Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Known for their golden-yellow petals and dark brown centers, these perennials thrive in clay soil. They brighten up any garden from midsummer to frost.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): A native prairie grass, switchgrass is durable and can tolerate clay soil. It offers both vertical height and movement as it sways in the breeze.

Daylily (Hemerocallis): Daylilies are incredibly adaptive plants that can grow in many types of soil, including heavy clay. They offer a variety of colors and require minimal care.

Coneflower (Echinacea): These daisy-like flowers come in purple, pink, red, or white and attract pollinators. They’re tough and can grow in less-than-ideal soil conditions like heavy clay.

Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana): Beautiful star-shaped blue flowers define this plant that’s particularly suited for clay soils. Bluestar also provides stunning fall color when its foliage turns golden-yellow.

Japanese Iris (Iris ensata): Unlike other irises that may struggle in clay soil, the Japanese iris relishes it. This elegant and tall iris variety produces large, intricate blooms.

Asters (Aster spp.): A diverse group of plants offering a range of colors and sizes, asters do well in clay. They’ll produce lovely daisy-like flowers in late summer to fall when many other plants are fading.