Shrubs that Grow in Sandy Soil
Shrubs that grow in sandy soil. Searching for shrubs that you can plant in sandy soil? We selected 5 shrubs, some low growing and others taller to plant in sandy soil.
Sandy soil is soil that does not retain water. In fact, because water retention is low, many of the soil nutrients are washed away by rainfall. Lack of water retention ability is due to the coarseness of sandy soil particles. As an alternative to planting with sandy soil, the soil can be amended with organic material or compost. If enough organic material and compost is added, you can transform the soil so that it has some water retention capabilities. Although keep in mind that adding compost to sandy soil gardens can be labor intensive and time consuming especially if your garden space is quite large.
Shrubs that Grow in Sandy Soil
Another thing to consider, is that it is easier to manage your garden by simply using sandy soil tolerant plants, shrubs, and ground covers. Today’s post covers shrubs that grow in sandy soils.
We have written about plants that grow in sandy soil and sun. you can read that post here: Plants that Grow in Sandy Soil and Sun
For a list of plants that grow in shade read this post: Plants that Grow in Sandy Soil and Shade.
Now on to our list of shrubs that grow in sandy soils. Take a look and let us know what you think.
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Hibiscus Paraplu Pink Ink – Shrubs that Grow in Sandy Soil
Also known as the Rose of Sharon, the Hibiscus Paraplu Pink Ink is a fast growing shrub. Hibiscus with its upright growth habit, can be used to form a hedge.
- grows in zones 5 to 9
- full Sun to mostly Sunny
- reaches between 5 to 8 feet tall
- flowers are white crepe paper-like with bright starburst red center extending to vibrant pink accent
- foliage is deep-green
- blooms from early to late Summer
- attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- resistant to deer
- tolerates normal, clay, and sandy soil conditions
- tolerant of seaside – salt conditions
- plant as a specimen plant, back of the border, or as a hedge
2. First Choice Caryopteris
First Choice Caryopteris is a superb shrub that pollinators love. The First Choice is a newer selection that is more compact than other Blue Mist spirea. With a tight branching habit, First Choice is a water wise selection.
- grows in zones 5 to 9
- full Sun
- reaches 24 to 48 inches tall with a spread of 48 inches wide
- fragrant flower spikes are deep blue with fragrant foliage
- blooms late Summer
- attracts bees, butterflies to its nectar
- resistant to deer and rabbits
- tolerant of drought conditions once First Choice has been established – xeric, water wise
- add flowers to a cut floral arrangement
- tolerates sandy, and average soil conditions (non-clay soils)
- plant shrub as a hedge or privacy screen
3. New Jersey Tea Plant
An excellent native low growing shrub for hummingbirds. The New Jersey Tea Plant is known as Ceanothus americanus. Hummingbirds are frequent visitors to the New Jersey Tea Plant. They are attracted to the tiny insects that pollinate the fragrant white flowers.
- native
- grows in zones 3 to 8
- morning Sun and afternoon shade to full Sun
- reaches 24 to 36 inches with a spread of 36 inches
- fragrant flowers are bright white with glossy fragrant green leaves
- blooms late Spring to early Summer
- attracts butterflies, hummingbirds
- resistant to deer
- tolerates sandy, and average soil conditions
- tolerant of drought conditions once established
- grow shrubs two to three feet apart to create a smaller hedge for birds
4. Alyogyne huegelii Blue Hibiscus – Shrubs that Grow in Sandy Soil
Beautiful Blue Hibiscus is a low maintenance shrub perfect for newer gardeners. A water wise shrub, Blue Hibiscus blooms year round in milder climates. Thrives in hot and dry climates. Although it can reach 6 by 8 feet at maturity, the shrub can be cut back to a compact size. This in turn will produce more flowers on the denser shrub.
- Australian native
- grows in zones 9 to 11
- part shade and part Sun to full Sun
- reaches 6 by 8 feet
- flowers are 4 to 5 inches wide of light blue to lavender pinwheel blooms with yellow eyes
- foliage is dark green and evergreen
- tolerates poor, sandy, rich, and well-draining soil conditions
- tolerant of drought conditions, once established
- grow in a container or as an ornamental tree by cutting back
5. Sweet Fern – Shrubs that Grow in Sandy Soil
The Sweet Fern is known as Comptonia peregrina too. Fragrant Sweet Fern grows from Canada to Northern Georgia. Usually found on sandy dry soils in either full Sun or beneath the canopy of pine trees.
- North American native
- grows in zones 2a to 7b
- reaches 24 inches tall
- reaches 2 to 5 feet tall
- part Sun and part shade to light shade
- flowers are green and yellow
- fragrant foliage is thick, fern-like, fragrant green leaves
- blooms April, May, and June
- resistant to deer
- tolerates loam and sandy soil conditions
- serves as a larval host for moths and butterflies including the Io moth, many sphinx moth species
- hosts the Anise Swallowtail butterfly
This ends our list of shrubs that grow in sandy soil. We hope you enjoyed our post. Be sure to let us what you think. If you have sandy soil, have you had success growing certain plants or shrubs? We’d love to know about your success stories. If you enjoyed this post . . . .
Enjoy Our Other Gardening related posts, including:
Plants that Grow in Sandy Soil and Shade
Ornamental Grasses that Grow in Sandy Soil and Sun
Ground Covers that Grow in Sandy Soil and Sun
And if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. We always are ready to help you out. Thank you for dropping by.
Mary
