Best Plants To Grow In Rocky Soil

A soil that is full of rocks and stones is not the ideal home for many plants which prefer a deep rich loam and so you are restricted in what you can grow successfully in these conditions. However plants have evolved over hundreds of years and there are plenty that will thrive in a rocky soil. I came across an article on the Gardening Know How website which suggests a number of plants that are suitable for growing among rocks and stones.

It is a simple fact that the majority of plants need a nice nutrient rich place to set their feet. Most plants crave lovely loamy soil with plenty of fertility and just the right amount of moisture and drainage. This is why rocky spaces can be so challenging. Rocky areas are dry, low in fertility and tend to conserve heat, which can make them too hot for some plant?s tastes. This is a laundry list of potentially unfavorable traits in the eyes of a plant. Successfully growing in rocky soil can be done if you amend it to increase nutrient content or if you simply choose plants that grow in this type of soil. Here are the top 5 plant types for rocky soil conditions.

1. Herbaceous perennials. Rocky soil can be hard for plant roots to get a footing into. Shallow rooting plants and those with tough, tenacious systems are the optimum choice for such areas. Herbaceous perennials are often the perfect choice for rocky soil. They will need a little TLC while they establish but can thrive for years once they are mature. Start with these:

  • Butterfly weed
  • Coneflower
  • Epimedium (shady rocky areas)
  • Oxeye Daisy
  • Verbena
  • Rose Campion
  • Black Eyed Susan


2. Herb plants. Herbs are also perfect for the rocky soil regions of your landscape. Sages produce lovely flowers while oregano will colonize an entire area quickly, producing bee attracting blooms. Catmint not only attracts the local felines but makes an excellent tea for you.

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