Best Shrubs for Clay Soil

Planting shrubs in clay soil is no more difficult than in any other type of soil. If your landscape area is composed of clay soil, choosing plants that are more tolerant of that environment will bring you the best results. Fortunately, there are plants of all types that do well in clay soil, from evergreen shrubs to more colorful flowering bushes.

The Arborvitae is a common evergreen shrub that is well suited for clay soil. The dark green color of the arborvitae looks equally nice as a single bush paired with other clay-tolerant shrubs and flowers, or planted in a row as a border or hedge. Most varieties of the Arborvitae are fast growing and some may reach over 40 ft in height. According to Gardenersnet.com, arborvitae require little care other than annual pruning and protection from snow and ice build up in winter, making it a good choice for the novice gardener.

For a burst of color in your landscape, the large, showy flowers of the Hydrangea are a good choice. Hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, but according to HydrangeasHydrangeas, it's best to avoid planting under a tree. While they are tolerant of clay soil, overwatering a hydrangea planted in that environment can lead to root rot.

My personal favorite shrub for the clay soil environment is the Japonica or Flowering Quince. Competing with forsythia, the flowering quince is an early bloomer with the rosebud-like flowers coming to full bloom in early March. Requiring little care, most varieties of the flowering quince will produce a pear-like fruit in the fall that is bitter, yet makes a wonderful jelly. Stunning when in bloom, the thorns of this round shrub make it an attractive choice for a hedgerow.

The Forsythia is another well known bush that tolerates clay soil. The golden-yellow cast of the early buds is a most welcome sight at the end of a long winter. The forsythia is a versatile shrub that looks lovely when pruned as a row of hedge, but just as pleasant when left to grow in its natural state.

Best planted in clay soil in spring or fall, the Spirea is one of the easiest plants to grow in most any landscape. The clusters of red, pink, yellow or white flowers of this member of the rose family bloom from late spring to mid-summer, with many varieties that will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your perennial garden. The spirea tolerates sun or shade, and deadheading will often induce a second flowering.

http://www.americanplant.net/Pages/PlantCareInfo/PlantsForClaySoil.html
http://www.aboutarborvitae.com/
http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/planting_fert.html
http://www.arhomeandgarden.org/plantoftheweek/articles/japonica.htm
http://www.youcanlearnseries.com/Landscape/Plants/Spirea.aspx