15 Plants For Shallow Soil And Full Sun That You Will Love

Gardening in areas with shallow soil and abundant sunlight can be a challenge.

There are different types of soil, and they are unique in textures, nutrients, and structure. Each plant requires varying soil quality.

However, there are plants that thrive in such conditions.

garden tools, tiny healthy plant, healthy brown soil, fertilized garden soil, 15 Plants For Shallow Soil And Full Sun That You Will Love

In this article, we have listed 15 plants that are well-suited for shallow soil and full sun exposure.

These selections are not only hardy and adaptable but also visually appealing, making them excellent choices for your garden.

Understanding Soil Depth: Shallow Soil

In gardening, soil depth is a vital factor affecting plant growth. Shallow soil is typically defined as soil with a depth of about 10 to 20 inches or less.

Here we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of shallow soil, and how certain plants can thrive in such conditions, particularly in full sun.

Advantages of Shallow Soil

Shallow soil warms up faster in the spring, which is beneficial for early plant growth, especially for plants that require full sun.

It is easier to work with as it requires less digging and preparation compared to deeper soil.

Shallow soils also drain water more efficiently, reducing the risk of waterlogging, which is beneficial for drought-tolerant plants.

Disadvantages of Shallow Soil

Shallow soil may lack essential nutrients for plant growth, requiring gardeners to fertilize more frequently.

It tends to retain less moisture, which can be problematic during dry periods.

The limited depth can restrict root growth, affecting the plant’s growth and stability.

Soil Depth

The effective soil depth for plant growth refers to the vertical distance from the soil surface to a barrier layer like rock or heavy clay that hinders root growth.

The terms used to denote soil depth are:

Very Shallow: less than 10 inches to barrier layer.

Shallow: 10 to 20 inches to barrier layer.

Moderately Deep: 20 to 36 inches to barrier layer.

Deep: 36 to 60 inches to barrier layer.

Very Deep: 60 inches or more to barrier layer.

Deep, well-drained soils with good texture and structure are ideal for most plants as they hold more nutrients and water.

Soil depth affects crop yield, especially in annual crops grown with minimal irrigation.

Shallow soils offer less mechanical support for plants, making them prone to wind damage, especially trees.

Therefore, it is important to choose the right kind of plants if you're planning to create a garden in shallow soil.

Plants That Grow In Shallow Soil

If you're searching for plants that can grow in shallow soil for your garden, these plants offer an opportunity to maintain a beautiful and thriving garden in less than ideal soil conditions.

1. Lavender

Lavenders grow in the Mediterranean region, which is rich in calcareous soil.

This plant can grow in sandy or gravel soil with 6.5 to 8.0 alkaline pH. You can grow lavenders in fast-draining soil beds or pots.

This plant loves the sun, needs little water, and grows well in drought conditions. Lavender grows up to 3 feet tall, perfect for landscaping.

Its root system has a shallow depth spread of 8 to 10 inches so it will thrive perfectly in shallow soil.

Read more here: Does Lavender Have Invasive Roots?

a beautiful mountain full of purple lavenders aligned perfectly, well arranged

2. Lettuce

Lettuce has fibrous roots so it can grow in shallow soil and container. This vegetable doesn't need deep topsoil to flourish.

If you plan to use lettuce in a pot or container, choose potting soil to plant it. Ensure that the pot or container has ample drainage holes.

Lettuce can grow in soil or pots that are only 4 to 6 inches deep so it's ideal for container gardening.

fresh and healthy lettuce on the garden of the backyard, green crunchy texture of the leaves

3. Foxtail Lilies

Foxtail Lilies can grow in well-drained sandy soil and under direct sunlight, which is perfect for landscaping your garden.

Though Foxtail Lilies can survive shallow soil, they still need adequate water during the growing seasons and do leave the soil dry out too much.

Also, feed your Foxtail Lilies with fertilizer or manure to grow healthy.

The tubers of Foxtail Lilies should be planted at least 4 inches deep into the ground with 2 to 3 feet of space between each tuber.

wild photo captured of a wild foxtail on the field on forest by the lake

4. Periwinkle

Periwinkle is a ground-covering plant, often seen creeping along banks and hills, which is why it is called creeping vinca or creeping myrtle.

This plant requires mild calcareous pH to faint acidic. Periwinkle likes well-drained sandy and loamy soil.

Its blue flowers bloom best under direct sunlight but can also grow in partial shade.

To plant Periwinkle tubers, dig the soil to about 10 to 12 inches deep and place the tubers in with 1 to 2 feet apart between each tuber.

photo of a purple flowers, many flowers, group of purple flowers

5. Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora)

Portulaca grandiflora, commonly known as Moss Rose, is a hardy, low-growing annual plant native to South America, particularly hot and dry plains in Argentina, southern Brazil, and Uruguay.

Known for its ease of growth and vibrant summer blooms that come in a variety of colors including pink, yellow, and white, it's a favorite among gardeners for brightening sunny garden spaces.

Portulaca grandiflora is a versatile and resilient plant that can flourish in shallow soil conditions and full sun, providing a visually striking addition to your garden with minimal fuss.

6. Autumn Joy Sedum

Autumn Joy Sedum produces nectar that attracts bees and other insects. Its stem and leaves are also edible for humans.

Autumn Joy Sedum is drought tolerant and can grow in well-drained soil under direct sunlight.

Its roots can do not grow deep and can thrive in shallow soil, which means it can also be grown in containers.

sun lit photo of a group of pink flowers, beautiful flowers on the backyard garden

7. Petunia

Petunia has shallow roots and loves moist soil. Its roots dry out fast so adequate watering is necessary to keep them alive.

This plant requires well-drained soil, and excessive water can cause root rot.

You can plant Petunia in soil beds or containers and place them under direct sunlight.

group of purple flowers, beautiful violet flowers, up close photo, at the garden of the backyard

8. Brunnera Macrophylla

The Brunnera Macrophylla is a shallow-rooted rhizomatous perennial which is slow-spreading, and native to woodlands.

Its heart-shaped leaves and spring flowers offer captivating scenery to gardens.

There are several species of Macrophylla, and the flower colors differ from blue, white, and light blue.

The Brunnera has blue flower color that blooms in spring. This plant can adapt to any soil conditions and requires direct sunlight.

small, tiny light blue flowers captured up close on a sunny day

9. Pachysandra

Pachysandra is perfect for landscaping because it covers the ground with its thick bush and lovely small flowers.

Its flowers have an intense smell like flowery mothballs. This plant can survive in any soil conditions as long as well-drained.

Pachysandra can grow up to 12 inches tall and is best to be planted in containers or flower beds.

up close photo of a small white flower of green leaf plant on the forest, sun lit

10. Pansy

Pansies have a variety of colors: yellow, white, red, blue, orange, pink, purple, red, bronze, and lavender.

Some pansies have one color, while some have multi colors. These beautiful flowers are perfect for landscaping.

Pansies can grow in any soil conditions, but they prefer a well-drained acidic soil with 5.4 to 5.8 pH.

multicolor flowers, orange flower, yellow flower, purple flower with white tip on the petals

11. Hosta

Hostas have a lot of varieties. Since they are perennial, therefore they can grow in any soil condition.

They can be planted in sandy or clay soil, although they prefer moist, well-drained soil with organic matter.

Hostas can grow in just one shovel deep of soil but when planted on the ground, their roots can extend.

garden on the back of the house, white and green colored leaves of a plant

12. Zinnia

If you want to splash your garden with bright, colorful flowers, Zinnias are what you are looking for. These flowers come in different colors: white, pink, and red.

Zinnias require full sun and can grow in any soil condition, though they grow taller if the soil is richer.

Zinnias can thrive in shallow soil and will grow their roots within the top 12 inches of the ground.

many colors of flowers, pink, orange, green, peach, sunny day, summer time

13. English Ivy

English Ivy has dark, green leaves and white veins that felt waxy and a little leathery.

It loves the sun and shade, and can grow in well-drained, medium-moist soil.

There are several varieties of English Ivy: Golden Child, Ivalance, Glacier, Anne Marie, Needlepoint, and many more.

English Ivies have two beneficial characteristics: medicinal purposes and air purifiers. One of the best plants to keep in your garden.

hanging plant on the hanging pot beside the window, green leaf, white tip leaf, vines

14. Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are beautiful flowers in different colors: blue, pink, lilac, and violet which all bloom in spring and summer.

These lovely flowers add aesthetics and colors to your garden. They can survive in shallow soil in consistent moisture under full sun.

Their root systems usually grow within 6 inches of the top soil but it can extend up to 12 inches.

colorful group of flowers, close up photo of beautiful colorful flowers on the garden

15. Thyme

Thyme is a robust herb that performs well in shallow, well-draining soil. It's also drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for such conditions.

As with most herbs, it grows very shallow roots. Don't try to plant it deeper in the soil to prevent root rot.

What Are The Types Of Soil?

We have listed the types of soil to fully understand soil structure and how they differ.

Sandy Soil

This soil needs several organic blends to make plants grow. Sandy soil requires mulching to hold moisture.

close up photo of a hand of a man with a soil on it on a sunny day at the farm on the mountain

Clay Soil

This soil has nutrients, though it holds the water too much because of tiny particles.

It becomes sticky that the top soil or the base of the plant will flood. You need to take care of the drainage to avoid overwatering.

up close photo of a soil, earth soil, dry soil, sun lit, sunny day, ground, tiny ground particles

Silty Soil

This type of foil becomes mud once wet. You must add organic matter to make it fertile and improve the draining capacity.

dry soil, shallow soil, brown soil, ground, dirt, roots, human hand planting

Peaty Soil

This soil is acidic, which some plants love like Azalea, Bleeding Hearts, Camellia, and Heather. Add lime and organic matter for additional benefits to plants.