8 Perennials That Thrive in Clay Soils, Experts Say

Clay soil can be challenging to work with. Since it's more compact, it can create drainage problems for many plants, so you're more likely to accidentally overwater them. There are also many plants that don't like wet feet, so they won't thrive in this environment. However, it's not all doom and gloom—there are benefits to growing in clay soils, too. For example, since they're dense, these soils retain nutrients better, which can be extremely beneficial.

Of course, you won't want to plant just any perennial in a clay soil. However, a few more resilient varieties with deep roots will thrive in this sort of environment. Here, gardening experts recommend some favorites.

Tabar Gifford, partnerships cultivator and master gardener at American Meadows
Hannah Howland, perennials manager at Plants Unlimited
Kathy Jentz, host of the GardenDC Podcast and co-author of The Urban Garden

01 of 08

Swamp Milkweed

Closeup of a flowering plant with clusters of small blossoms in a natural outdoor setting — Photos by R A Kearton / Getty Images

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) naturally grows in wetlands, so it's a great fit for clay soil, says Hannah Howland, perennials manager at Plants Unlimited. It thrives in full sun, and it should remain consistently moist. Best of all, it's a favorite of pollinators. "Its soft pink flower clusters bloom throughout summer and attract monarch butterflies and bees," says Tabar Gifford, partnership cultivator and master gardener at American Meadows.

Howland recommends leaving the stems standing to provide a habitat for wildlife, then cutting them back in winter.

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 3 to 5 feet
Care requirements: Full sun; moist to wet soil

02 of 08

Hosta

Hostas are very low maintenance and easy to grow, so it makes sense that they would thrive in clay soils. In fact, they prefer soil that's relatively moist, but not waterlogged, says gardening author Kathy Jentz.

Beloved for their beautiful green leaves, hostas can be easily divided, so they'll make a dense ground cover in no time. Jentz recommends using slow-release fertilizer as they begin to grow in spring, and mulch with an organic compost.

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 4 to 30 inches tall x 6 to 36 inches wide
Care requirements: Partial shade; rich soil

03 of 08

Spiderwort

Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginia), also known as inkweed, can handle clay soils easily, says Jentz. It gets its other name from its flowers, which contain a strong pigment that can also be used as a dye. "They can also stain your skin and clothing," she adds.

Jentz recommends cutting spiderwort back after the first flush of flowers—this will encourage it to rebloom in late summer and early fall.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 18 to 36 inches tall x 18 to 36 inches wide
Care requirements: Partial to full shade

04 of 08

Purple Prairie Clover

The beautiful purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea) has a deep taproot, which "allows it to penetrate dense soils and access moisture during dry periods," says Howland. As a result, it performs well in clay soils.

It needs to be watered regularly while it's establishing, but afterward, it's very drought tolerant. Howland recommends leaving the seed heads standing through winter to provide visual interest.

Zones: 3 to 8
Size: 12 to 26 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun

05 of 08

Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) adapts very well to clay soils. "While many gardeners worry about heavy clay, this rugged perennial settles in beautifully once established," says Gifford. "Its deep taproot allows it to push through compacted ground, while also helping it tolerate periods of drought."

As its name would suggest, it's a favorite of monarch butterflies and other native pollinators. Its orange blooms are beautiful, but require some patience. "It's notoriously late to emerge in spring," she says. "People often assume it didn't survive winter."

Zones: 3 to 9, depending on the variety
Size: 18 to 42 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained, sandy to clay soils

06 of 08

Obedient Plant

Obedient plant's vigorous root system allows it to thrive in clay soils. "Its tall flower spikes bring strong vertical color to midsummer borders, and the individual blooms can actually be positioned by hand, hence the common name," says Gifford.

Since it spreads so quickly, you may have to divide obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) from time to time.

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 3 to 4 feet tall
Care requirements: Full to partial sun

07 of 08

Culver's Root

Culver's root (Veronicastrum virginicum) is a great border plant—and it does well in clay soils, too. "Native to moist prairies and woodland edges, it naturally adapts to heavier ground and develops deep roots over time," says Gifford.

Its white flower spires are a beautiful addition to a garden; culver's root becomes resilient if you give it ongoing care.

08 of 08

Astilbe

Astilbe is the perfect for perennial for a wet, shady spot in your garden, says Jentz. Its feather-like blooms give it a distinct appearance, and it's deer resistant.

Astilbe does well in clay soils and brings a splash of pink, red, and white color to your yard. You can use it to define a border or as a striking garden centerpiece.