Provided is a list of annuals and perennials that grow well in very poor soil. The above choices are the work horses of many a dry garden. Full to part sun; moist to dry, well drained, rocky soil. These stems contain veined green leaves that provide color when there are no bloomers. The ‘Shadowland Waterslide’ Hosta is an ideal choice for clay soil, but all species are extraordinarily hardy and do well down to zone three. Take advantage of our garden addiction and nursery experience for timely and helpful info to help you create your best garden ever. 1. Yes, it flowers in just about every month of the year, with its main display in spring, but the rich yellow flowers of this form are double – so each lasts longer than usual to enhance the display. Bloom colors vary from pink, red, yellow, and numerous shades in between. The following easy perennials for dry soil will help you in your search for ways to save water in your garden. RUSSIAN SAGE (Perovskia atriplicifolia) Grow it for the BEES! The shrub style perennial grows stalks of white, blue, yellow, or purple flowers that open up in the early spring. The purple flowers bear a striking resemblance to daisies and bloom from late spring to the middle of fall. Creeping Phlox grows about six inches tall with a two-foot wide spread. Purple Coneflower belongs to the Echinacea family and is an extremely forgiving plant, making it easier to transplant. Perennial flower beds can add beauty and value to any landscape. Plant this sedum in full sun for optimal blooming. Always plant Daylilies with room to spread and to encourage more blooms, deadhead spent blossoms. If your plants prefer a more acidic environment than you have, add some coffee grounds for better garden soil. The sedum part of this perennial allows it to grow in diverse soil conditions, including sandy and gravelly soils. CATMINT (Nepeta x faassenii) Grow it for the BEES! Tickseed does well in sandy, well-draining soil with full sun, but tolerates part shade. Fertilizing is vital for all perennials, but even more so for those in poor soil. May 3, 2015 at 11:47 am. Lesson learned: they are very adaptable! Cranesbill thrives in zones five through nine and, once planted, quickly spreads to cover a large area. Add these perennials for outdoor pathways along the sidewalk or driveway for a nice burst of color. How often you fertilize your plants depends on their specific requirements but generally speaking, feed yearly at the beginning of spring with a high-phosphorus and low-nitrogen based fertilizer. These hardy perennials adapt to a variety of soil conditions, as long as it’s well-draining. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. That’s where perennials for poor soil come in. Prune plants as required by care instructions and deadhead spent blooms to encourage new blossoms and keep the plant looking happy and healthy. Thank you for taking some time to read about the different perennials that grow in the worst soil conditions. Available in a range of colors, including bi-color species, Daylilies offer a range of bloom times, including early, middle, and late. Typical Russian Sage grows anywhere from three to five feet tall, but dwarf cultivators that grow no more than three feet tall are also available. Rather than wasting money and time attempting to improve the poor soil conditions, simply plant perennials that thrive in that type of soil because they adapt to the conditions as they grow. Cover 3 times the seed diameter with soil sifted over them. The Purple Coneflower is a popular perennial in most gardens due to its ability to attract pollinators, its long blooming time, and its ability to grow and adapt to the worst soil conditions. Creeping Phlox works well as a groundcover, and while this herbaceous perennial prefers fertile, well-draining soil, it does well in clay soils, too. Most perennials need well-draining soil in full sun for optimal growth. Will grow 60 to 100 feet tall. Always read planting instructions first. No spam! Thoroughly mix into the soil enough humus material and sand to give a friable soil, then mix one tablespoonful of fertilizer per square foot of bed area. We spend a fortune trying to amend the soil to plant the most beautiful flowers, but nothing seems to work. The Black-Eyed Susan grows up to two feet tall with yellow and orange daisy-like flowers that bloom from early in the summer until sometime in the fall. READ Forest and Field Plants in the Garden: Achillea Arctotis venusta, syn. Sandy and clay soil also present difficulties when trying to design the landscaped yard of your dreams. False Indigo is a reliable herbaceous perennial that blooms every spring for years to come. Currently, there are around 80 species of Coreopsis available for gardeners to choose from. However, perennials don't adapt to poor soil conditions as well as some other plants. EVENING PRIMROSE (Oenothera missouriensis). Once established these plants will tolerate very low water requirements. No matter the species, plant Catmint in well-draining locations with full sun. When planting Muhly Grass, regardless of the cultivator chosen, use locations with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Replant the original and then use the new root balls where desired. A low maintenance grass, Muhly grows between three to five feet tall in hardiness zones seven through eleven. Autumn Joy is a hybrid of sedum and ice plant. Deadheading spent blossoms encourages new blooms to appear. Their gorgeous and dainty blossoms brighten up a garden and are long-lasting, making them perfect as cut flowers for an arrangement. Bartonia (Mentzelia aurea) Were it not for the straggling growth, Barlonia aurea (Menlzelia lindleyi) would be … Lenten Rose Pictured above, lenten roses are tough plants that stand up to poor soil, drought, heat, humidity, and even the cold. Grow in acid soil with all … To divide perennials, dig up the root ball and gently separate it into smaller sections. Commonly referred to as a Plantain Lily, Hostas are a popular choice in shade gardens, but some types grow in the worst soil. Then, when we moved down here to NC five years ago, in a December ice storm, I dug up what I could from that frozen ground and they are now doing very well here! When flowers are done blooming, cut the plant down by a third and wait for it to bloom again. When choosing their planting locations, opt for a place with full sun and well-draining soil. Take care of gnat larvae in soil, aphids, and other bugs with a neem oil spray or diatomaceous earth. Salvia reaches anywhere from 18 inches to five feet tall, depending on the cultivator. Join in the fun of planting, growing, learning and creating. An insect and drought tolerant perennial, Daylily grows well in sunny locations. This is often a mistake gardeners will make. Always check the ground before watering to prevent standing water. Your perennials will thank you with beautiful blooms. The sedum part of this perennial allows it to grow in diverse soil conditions, including sandy and gravelly soils. When planted in partial shade, Yarrow takes on a leggy appearance. I love the Evening Primrose! The blue-purple flowers pair well with the silvery colored foliage. When it comes to choosing the best perennials for poor soils, think about those perennials we consider weeds, such as common mallow or Asclepias, also known as milkweed.