Native plants with deep rooting systems can penetrate deeper into the soil and capture nutrients from it as well. This aids plants in drier and arid areas to source water from deep underground. Charles Darwin even quoted the tips of plant roots as the “brains of plants”.

Plants with shallow roots are useful landscaping plants if areas of your garden lack deep soil. Shallow-rooted plants help to prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and stabilize the soil on slopes. Additionally, plants with shallow roots are ideal for ground cover, especially if your front or backyard has compacted or shallow soil.

Deep-rooted plants mine essential trace elements from deep in the subsoil and bring these to the surface. Growing the right deep-rooted plants helps us get the maximum nutritional value out of our soils – be that in soils or a deep pot. Join me as we explore how to plant deep-rooted plants to keep your garden and yourself healthy.

So, to ease your process (and put you out of your misery), below we've rounded up a list of the best plants to grow in shallow soils, all of which are gorgeous, drought-resistant, pollinator- and pet-friendly, safe around curious kids, and not invasive. However, beware, not all of these plants will behave equally well in your yard.

It’s true: shallow-rooted plants are very diverse. In this guide you’ll find evergreen bushes and deciduous shrubs, ornate flowers, courtyard garden plants and cottage garden favourites and even a few herbs for your kitchen.