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Which Plants Thrive on the South Coast of England?

If you've ever tried growing a specific plant in your garden, only to watch it wilt and die overnight, you'll know how tricky it is to grow plants in the wrong climate. Whilst there's usually a way to make it work, it takes things like a greenhouse, artificial lighting, and more – planting and praying just won't cut it!
To grow a healthy, luscious garden, your best bet is to choose plants that thrive in the soil local to your area. Luckily, the south coast of England has plenty of stunning flowers you can use to create the garden of your dreams.
The Real Green Gardener have been designing one-of-a-kind gardens across the south for over a decade. In the guide below, we'll introduce you to the main soil types along the south coast, share some examples of plants that grow well in each type, and show you how to figure out which type of soil is in your own garden. Let's dive in!
How Does Soil Affect Plant Growth?
Along with the weather, soil plays a crucial role in determining the health and growth of plants. When the soil isn't quite right, plants might not reach their full growth potential – or even grow at all!
Some of the many soil factors that affect how well a plant will grow are:
- Nutrient availability
- Water holding capacity
- Aeration and gas exchange
- Physical support
- Soil composition and texture
- pH level
- Soil structure
- Microorganisms
- Erosion and drainage
Altering the traits of soil, like turning acidic soil into alkaline, can be quite a tough task. While it's not necessarily impossible, it's usually much easier to choose plants that naturally thrive in the type of soil you already have.
What Types of Soil Does the South Coast Have, and Which Plants Grow Best in Each Type?
Thanks to its diverse geology and climate, the south coast of England is home to a wide variety of soil types. Here are some of the most common you'll encounter, as well as the types of plants that grow best in them.
Chalk Downland Soil
The southern region is famous for its chalky landscapes, with the sweeping White Cliffs of Dover standing as one of its most iconic symbols. In fact, the south boasts some of the largest natural deposits of chalk anywhere in the world.
Chalky soils are especially common in areas like the South Downs and the North Downs. They're characterised by their high calcium carbonate content, which is derived from the weathering of the underlying chalk rock.
Chalk soils are alkaline, well-draining, and often have a light texture. They can be quite shallow and may be prone to erosion.
Plants that grow well in chalk downland soil:
- Chalk Milkwort (Polygala calcarea)
- Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare)
- Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)
- Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra)
- Chalk St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
- Wayfaring Tree (Viburnum lantana)
- Common Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
- Spindle Tree (Euonymus europaeus)
- Wild Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Clay Soil
Clay soils can also be found in various parts of the south coast. They can present challenges for gardening due to their dense and compact nature, which can lead to poor drainage and limited root penetration. However, many plants are well-suited to clay soils and can thrive with proper care.
Plants that grow well in clay soil:
- Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
- Coneflowers (Echinacea)
- Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
- Lilacs (Syringa)
- Forsythia (Forsythia)
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
- River Birch (Betula nigra)
- White Oak (Quercus alba)
- Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Daffodils (Narcissus)
- Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Cabbage
Sandy Soil
Sandy soils are prevalent along some coastal areas. They have larger particles and drain quickly, which can lead to challenges in retaining moisture and nutrients. However, they are easy to work with and warm up quickly in the spring.
Plants that grow well in sandy soil:
- Succulents and cacti, such as aloe and agave
- Beach Grass (Ammophila spp.)
- Sagebrush (Artemisia spp.)
- Sea Holly (Eryngium spp.)
- Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
- Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)
- Yucca (Yucca spp.)
- Portulaca (Portulaca oleracea)
- Sedum (Sedum spp.)
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Peat Soil
Peat soils can be found in some marshy or wetland areas. They're known for their high organic matter content, acidic pH, and water-retaining properties. Whilst they can present challenges for gardening due to their tendency to become compacted and retain excess moisture, there are many plants that can thrive in peat soil conditions.
Plants that grow well in peat soil:
- Heathers (Calluna spp. and Erica spp.)
- Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.)
- Sphagnum Moss (Sphagnum spp.)
- Lady Ferns (Athyrium filix-femina)
- Ostrich Ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
- Bog Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia)
- Bog Laurel (Kalmia polifolia)
- Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia spp.)
- Bog Cotton (Eriophorum spp.)
- Bog Myrtle (Myrica gale)
- Bog Orchid (Hammarbya paludosa)
- Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
Of course, the soils listed above aren't the only ones you'll find along the coast – there are also others like silt, loam, and saline soils – but they're probably the ones you'll come across most often.
How to Tell Which Type of Soil Is in Your Garden
Identifying the type of soil you have is key to growing a healthy garden. It allows you to pick the perfect plants, enrich the soil with the right composts, and provide the right level of maintenance.
You can tell which soil you have through inspecting it visually, feeling its texture, and testing its percolation, pH, and separation.
Keep in mind that even a small garden can have a mix of different soil types, and local conditions can have a big impact on your soil's characteristics. For precise information about a specific location, it's best to consult local soil surveys or agricultural extension services.
Discover the Perfect Plants for Your Soil with the Real Green Gardener
At the Real Green Gardener, we've been making dreams blossom along the south coast for over ten years. Our award-winning team specialise in a variety of garden design and landscaping services, including planting and bedding packages, green waste disposal, and more.
If you're looking to enhance your garden but aren't sure where to start, we're here to help. We have the tools and expertise to pinpoint your garden's exact soil type, which will allow us to create a planting scheme that guarantees strong growth. No matter your garden's size or layout, we're committed to transforming it into a stunning oasis that is certain to delight both you and visitors.
Ready to get started? Book a consultation online or call us on 01202 722943 today. We can't wait to bring your vision to life!