The best and worst plants for Sussex soils

1. Chalky Soils

Characteristics: Alkaline, well-draining, stony, and prone to drought in summer.

Plants that don't grow well in Sussex chalky soil:

• Acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, and blueberries struggle in chalky soils due to their alkaline nature.

• Moisture-loving plants like ferns, hostas, and astilbes will find the fast-draining nature of chalky soils difficult, as they require more moisture-retentive conditions.

Plants that do grow well in Sussex chalky soil:

• Lavender (Lavandula)

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

• Clematis (Clematis viticella) – many varieties thrive in chalky soil.

• Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)

• Wildflowers such as ox-eye daisy, poppies, and harebells, which are often native to chalk grasslands.

• Yarrow (Achillea)

• Sedum (Sedum spectabile)

Chalky soils are ideal for Mediterranean plants and those that prefer alkaline conditions and good drainage.

2. Clay Soils

Characteristics: Heavy, slow-draining, prone to water logging, compacted, and difficult to work.

Plants that don't grow well in Sussex Clay:

• Root vegetables like carrots and parsnips have difficulty growing in dense clay because the soil is too hard for their roots to penetrate.

• Plants sensitive to waterlogging like lavender, thyme, and many Mediterranean herbs will suffer in poorly draining clay soils.

• Bulbs like tulips and crocuses may rot in the wet, compact conditions.

Plants that do grow well in Sussex Clay:

• Roses (Rosa)

• Willows (Salix)

• Dogwood (Cornus)

• Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)

• Asters (Aster novae-angliae)

• Hostas (Hosta) – thrive in the moisture-holding properties of clay.

• Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

3. Sandy Soils

Characteristics: Light, well-draining, low in nutrients, dries out quickly.

Plants that don't grow well in Sandy Sussex Soil:

• Moisture-loving plants like hydrangeas, lobelias, and hellebores will struggle due to the fast-draining nature and lack of water retention.

• Heavy feeders like cabbages, roses, and dahlias may struggle because of the poor nutrient content in sandy soils unless they are heavily amended with organic matter.

• Water-retentive plants like hostas and ferns will not thrive as they prefer more moisture-holding soils.

Plants that do grow well in Sandy Sussex Soil:

• Cistus (Rock rose)

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

• Sedum (Sedum album) – thrives in dry, sandy conditions.

• Eryngium (Sea holly)

• Pines (Pinus sylvestris)

• Heathers (Calluna vulgaris)

• Agapanthus (Agapanthus africanus)

4. Loamy Soils

Characteristics: Balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay, fertile, well-draining, and easy to cultivate.

Plants that don't grow well in Loamy Sussex Soils:

• Few plants struggle in loamy soil since it is versatile and fertile, but extreme moisture-loving plants like marsh marigolds or bog plants may need more consistently wet conditions than loam typically provides.

Plants that do grow well in Loamy Sussex Soils:

• Nearly any garden plant!

• Vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, and beans.

• Flowering shrubs like roses, hydrangeas, and fuchsias.

• Perennials like peonies, delphiniums, and lupins.

5. Peaty Soils

Characteristics: High in organic matter, moisture-retentive, acidic.

Plants that don't grow well in peaty soils:

• Alkaline-loving plants like clematis, lavender, and honeysuckle will struggle in acidic peaty soils.

• Plants needing well-draining conditions like succulents, yuccas, and cacti will struggle due to peaty soil's moisture retention.

Plants that do grow well in peaty soils:

• Rhododendrons (Rhododendron)

• Camellias (Camellia)

• Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) – love acidic soil.

• Ferns (Dryopteris, Athyrium)

• Heather (Calluna vulgaris)

• Bog plants such as carnivorous plants (e.g., Sarracenia).

• Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) – grows well in acidic, moist soils.

Happy Growing!

Conner

McIntyre Landscapes