If you have a garden where most of the plants seem to wilt away, it could be that your soil has low quality. Our goal is always rich and good-quality soil, but sometimes no matter how much effort we put in or money we spend on fixing everything, it seems like nothing helps our poor soil!
There are a number of plants that can be used to fill this spot in your. Not only will it add some versatility and beauty, but many low-quality soil species require little maintenance care and are worry-free.
Check out this list of the best 15 plants that can thrive in low-quality soil!
But First, What is Low-Quality Soil?
The type of soil you have can affect the amount and quality of nutrients in your garden. Sandy soils retain water poorly, while clay-rich dirt holds on too tight to what little moisture it does absorb; this makes for low yields when plants need rain or irrigation most!
Clay soil is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it’s more forgiving than sandy soils; on the other you will have persistent pools near your plants if water does not drain fast enough for this type of mix.
A good soil would be loam soil. It has a crumbly texture but is sticky when wet. It holds its shape well, like clay soil; however it can easily be separated and drained of excess water unlike some other types such as sand or silt which always stay damp no matter how much rain falls on them.
Now, if you have some stubborn spots with low-quality soil let’s take a look at the plants you can grow and still enjoy a beautiful garden.
1. Lavender
Lavender is a docile plant that thrives in almost any condition. The flowers are often used to flavor foods, but their calming fragrance makes them even more attractive for outdoor use!
It grows well with little water and full sun exposure; making it perfect as an addition to your landscaping needs this season.
2. Foxtail Lilies (Eremurus)
Foxtail lilies are not the most demanding flowers in terms of maintenance, needing only enough water to keep their roots moist.
Once this is done and the plant has established itself well enough through growth patterns similar to many other plants- by late spring you’ll have a vibrant garden full of life!
3. Lettuce
The lettuce plant needs plenty of water and will appreciate the clay soil. Lettuce is a great plant for harvesting fresh, crunchy salads. Lettuces thrive in full sun but may tolerate shady spots and can withstand dry soil conditions with appropriate watering; this means you won’t need to water as often!
It takes about one month from planting until maturity, making it easy on your wallet too since they grow quickly.
4. Yarrow (Achillea)
Though low in nutrients, the flowers of this weed are beautiful and can be invasive. They grow quickly with enough sunlight to thrive on nutrient-rich loamy or sandy soil. So, no matter if your soil is clay or sandy, these plants can thrive very well in it.
Yarrow is one of the most common plants in gardens. It can adapt to hot and humid climates as well as being drought-tolerant ( USDA Zone 3 -9). In summer, you’ll be able see yarrow flowers bloom with beautiful pinks, whites or yellows!
5. Perennial Sunflower (Helianthus)
Perennial sunflowers deserve more attention than they get. These beautiful but lesser known plants grow in heavy clay soil and can be just as stunning, if not more so, when compared to their annual counterparts!
Sunflowers are a great way to add beauty and color in your garden. They come with many varieties so you can find one that is right for the climate where it’ll grow best!
The swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius) thrives well on extremely poor soil conditions, as long as there’s plenty of sunlight available throughout blooming season when these flowers bloom their signature yellow petals;
6. Wild Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)
Wild bee balm is a member of the mint family, and enjoys dry conditions. This native American plant also known as bergamot has several medical uses in addition to culinary ones like adding some excitement for your meals!
Bee balm is a beautiful flower that loves to grow in full sun with some partial shade. It’s happy on dry, sandy soils and will appreciate regular watering if you want it thrive!
7. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Rose of Sharon, or common hibiscus is an interesting and beautiful flower. These flowers can be white light blue lavender!
It grows best in zones 5-9 where it does well with most hot conditions making this plant perfect for sandy soil condition as long as it has good drainage.
8. Bigleaf Periwinkle
Bigleaf periwinkle is a type of flower that you will most likely find growing in your garden. It’s slightly bigger than common periwinkles and can withstand some clay soil conditions, as long as it does not get too compacted.
This low-maintenance plant is perfect for those with clay soil. It can be invasive to other plants, so periwinkle thrives in its own space!
This versatile flower requires water when the soil becomes dry or hot during summer months and loves full sun or light shade depending on what type of climate you’re looking at.
9. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta)
Black-eyed Susans are a welcomed plant in many gardens because they offer joy and comfort. This low maintenance flower loves poor soils, but does well with clay soil if it drains relatively easily.
Once established these flowers will tolerate drought conditions as long as there’s enough sun exposure during summer months or protection from cold winter nights to keep them healthy throughout the year.
10. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
The bright yellow flowers of butterfly weed are a must-have for insect lovers and pollinators alike. Hummingbirds love to feed on these sweet nectar sources, so they’re sure not going anywhere!
The butterfly weed is not just a pretty plant, it is also very useful. This milkweed relative can grow in dry soil and requires little water once established in your garden!
11. Cup Plant
If you want to attract butterflies, but your clay soil is a problem? Cup plants may be for you.
These bright yellow blooms are similar in appearance and size (and likewise grow just as tall) with sunflowers – though they come from a different family; many regions can thrive between zones 3-9 with full sunlight or regular watering required.!
It does best when grown in rich clay soils that have lots of moisture retention capabilities too.
12. New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)
The New York ironweed is a native wildflower that grows small, gorgeous violet flowers in clusters. It can tolerate various soils and even enjoys wet conditions!
This plant requires full sun but it does well with some light to partial shade too- so long as you’ve got clay soil (they’re very thirsty plants).
13. Autumn Joy Sedum
Autumn joy sedums, or stonecrops are a hybrid perennial plant that many gardeners have been obsessed with lately.
They produce beautiful flowers and grow in relatively little water once they’re established – but too much will rot the roots quickly if you don’t keep an eye on how often it is watered throughout summer months.
Autumn Joy Sedum plants can tolerate hot climates as well as cold ones: ideal for USDA zones 3-9!
14. Tickseed (Coreopsis)
Tickseed is a type of flower that has been grown in gardens for centuries. It’s yellow flowers come from many different species, and they all have very similar looking petals which overlap one another like fingers on someone’s hand.
The best part about ticking seeds? They can adapt to thrive no matter what climate their growing region experiences, best if grown in zones 3-10!
Tickseed needs full sun to flower freely. It’s not very fussy about soil, so long as it drains well and has regular watering during cooler times of the day. This low care plant is easy going since flowers last longer on average with less maintenance involved
15. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Purple coneflowers are arguably the favorite member of this family, with their purple-pink flowers adding character to any garden.
They grow in USDA zones 3 through 9 and can tolerate just about all climates except for high humidity or heavy rains which may damage them.
Full sun is needed as well as regular watering; once they’re established – usually within two years–they become more drought tolerant! Perfect for sandy soil gardens!