If you’ve ever planted something in sandy soil only to watch it wilt within weeks, you’re not alone. Coastal gardens, like those here in Formby, come with their own set of challenges: dry, fast-draining soil, salty winds, and often brutal sun. After a few seasons of trial and error — and more than a few wasted purchases — I finally figured out which plants can not only survive these conditions, but thrive in them.
In this article, I’m sharing the exact plants I’ve used successfully in my own garden. They’re tough, beautiful, and — most importantly — proven in the sandy coastal soil right here on the Merseyside coast. I’ve also included trusted online sources where you can order them directly, so you can skip the guesswork and get planting with confidence.
Why Sandy Soil Is Tricky (and What It’s Good For)
Sandy soil is common in coastal areas like Formby, and while it drains quickly and warms up fast in spring, it can also be a real challenge for gardeners. It doesn’t hold water well, struggles to retain nutrients, and often leads to weak or stunted plant growth if you’re not careful.
But here’s the good news: with the right plant choices, sandy soil can be an asset. It’s perfect for drought-tolerant, sun-loving plants that hate “wet feet.” In fact, many Mediterranean, prairie, and native UK coastal plants prefer these free-draining conditions. You just need to know what to plant — and that’s exactly what the next section covers.
7 Plants That Thrive in Formby's Sandy Coastal Soil
Why it works: Native to UK coasts, this architectural plant loves dry, poor soils and shrugs off salty winds.
My experience: I planted Eryngium in one of the most exposed corners of my garden — it hasn’t flinched in two seasons, and its spiky blue flowers steal the show every July.
Where to buy: Buy Eryngium online
Bonus tip: Leave the seed heads over winter — they add structure and birds love them.
2. Stipa tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass)
Why it works: This ornamental grass thrives in poor, free-draining soil and moves beautifully in the wind.
My experience: Planted along a border path, Stipa has filled in quickly and softens the edges without needing any pampering.
Where to buy: Buy Stipa online
Bonus tip: Pair it with Lavender or Sedum for a naturalistic coastal look.
Why it works: Sedums love dry, sandy conditions and are incredibly drought-tolerant.
My experience: It was one of the few plants that survived the dry summer of 2022 with zero watering.
Where to buy: Buy Sedum online
Bonus tip: Leave old flower heads in winter for frost interest and insect shelter.
Why it works: Tall, airy, and self-seeding, this pollinator magnet loves full sun and handles poor soil easily.
My experience: I started with just three plants — now it politely seeds itself along paths and fences, attracting bees and butterflies all summer.
Where to buy: Buy Verbena online
Bonus tip: Deadhead lightly to control spread, or let it go wild for a meadow-like effect.
Why it works: Lavender thrives in dry, nutrient-poor soils and is perfect for coastal planting.
My experience: My front garden lavender hedge has taken on sea spray, high winds, and even snow — it still blooms every summer.
Where to buy: Buy Lavender online
Bonus tip: Trim after flowering to keep it compact and encourage bushier growth.
Why it works: Hardy, nectar-rich, and tolerant of dry soils — a favourite for wildlife gardeners.
My experience: A single plant became a large clump in just one season — bees absolutely love it.
Where to buy: Buy Achillea online
Bonus tip: Available in various colours beyond the classic white — great for designing themed borders.
Why it works: Loves sun, hates wet feet, and flourishes in sandy soil with good drainage.
My experience: I grow mine in a raised bed against a south-facing wall — huge blooms every August.
Where to buy: Buy Agapanthus online
Bonus tip: Mulch in winter if you’re planting directly in the ground in colder areas.
Planting Tips for Sandy Soil (How to Give Your Plants the Best Start)
Sandy soil doesn’t hold onto water or nutrients for long, which is why even tough plants benefit from a little prep before planting. Here are some simple tips I use in my own garden to make sure new plants settle in and thrive:
1. Improve with Organic Matter
Mix in well-rotted compost or garden compost before planting. This helps with moisture retention and slowly releases nutrients.
👉 Try: Growmoor Multi-Purpose Compost
2. Mulch to Lock in Moisture
After planting, apply a thick mulch of bark chips or leaf mould. This reduces evaporation and helps prevent soil erosion from wind.
👉 Try: [Affiliate link to bark mulch]
3. Water Deeply, Not Frequently
Sandy soil drains quickly, so a deep soak once or twice a week encourages plants to develop deep root systems. Light watering just dries up fast.
4. Choose the Right Plants
Focus on drought-tolerant, sun-loving species (like the ones above). Avoid plants that demand rich, moisture-retentive soil — they’ll struggle.
5. Add Slow-Release Fertiliser at Planting Time
Since nutrients wash through sandy soil quickly, use a slow-release fertiliser to keep plants fed through the season.
👉 Try: Westland Growmore Fertiliser
With just a little preparation, even a dry, sandy border can become one of the most vibrant and rewarding parts of your garden.
A Proven Planting Scheme for Sandy Coastal Soil (1m x 3m Border)
If you’re starting from scratch or reworking a tired patch of sandy soil, here’s a simple, sun-loving border layout I’ve tested in my own Formby garden. It’s low-maintenance, long-flowering, and full of movement and wildlife appeal.
🪴 Layout Plan (Front to Back)
| Position | Plant | Quantity | Why It Works | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front Edge | Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ | 3 | Low-growing, late blooms, attracts pollinators | Buy Sedum |
| Middle | Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) | 3 | Evergreen, scented, drought-tolerant | Buy Lavender |
| Middle | Achillea millefolium | 2 | Soft, ferny foliage and long-flowering heads | Buy Achillea |
| Back | Verbena bonariensis | 2 | Tall, airy stems for movement and butterflies | Buy Verbena |
| Back Corners | Eryngium planum (Sea Holly) | 2 | Striking shape, coastal native, tough as nails | Buy Eryngium |
| Accent (optional) | Stipa tenuissima | 2 | Grassy texture, softens the whole scheme | Buy Stipa |
🌿 Design Tips
Spacing: Aim for 30–40 cm between smaller plants and up to 50 cm for larger ones like Verbena or Eryngium.
Mulch: After planting, add a 5–7 cm mulch layer to help with moisture retention.
Watering: Deep water once a week during dry spells until established.
This layout gives you texture, pollinator appeal, and seasonal colour from June to October — and every plant listed above is specifically chosen for sandy, free-draining coastal soil.
You can easily adapt it for a raised bed, side border, or even front garden strip.
Turning Sandy Soil Into a Thriving Garden
Sandy coastal soil might seem like a gardening headache at first, but with the right plants and a little preparation, it can become one of your garden’s greatest assets. Every plant I’ve recommended here has been tested in my own Formby garden — not just because they survive, but because they thrive.
Whether you’re planting a new border or refreshing a tired one, these drought-tolerant, wildlife-friendly plants are a great place to start.
👉 Want to get started? All the plants in the layout above are available online from trusted UK suppliers — just click the links to order and start planting with confidence.
Have any questions about your own sandy garden? Drop me a message — or let me know what’s worked for you. I’m always keen to hear what others are growing in tough spots.
