Summer early)Medium Green foliage
Elaeagnus ebbingei - Gilt Edge - OleasterElaeagnus ebbingei

'Gilt Edge'

Oleaster
Shrub, Hedging & Screening, Rounded - BushNon-floweringVariegated Green-Gold foliage
Cotinus coggygriaCotinus coggygriaShrub, Rounded - BushDark pink flowers (Summer) 


You can use our plant-finder to find plants that match your garden conditions exactly, for example Shrubs that will tolerate heavy clay soils - click to give it a try!

Have you seen our other plant top ten recommendations?

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