| We've lost a fair size hibiscus of some 20 years in clay. We are thinking of replacing it with one of two shrubs or small trees but drainage in poor soil is an issue. Without reconditioning the soil what zone 9 + plants would you recommend? Thank you. |
| There are really quite a few shrubs that will tolerate clay soils. Here's a list: Deciduous shrubs Berberis thunbergii, Japanese Barberry Chaenomeles japonica, Flowering Quince Cornus sericea, Red or Yellow Twig Dogwood Corylus avellana, Harry Lauders Walking Stick Cotinus coggygria, Smokebush Euonymus alatus, Burning Bush Forsythia intermedia, Forsythia Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydranga Spiraea bumalda, Spirea Viburnum sp., Viburnums Weigela florida, Flowering Weigela Evergreen shrubs Aucuba japonica, Gold Dust Plant Buxus microphylla, Korean Boxwood Chamaecyparis pisifera, Plume Cypress Cotoneaster sp., Cotoneaster Ilex glabra, Inkberry Mahonia aquifolium, Oregon Grape Holly Picea abies varieties, Dwarf Norway Spruce Hope one (or more) fit the bill! |
