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Things to plant in very shallow poor soil

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muckandnettles Tue 08-Apr-25 14:55:48

This is my problem in the front garden; previous owners of the house have put gravel on top of what seems to be a very shallow level of soil over old concrete underneath. It's large area so I'm not going to dig it up or start again in some way but I want it to look at least as if there is some care going into it and some things growing that aren't weeds. I'd like to cultivate a sort of basic gravel garden. So far grape hyacinths have done quite well and have spread themselves into various clumps which look good and I've experimented with clumps of thyme which has also survived the winter and looks okay. So what I'm looking for is further suggestions of plants that might actually be able to survive in shallow soil. The garden gets a lot of direct sunshine, it's quite dry and drains well. Any help would be much appreciated!

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muckandnettles Sat 14-Jun-25 17:13:44

MayBee, that's funny because I have just cleared a load of Vinca Minor from the back garden as it was all getting out of hand. It came through the fence from next door originally, so I've perhaps not appreciated it as much as I should have done!

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Gwyllt Sat 14-Jun-25 18:06:50
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Late to make a suggestion but Mexican Fleebane grows really well in any dry spot or wall and flowers all summer. Just strim it back in the spring

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Gwyllt Sat 14-Jun-25 18:08:38
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Trying again

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Allira Sat 14-Jun-25 18:17:09

Ajuga takes over here, so be careful. I've been given some, and had to dig it out, was given another two lots in a collection of plants and so I'm growing the ajuga in two pots.

Oregano was another thought for your gravel garden, but that tends to seed everywhere.

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Allira Sat 14-Jun-25 18:19:04

Chives grow in cracks in the paving slabs, but not nicely in a pot! Sage has rooted itself in cracks too, but given up in the herb bed.

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Cressy Sat 14-Jun-25 18:51:52

If you fancy a taller plant , verbena bonariensis does well in poor soil and once established seeds freely - maybe a bit too freely but easy to pull up.

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threads Sat 14-Jun-25 20:20:58

I'm doing well with Russian Sage in similar conditions, if you fancy something taller. Needs sun however, but appears to thrive on neglect.

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