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Shade Annuals for Dry, Root-Filled Clay: Soil Prep, Fertilizer, and Plant Picks for a Dingy Corner

Raised area at garden bottom: shallow clay/stony soil, shaded by large trees that take water/nutrients. Petunias, begonias, lobelia barely survive, few flowers. Will add compost. Asks plants for arid shade.

Soil Prep

Loosen top 3–4", mix in 1" organic matter.

Shade Annuals That Perform

Impatiens, green-leaf begonias (not red), torenia, browallia, coleus, caladiums.

Feeding & Watering

Spray-feed every 2–3 weeks.
½ tsp Osmocote per plant at planting.
pH near 6.5.
Water deeply, infrequently once established.

Follow this plan for excellent flowers.

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