Perennials for Wet Spring, Dry Summer Clay Sites in Pennsylvania

Suitable Perennials

These tolerate wet spring soils and summer drought in clay:

Astilbe, Bugbane, Campanula, Cardinal Flower, Coreopsis (threadleaf), Lizard’s Tail, Meadowsweet, Monkshood, Obedient Plant, Turtlehead
Daylilies, Hardy Hibiscus, Japanese Iris, Farfugium, Ligularia
Bee Balm, Spiderwort, Goatsbeard, Swamp Milkweed

Create slightly raised beds within the clay area to improve drainage around crowns.

Soil Issues: Diagnosing Low Water Pressure from a Well System in Arid Regions; Solving Yard Drainage Problems: Gravel Sumps, Regrading, and French Drains; Pavers Over River Rock: Impact on Drainage; Converting a Swampy Backyard into Usable Lawn; Choosing Water-Loving Trees for Poorly Drained Yards; Backyard Pooling Over a Filled-In Pool: Drainage Options; Fixing Poor Drainage in HOA Planter with Queen Palm; Transforming a Wet, Shady Backyard into a Woodland Garden; Fixing Negative Grading and Drainage Around a Home: Slopes, Swales, and Planting Solutions; How to Improve Poor Drainage in Your Garden

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