What plants grow in poor soil?

The Purple Coneflower or Echinacea plant is a beautiful flower that you'll find in many gardens. Purple Coneflower is one of the best plants for poor soil because it can withstand extreme conditions. It also has a deep root system that helps to stabilize the soil and improve its fertility.

What is considered poor soil?

Dry, cracked soil can cause water to run off, preventing absorption. Soils are composed of silt, clay, and sand, and the ideal soil is made up of a balanced combination of the three. Clay particles are the smallest and when compacted are very dense, creating areas of poor drainage.

What flowering shrubs grow well in poor soil?

Lavender is perhaps the most archetypal drought resistant plant with its narrow, silvery-grey aromatic foliage and instantly recognisable scent. Lavender plants produce their fragrant flowers on long, upright stems and don't mind being cut back fairly hard after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy growth habit.

What shrubs grow well in poorly drained soil?

Red maple, too, is grown for planting in wet areas. Other trees and shrubs that won't mind a wet environment include river birch (Betula), sweet pepper bush, Texas redbud, serviceberry, pagoda dogwood, hydrangea, northern bayberry.

What is best for poor soil?

Fertilize organically, add beneficial soil biology that will improve the soil and naturally decompose thatch . Mowing your grass high so that the grass roots grow deeply will also feed your soil. We do not recommend synthetic fertilizers, which will only stay in the soil a short time and will act quickly and burn out.

What perennials do not need fertilizer?

Perennials that require no fertilizer: Included are ornamental grasses, false indigo, ground covers, butterfly weed, bee balm, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, sea holly, dianthus, asters and veronica . summer: Use a quick release food in summer, instead of a slow release food.

What does poor soil look like?

Unhealthy soil doesn't have the moisture and nutrients needed to thrive, which makes it dry, crumbling, and cracked . When you pick up the dirt, it might crumble quickly in your hands or be difficult to break apart. Proper watering and irrigation will improve the soil's condition in these instances.

Which plant do not need soil to grow?

The soil itself is not really needed by the plants - just the nutrients and water in it . So if the nutrients are put in water, the plants can get what they need to grow without the soil. For example, hydroponic is a technique of growing plants using solutions rich in mineral nutrients without soil.

How do you plant in poor draining soil?

Add organic matter (not sand) to improve drainage in poorly drained soils . Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, improves soil structure in poorly drained soils by increasing soil aggregation. Soil aggregates are groups of soil particles.

What soil drains the worst?

The worst drainage problems typically occur in clay soils that bind together, thereby creating a dense, almost solid surface. These soils are also referred to as adobe, gumbo, caliche, hardpan, or heavy soil. Due to their tendency to be watertight, such clay soils are often used in the making of ceramics.

What is a plant that doesn't need a lot of soil?

Many popular houseplants, like monstera and philodendron , can grow in a container of water without soil. Simply put the roots of your plant into water—making sure the foliage isn't also submerged—and watch as they flourish.

13 Plants That Grow—and Thrive—in Poor Soil (2024)

Read most plant labels, and you'll get the impression that the majority of plants need well-draining soil with plenty of nutrients to grow. Yet many plants in their native habitat grow in what would be considered less than optimal conditions—and guess what? They still thrive. Although a lot of plants prefer or need nutrient-rich soils to reach their full potential, there are plenty of plants that flourish in what is considered poor or low-quality soil—generally defined as soil lacking in nutrients and microorganisms.

"Plants grow all over the world in almost every conceivable soil type," says Kelly Norris, horticulturist and author of New Naturalism and the forthcoming Your Natural Garden. "The challenge for gardeners is understanding how to adapt to the soils they have, which can at first seem limiting." His recommendation for changing your viewpoint? "Adopt an attitude for creating a garden that can thrive where you grow," he says. "The options are almost always more plentiful than they first seem."

Knowing the type of soil you have in your garden is the first step to figuring out what will grow well and thrive. Next, you'll need to learn about the many plants that can do well in poor-quality soil. To that end, we spoke to Norris and other gardening experts about which plants to choose if your soil is less than perfect. The following plants, from bee balm and lavender to coneflower, will flourish in your garden, regardless of soil quality.

10 Plants That Can Thrive in and Even Improve Compacted Soil

01of 13

Bee Balm

13 Plants That Grow—and Thrive—in Poor Soil (1)

A native North American wildflower, bee balm (Monarda didyma), also known as wild bergamot, is a plant that can grow almost anywhere. "Bee balm is a terrific choice for poor-quality soils," says Kathy Jentz, author of Groundcover Revolution. Want to know just how hardy bee balm is? "I have some growing in my 'hell strip'—the narrow strip of ground between the sidewalk and street—where the soil is exposed to road pollutants, salt spray, and is generally compacted from years of heavy foot traffic," she says.

Zones: 3 to 9
Mature Size: 10 to 48 inches tall x 10 to 36 inches wide
Care Requirements: Partial to full sun

Find Your USDA Hardiness Zone

02of 13

Bluestar

13 Plants That Grow—and Thrive—in Poor Soil (2)

These blooms look like blue stars, giving them their common name for this genus of Amsonia flowers.These pretty flowers can handle all types of soil. "The genus runs the gamut from species that grow in the southwestern desert to those that grow on the southern plains," says Kelly Norris, horticulturist and author of New Naturalism and the forthcoming Your Natural Garden. "Deep taproots ensure long-lived, durable plants once established."

Zones: 3 to 11
Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide
Care Requirements: Partial shade to full sun; chalky, clay, sandy, or loamy soil

03of 13

Butterfly Weed

13 Plants That Grow—and Thrive—in Poor Soil (3)

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a native plant in North America and produces small bright orange flowers in clusters. Norris says it has a range of distinct ecotypes that occur and can grow in many types of soil, including clay and sand.

Zones: 3 to 9
Mature Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 1 to 1.5 feet wide
Care Requirements: Full sun

21 Plants That Improve Soil Quality, Making Your Whole Garden Thrive

04of 13

Common Yarrow

13 Plants That Grow—and Thrive—in Poor Soil (4)

Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) has tiny white flowers that grow in clusters with feathery leaves. "Yarrow is a great native plant that will grow well in poor soil in a sunny spot," says Jen McGuinness, author of Bird-Friendly Gardening: Guidance and Projects for Supporting Birds in Your Landscape. Norris says it's a great option for sandy or gravel soils and it can even do well in clay soil. "Common yarrow grows in a wide array of conditions around the world," says Norris.To give you an idea of how hardy yarrow is, Norris says he has "actually seen common yarrow blooming on a decommissioned copper mine road in Colorado, a virtual moonscape where few other plants can survive."

Another important benefit of growing common yarrow is its ability to attract good bugs. "Flat clusters of flowers attract beneficial insects like native ladybugs and hoverflies [and act as] a larval host plant to the Painted Lady Butterfly," says Mary Phillips, Head of Native Plant Habitat Strategy/Certifications at the National Wildlife Federation.

Zones: 3 to 9
Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tallx 1.5 to 2 feet wide
Care Requirements: Full sun to part shade, loamy or sandysoil

05of 13

Daylily

13 Plants That Grow—and Thrive—in Poor Soil (5)

Many gardeners are fond of the daylily because it's easy to grow, can manage in droughts or high temperatures, and offers a range of hues. "Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) is one plant that I like to put in poor soils because it is so tolerant of them," says Jentz. "It may flower a bit better in ideal situations, but in less-than-ideal soils, it still puts on a show."

Zones: 3 to 10
Mature Size: 6 inches to 5 feet tall by x 2 to 4 feet wide
Care Requirements: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade; manages in sandy or clay soil.

06of 13

False Indigo

13 Plants That Grow—and Thrive—in Poor Soil (6)

A large perennial that is part of the legume family, false indigo (Baptisia australis) produces multiple small flowers on the same stem. "Like many deeply tap-rooted legumes, false indigos thrive in a wide range of soils," says Norris. "The market is full of species and hybrids that provide plentiful planting options for gardeners in the eastern half of the U.S."

Zones: 3 to 9
Mature Size: 4 to 5 feet tall x 3 to 4 feet wide
Care Requirements: Partial to full sun

07of 13

Goldenrod

13 Plants That Grow—and Thrive—in Poor Soil (7)

With long stems featuring a plethora of yellow flowers, goldenrod (Solidago spp.) is a wonderful native flower to grow in the garden. "[Goldenrod] provides late-season nectar for a variety of pollinators, including migrating monarch butterflies," says McGuinness. "These plants are exuberant growers and can spread, so give them room to grow or be ready to pull self-seeded volunteers in following years."

Zones: 4 to 8
Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 1.5 to 2 feet wide
Care Requirements: Full to partial sun

08of 13

Coneflower

13 Plants That Grow—and Thrive—in Poor Soil (8)

Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are a hardy plant native to eastern North America. They come in a range of colors, though you'll often find pinkish-purple blooms with their petals facing downwards. "Purple coneflower tolerates clay and sandy soils," says Phillips. She adds they have low-nutrient needs and are drought-tolerant. These flowers can tolerate poor soil, but they need full sun for big, showy blooms, according to McGuinness. She says to avoid overly acidic soil as that makes it difficult for the plant to thrive. Phillips adds that over time, the "decomposition of fibrous roots adds nutrients to the soil."

Zones: 3 to 8
Mature Size: 2 to 5 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
Care Requirements: Partial shade to full sun

How to Grow and Care for Coneflower, a Native Perennial That Brings Color and Pollinators to Your Garden

09of 13

Lavender

13 Plants That Grow—and Thrive—in Poor Soil (9)

A fragrant perennial, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a compact shrub that produces purple flowers that attract pollinators. "Lavender can do well in 'lean' soils," says Jentz. "Most Mediterranean herbs, such as lavender, are adapted to living in soils that have low-nutrient availability."

Zones: 5a to 9a
Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 2 to 4 feet wide
Care Requirements: Full sun

How to Grow and Care for a Lavender Plant, One of Martha's Favorite Perennials

10of 13

New England Aster

13 Plants That Grow—and Thrive—in Poor Soil (10)

New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a perennial that does well in poor soil and provides important nectar in the fall for many pollinators, says McGuinness. She suggests providing plenty of space for them to grow. They can also manage in clay soil.

Zones: 4 to 8
Mature Size: 3 to 6 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care Requirements: Full sun

11of 13

Rosemary

13 Plants That Grow—and Thrive—in Poor Soil (11)

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a hardy herb that is drought-tolerant and has light purple flowers when in bloom. It's native to the Mediterranean region and has adapted to harsh conditions, normally growing in rocky, infertile soil, saysLinda Vater of the Southern Living Plant Collection.

Zones: 8 to 10
Mature Size: 2 to 6 feet tall x 2 to 4 feet wide
Care Requirements: Full sun

How to Care for Rosemary Plants, a Drought-Tolerant Herb You Can Grow Indoors and Outside

12of 13

Slender Mountain Mint

13 Plants That Grow—and Thrive—in Poor Soil (12)

Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum) is native to North America and attracts plenty of pollinators. This mint stands out with its silvery green leaves and fragrant pink blooms. Mountain mint has a shallow root system and according to Phillips, it "can access limited nutrients and moisture near the surface." She adds that mint can grow in clay, sandy, or loamy soil that is dry, medium, or moist.

Zones: 2 to 8
Mature Size: 1.5 to 5 feet tall x 1 to 3 feet wide
Care Requirements: Full to partial sun

13of 13

Sweet Viburnum

13 Plants That Grow—and Thrive—in Poor Soil (13)

Viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) has numerous varieties, including shrubs and small trees, so you're bound to find one that fits with your gardening needs. Vater recommends the hybrid variety, Coppertop Sweet Viburnum, because it's adaptable and resilient. "It can tolerate most types of soil including sandy and clay soils [and] doesn't require rich soil to thrive," she says.

Zones: 2 to 9
Mature Size: 3 to 20 feet tall x 3 to 12 feet wide
Care Requirements: Partial to full sun