I live on clay soil. I have tried growing magnolia trees, Rose of Sharon’s, and other flowering shrubs. They last 1-3 years, dying more every year until they are dead. They get white and yellow fungus or mold on them which increases by the year. I dont know if that is what’s killing them or if it’s the poor quality of soil. When I do plant them I alway buy the recommended soil and fill the hole at least 5xs the size of the plant so it’s not planted in clay. I’ve been trying for 15years and I’m giving up. I have spent hundreds of dollars on them just to have them die. I know you have the guarantee however I know it wasn’t a poor plant so I don’t take advantage of your replacement guarantee. The only thing I have succeeded at is lilac bushes. My question is, are there any other hardy flowering trees, shrubs or bushes that are as hardy as the lilacs? I’ve tried googling it but I haven’t found a clear answer. Thank you very much for your time!
It isn’t what you’re planting but how you’re planting it. When you dig that giant hole in the clay, you are creating a giant bucket that will fill with water and keep the soil that you’re adding soggy longer that it should be…the plants are drowning in that giant bucket. In heavy clay soil you’ll actually want to dig a shallower hole so the crown of the plant is slightly above the surrounding grade. The only amendment you should add at the bottom of the hole would be Bio-Tone starter food. Save your compost or better soil to fill in the top of the planting hole and to create the mound above grade that the plant will grow its initial roots.. When you fill in around the plant, make sure you don’t pile dirt up against the bark of the trunk of the tree or shrub. Likewise, keep all mulch away from the trunk or stems. Soil or mulch piled against the bark of these plants cut off the flow of moisture and nutrients up through the bark slowly strangling the plant. Here are a link you might find helpful:
https://www.gertens.com/learn/Shrubs-Vines/planting-in-clay-sand.htm