Can anyone recommend a flowering shrub for clay soil?

I went to a nursery today - just about everyone that works there is under 20 and I swear makes things up to pretend they know what they are talking about - which is why I ended up buying 2 rhododendron shrubs. Now that I'm home - researching them - I'm not sure if they are the best choice for clay soil/full sun. See picture - I'm replacing the 2 red prickly bushes. Can anyone recommend another shrub? I'm worried they won't last.. I might just plant them somewhere else now. THANK YOU!!


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm112...

Can anyone recommend a flowering shrub for clay soil?
I'm well over 20 so maybe my experience will be of help. I live in an area with clay soil so I understand your concern. I've had great luck with a rock rose. It likes full sun and will grow fairly rapidly. You can prune it if you don't have much space. It has beautiful pink, white or yellow flowers from spring-fall.


Of course, I would recommend that you get a large bag of good soil (one brand is "pay dirt") to add to the hole when you do your planting and fertilize your plants through the spring and summer. Good luck. If that link doesn't work just google "rock rose photos"
Reply:I have 3 acres, all red clay soil. I have azaleas and rododendrons, firebushes, honeysuckle, grapes, blackberrys, raspberry's and a large garden. I just dig a hole and plant.
Reply:If your soil is clay the I would say the soil in your area is too. Just make a nice big hole and put some good soil in and plant the shrubs