NOW IS THE TIME TO EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS AND GET READY FOR THE UPCOMING FALL PLANTING SEASON
I can’t believe that I have not done a blog on this topic. Dealing with heavy clay that holds water is very frustrating for homeowners who are planting their landscape. So many plants struggle and may eventually die with poorly draining soil.
Here in Central Virginia most of us deal with compacted clay soil. Here is where amending the soil with compost can be the difference between winning and losing. There is a saying in the plant world, “Plant it high it won’t die. Plant it low it won’t grow.” This is so true in our area when trying to plant in heavy, clay soil.
So, if you are one that is slow to drain, there are native plants that prefer to grow in these conditions. The native plant species that I am listing below are easy to grow in moist habitats.
- Red Chokeberry
- Clethra
- Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
- Ninebark
- Eastern Redbud tree
- Sweetbay Magnolia
- Lobellia
- Royal Fern
- Juncus
In addition to the listing of native plants, we do have other hardy plants for our region that seem to be tolerant of wet conditions. Some of these plants include:
- Astilbe
- Joe-Pye Weed
- Hibiscus
- Acorus
- Blueberries
- Fringe tree (Chionanthus virgincus)
- Dappled Willow
- Redtwid Dogwood
- Dawn Redwood tree
- Bald Cypress tree
- Red Maple trees
- River Birch tree
- Weeping Willow
Bottom line, there is a wide variety of perennials, shrubs, and trees tolerate, or even prefer, damp soil conditions. Many cope well with poor draining clay soils. We carry most, if not all, of the plants that I listed above. Do your research now in order to get ready for the upcoming fall planting season.
PLANT A LITTLE HAPPINESS!!!!!!!