Possible plants to add to your garden

Here are some plants that would be suitable to add to the chalky soil in your garden at various times of the year:

Shrubs flowering or interesting in June, July, and August suitable for a shady position in chalky soil:

Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla): Known for its large and showy flower heads, hydrangeas thrive in shady spots and can tolerate chalky soil.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius): Mock Orange produces fragrant white flowers in early summer. It can tolerate shade and grows well in chalky soil.

Viburnum (Viburnum opulus): This deciduous shrub bears clusters of white flowers in summer, followed by bright red berries. It can thrive in shade and adapts well to chalky soil.

Perennial plants flowering or interesting in the UK in July and August suitable for a sunny position in chalky soil:

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): With its aromatic foliage and beautiful purple flowers, lavender is well-suited to sunny positions and chalky soil.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): These striking flowers have cone-shaped centres and come in various colours, such as pink, purple, and white. They thrive in full sun and chalky soil.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow produces flat-topped clusters of flowers in shades of white, pink, and yellow. It’s a hardy perennial that grows well in sunny positions and chalky soil.

Catmint (Nepeta spp.): Catmint is known for its aromatic foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate chalky soil conditions.

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia): This perennial displays silvery-grey foliage and produces spikes of purple-blue flowers. It prefers full sun and can tolerate chalky soil.

Perennial plants flowering or interesting in the UK in September and October suitable for a sunny position in chalky soil:

Sedum (Sedum spp.): Sedums are drought-tolerant and produce clusters of star-shaped flowers in various colours, including pink, red, and white. They thrive in sunny positions and chalky soil.

Michaelmas Daisy (Aster spp.): These daisy-like flowers bloom in shades of purple, pink, and white. They prefer full sun and can adapt to chalky soil conditions.

Autumn Joy Stonecrop (Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’): This succulent perennial produces large, flat flower heads in shades of pink that gradually darken as the season progresses. It grows well in sunny spots and chalky soil.

Japanese Anemone (Anemone × hybrida): With its elegant flowers in shades of pink and white, the Japanese Anemone adds beauty to autumn gardens. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate chalky soil.

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale): This bulbous plant blooms in autumn, producing large, showy flowers in shades of pink and purple. It prefers sunny positions and chalky soil.

For a sunny position in clay soil type in the UK during March and April, here are five perennial plants that are known to flower or have interesting features:

Primula vulgaris (Primrose): A charming early spring flower with clusters of pale yellow blooms. It thrives in partial shade and moist clay soil.

Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose): This evergreen perennial produces elegant, cup-shaped flowers in a range of colours, including white, pink, and purple. It prefers partial shade and well-drained clay soil.

Narcissus spp. (Daffodils): Daffodils are iconic spring flowers, offering a burst of colour with their bright yellow, trumpet-shaped blooms. They thrive in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate clay soil.

Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ (Wallflower): This perennial produces clusters of fragrant purple flowers from early spring into summer. It enjoys full sun and well-drained clay soil.

Papaver orientale (Oriental Poppy): Known for their large, showy flowers in vibrant colours like red, pink, and orange, Oriental poppies are eye-catching additions to the garden. They prefer full sun and well-drained clay soil.

For a shady position with chalky soil in the UK during August and September, here are five perennial plants that thrive under such conditions:

Hosta spp. (Hosta): These shade-loving plants offer a variety of foliage colours, textures, and sizes. They produce attractive, lily-like flowers in summer and prefer moist, well-drained chalky soil.

Astrantia major (Masterwort): This perennial features unique, star-shaped flowers surrounded by papery bracts. It thrives in partial shade and well-drained chalky soil.

Epimedium spp. (Barrenwort): Barrenwort is a versatile perennial that grows well in shade. It has delicate, long-lasting flowers and attractive foliage that turns vibrant shades of red and orange in the fall. It prefers well-drained chalky soil.

Anemone hupehensis (Japanese Anemone): These late summer bloomers produce elegant, pink or white flowers on tall stems. They are well-suited for shady areas with chalky soil.

Bergenia spp. (Elephant’s Ears): This evergreen perennial boasts bold, leathery leaves and clusters of pink or white flowers in spring. It thrives in shade or partial shade and prefers well-drained chalky soil.