29 Plants That Grow in Terrible Soil (And Still Look Amazing)

Sometimes, your soil just isn’t great, and that’s okay! You don’t have to give up your garden dreams. These tough plants thrive in poor, rocky, or sandy soils and still manage to put on a beautiful show. Whether you're battling clay, drought, or neglected spots, these survivors deliver color, texture, and resilience. Here's your go-to list of gorgeous plants that don’t mind difficult soil and will make your garden pop anyway.

1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow thrives in dry, sandy soil and needs very little care once established. It bursts with flat-topped clusters of flowers in shades of yellow, pink, red, or white. Butterflies love it, and deer usually steer clear. Its fern-like leaves give it a delicate, textured look. This perennial is drought-tolerant and perfect for borders. Plus, it blooms all summer long!

2. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

With silvery foliage and clouds of lavender-blue blooms, Russian sage adds elegance to poor soils. It thrives in dry, rocky areas and loves full sun. Its airy, tall form makes it great as a backdrop in flower beds, and pollinators flock to its blooms. Once planted, it’s super low-maintenance, and even drought doesn’t faze it.

3. Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum loves poor, dry soil and thrives where other plants struggle. It has many shapes and sizes, from ground covers to tall, upright forms. The fleshy leaves hold water, making it very drought-resistant. Sedum blooms late in the season with pink or yellow flowers. Bees and butterflies adore it. It’s practically indestructible!

4. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

This cheerful wildflower isn’t picky about soil. It grows well in dry, poor areas and spreads easily. The golden-yellow petals with dark centers brighten up any garden. It handles drought and neglect like a champ. Butterflies and bees can’t resist it. It’s excellent for naturalized and wildflower gardens.

5. Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)

Plains coreopsis, also known as golden tickseed, is a sun-loving annual that blooms continuously from early summer to frost. Its daisy-like flowers feature bright yellow petals with maroon-red centers and sway on slender, airy stems. This easygoing wildflower thrives in poor, dry soils and tolerates heat and drought well. It attracts pollinators, resists deer, and often reseeds itself for return blooms each year.

6. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender thrives in sandy or gravelly soil with excellent drainage. Once established, it needs full sun and little water. Its fragrant purple blooms are a favorite of bees and gardeners alike. Lavender adds a calming scent to your garden. Prune it annually to keep it tidy. It’s as tough as it is beautiful.

7. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia x grandiflora)

This plant laughs at poor soil and dry weather. Blanket flower has bold red and yellow blooms that resemble a sunset. It flowers nonstop through summer and into fall. It loves full sun and sandy spots. Deadhead to keep it blooming. It’s a colorful workhorse in any low-maintenance bed.

8. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Coneflowers are native to prairies and tolerate tough conditions. They grow in poor, rocky soil and still stand tall. The big, daisy-like flowers come in purple, white, pink, and orange. Pollinators love them, and birds enjoy the seed heads. They’re long-blooming and super hardy. A must-have for any rough patch.

9. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

This native wildflower thrives in dry, sandy soils. Its bright orange flowers are magnets for monarch butterflies. It’s a tough perennial that handles drought and heat. Butterfly weed grows well in neglected areas. It’s beautiful and beneficial for wildlife. Just give it sun and space.

10. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)

Lamb’s ear loves dry, poor soil and full sun. Its velvety silver leaves add texture and softness to your garden. It spreads nicely as a ground cover. Pink-purple flower spikes rise in summer. It’s deer-resistant and very drought-tolerant. This plant is great for edging, and kids love to touch it!

11. Daylily (Hemerocallis hybrids)

Daylilies are the ultimate survivors. They grow in clay, sandy, or poor soils with ease. Each bloom lasts a day, but the plant sends out so many that you’ll always see color. They come in nearly every color. Once established, they need little care. Divide them every few years to keep them going.

12. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

California poppies love dry, sandy, or gravelly soil. These bright orange blooms make a bold statement. They reseed freely and spread without fuss. They thrive on neglect and bloom from spring to fall. A favorite in wildflower mixes, they're great for sunny, dry banks or borders.

13. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary grows best in gritty, poor soil with lots of sun. It’s both beautiful and edible. The needle-like leaves are evergreen and aromatic. Blue blooms appear in spring and attract bees. It’s drought-tolerant and resists pests. It's a lovely plant for herb gardens or decorative beds.

14. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Bee balm is a pollinator favorite and tolerates a range of soils. While it prefers rich soil, it still grows well in poorer spots. It blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. The unique flower shapes add drama to borders. It spreads easily and can naturalize an area. Just make sure it gets some sun.

15. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Cosmos thrives in poor, sandy soil and full sun. These airy, daisy-like flowers come in pinks, whites, and deep magentas. They bloom for months and attract bees and butterflies. Cosmos grow tall and sway in the breeze, adding charm. They reseed freely and don’t need much care, and are a favorite for cottage-style gardens.

16. Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro)

This architectural plant thrives in gravelly, poor soil. Its striking, long-lasting spiky blue flowers are striking and durable. Globe thistle loves dry conditions and full sun. Deer and rabbits leave it alone. It adds bold texture to garden beds and stands out in any tough spot.

17. Catmint (Nepeta × faassenii)

Catmint thrives in dry, poor soil and blooms like crazy. Its purple flowers and gray-green foliage look great all season. Bees adore it, and it’s deer-resistant. It forms neat mounds and softens garden edges. It’s super low-maintenance and smells fantastic, making it an excellent companion to roses and perennials.

18. Penstemon (Beardtongue)

Penstemon produces tubular blooms in red, pink, purple, or white shades. It’s native to rocky, dry areas and needs little care. Hummingbirds love the flowers. It does best in sunny spots with well-draining soil. Once established, it handles drought well aside from being a star in xeriscapes and dry gardens.

19. Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi)

Ice plant has succulent leaves and bright, daisy-like blooms. It thrives in sandy or rocky soil and full sun. This ground cover spreads quickly and blooms like crazy. The flowers shine in pinks, purples, and yellows. It’s drought-tolerant and evergreen in warm climates, perfect for slopes and rock gardens.

20. Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)

These cute succulents love gritty, poor soil and plenty of sun. They form tight rosettes and spread easily. The “chicks” grow around the “hen,” making new plants. They need almost no water. They’re perfect for pots, walls, and dry spots, which makes them easy to care for and adorable!

21. Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri)

Gaura has airy stems and butterfly-like pink or white flowers. It thrives in sandy, well-drained soil and sways beautifully in the breeze. Gaura blooms all summer and into fall. It’s drought-tolerant, loved by pollinators, and is one of the best options for wildflower gardens or borders.

22. Long-blooming Tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata)

Commonly known as threadleaf coreopsis, this tickseed variety is a beloved perennial known for its finely textured, fern-like foliage and exceptionally long blooming season. With proper deadheading and ideal growing conditions, it can produce waves of cheerful daisy-like flowers for three to four months straight. Its combination of long bloom time, resilience, and light, airy texture makes it a standout choice for continuous summer color.

23. Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis fruticosa)

This drought-tolerant plant loves poor, dry soil. Its fuzzy leaves and yellow flowers stand out in the garden. It’s evergreen in mild climates. The plant is low-maintenance and looks great all year. It adds both structure and softness and seems like a hidden gem.

24. Sea Holly (Eryngium planum)

Sea holly has spiky, steel-blue flowers that wow. It thrives in sandy, dry soil and full sun. Bees adore it, and it’s deer-resistant. The sculptural form adds interest even after bloom. It’s a bold choice for hot, neglected spots for its unique and dramatic appearance.

25. Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

This native plant grows in poor, sandy soil. Tall spikes of purple flowers bloom in summer. It attracts butterflies and bees in droves. Blazing Star handles drought with ease. It looks excellent in drifts or as a vertical accent as a wildflower wonder.

26. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel grows well in less-than-perfect soil and full sun. Its feathery foliage adds softness to garden beds. Yellow umbrella-shaped blooms appear in summer. Fennel is both ornamental and edible. Pollinators and beneficial insects love it, being a multi-purpose beauty.

27. Goldenrod (Solidago species)

Goldenrod thrives in poor soil and harsh conditions. Its yellow flower plumes light up the fall garden. It’s native, tough, and beloved by pollinators. Goldenrod spreads easily and fills empty spaces. It pairs well with grasses and wildflowers; it is a bright late-season bloomer.

28. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Wormwood’s silvery foliage is striking and thrives in poor, dry soil. It’s deer-resistant and drought-tolerant. The plant adds texture and contrast. Some varieties stay compact, while others spread. It’s a great filler or backdrop, being low-key and lovely.

29. Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)

Tansy grows in almost any soil type. Its fern-like leaves and button-like yellow blooms stand out. It spreads quickly, so give it room. It’s great for filling empty spots and controlling erosion. A historic herb that’s still going strong, tansy is tough, sun-loving, and cheerful.

Grow a Gorgeous Garden Anywhere

Poor soil doesn’t mean your garden has to suffer; these resilient plants show that growth and beauty are still possible, even in less-than-ideal soil conditions. Whether dry, sandy, rocky, or neglected, these tough beauties deliver. Mix and match textures, heights, and colors for a vibrant display. Best of all, they need little maintenance once established. Choose your favorites and let nature do the rest!