The black-eyed Susan can thrive in clay soils.
For a gardener or landscaper, clay soil sounds like a prison sentence. These thick soils are difficult for plant roots to penetrate, slow to warm in the spring and cool in the fall, and tend to clump together, retaining water and often drowning plant roots. Too much water around the roots leads to rot, wilting and even death. Some plants, however, can withstand this stubborn soil and thrive even in these heavy conditions. Does this Spark an idea?
Black-Eyed Susan
The black-eyed Susan is a low-maintenance plant for the garden that adapts to nearly any soil, light, water and food condition. The plant gets its name from the distinctive black center of the flower, surrounded by bright yellow or orange blooms. These flowers can grow up to 6 feet tall and thrive in the climate (U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 3 through 9). Loosen the clay soil with a shovel, hoe or tiller, and spread the seeds after the final frost. Water well for the first few weeks and watch the Susans sprout.
Fern
The fern will sprout anywhere from U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 2 through 10, and the adaptability when it comes to temperatures translates to grow-ability in clay soils. There are a variety of species, and they often are found along riverbeds or near streams because they prefer constantly moist soil. Ferns can grow up to 2 feet high and do best in shady conditions. These plants do not produce flowers and can be planted from seed or transplants anytime the ground is not frozen.
Runner Bean
The runner bean probably gets its name from its distinctive, pea-like flowers that grow bright red or, for some rarer varieties, pure white. The vines can grow up to 8 feet tall when properly supported by a trellis or arbor, and the bright flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds when they bloom in the spring. For early blooming, start the seeds directly in your garden a week before the final predicted frost date for your area.
Daylily
The daylily produces flowers in nearly every color conceivable, except blue and white. The flowers are brief but breathtaking, and grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 3 through 10, making them adaptable to most climates. Set a daylily cutting or transplant in full sun in the spring or fall, and it will bloom repeatedly from early summer until the first frost of winter. For best results, bury the crown less than 1 inch below the surface to ensure that it has access to rainfall in the soil. As needed, it will pull moisture from the clay soil.
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