Clay soil that is densely compacted will make it hard for the roots of some species of flowers to grow.A group of several specimens of Wild Bergamot will bring in everything from hummingbirds, large Swallowtail butterflys to a variety of bees.Ironweed is a tall, erect butterfly magnet that grows great in clay and moist soils.Reaching heights of 5-6′ tall, this sun loving plant gives dark purple blooms late in the season.Attracting many different pollinators, I’ve noticed that Ironweed seems to be a favorite of Monarch Butterflys migrating to Mexico.It is one of the last sunflower varieties to bloom providing late season nectar/pollen to bees and butterflys.Beautiful Golden Alexander adds interest and life to your garden in early Spring.A beautiful annual flower that looks great as an accent or mass planting, Plains Coreopsis gives color from June until Frost.The thin stems are almost invisible against a backdrop of other plants, which can give the illusion that the blooms are floating in the air!Having a short taproot that can punch through clay, Partridge Pea is a drought tolerant Native Annual Flower.In my Partridge Pea patches in my backyard microprarie, you can always here the buzzing of dozens of bumble and other bees.Research has shown that you will get more caterpillars when you plant Swamp Milkweed on the outer edges of your garden too.As one of the shorter types of milkweed (2′ tall), Butterfly Weed brings beautiful orange flowers for 1-2 months during the Summer.It’s short height makes it a versatile choice, as it can go in manicured flower beds or wild areas.A true clay-busting native Perennial flower, Blue False Indigo roots are slow to develop, but they go deep!A valuable nectar source for late season pollinators, this is a beautiful flower that is also ecologically important.Growing up to 4-5′ tall in optimum conditions, this wildflower may require some staking if not exposed to any wind.This native perennial is a drought tolerant, clay busting, showy, and tough pollinator magnet!Blooming for 1-2 months in late Spring to mid-Summer, the lovely purple stalks are long lasting!The taproot of Pale Purple Coneflower has no problem punching through hard, compacted clay soil.The most common of coneflowers, Echinacea purpurea blooms for 1-2 months in mid to late Summer.Unlike other Echinacea varieties, Purple Coneflower has fibrous roots that have no problem growing in clay soil.If you are in the market for a tough, clay busting native perennial that is loved by bees and butterflys, then Black-Eyed Susans are for you!A special note though: Although the taproot has no problem growing through hard compacted clay, it needs to drain well.Being a medium sized prairie grass (typically 4′ tall), Little Bluestem will thrive in clay and is drought tolerant.Growing up to 8′ tall, this is a beautiful ornamental grass that can provide a focal point or central accent to any flower bed.The individual flowers hang down from the blade and dangle in the wind, making this a really cool and beautiful grass.Check back regularly as we will update this list as we write up more native plant profiles.I hope you’ve enjoyed this and found our list of flowers that grow well in clay helpful in planning your garden!The easiest way to make clay soil easier to dig, till and work is to heavily amend with compost and organic matter.By adding organic matter such as leaves, grass clippings, and veggie scraps you will loosen up the bonds of clay soil.This will not only unlock the nutrients for plant consumption, but make it easier to take a shovel full of dirt.
Edward R. Forte
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