Have Wet Soil? No Problem!
by Amanda
Do you have a hard-to-plant area that has poorly-draining soil?
Turn this troublesome spot into a colorful landscape feature by planting Perennials and Bulbs that thrive in wet soil. Whether you have an area with runoff from a roof or an area next to a body of water, there are plenty of options for you to turn this into a gorgeous focal point of your garden!
Perennials That Thrive in Wet Soil
There are several varieties of perennials that not only tolerate wet soil but also create a burst of color all season long, year after year in the garden. Siberian Irises are one of the easiest Iris to grow and are extremely hardy, making them a dependable plant for any wet spot.
Bonus: These exquisite Irises also attract butterflies to the garden!
'Soulmate' Swamp Milkweed is an essential North American native that provides vital food for developing Monarch butterflies. Cherry pink flowers with white centers emanate a sweet va...
Learn MoreSoulmate Swamp Milkweed Swamp Milkweed Soulmate Asclepias incarnata SoulmateAs low as $15.98 Sale $9.99Per Plant - 3" Pot'Soulmate' Swamp Milkweed is an essential North American native that provides vital food for developing Monarch butterflies. Cherry pink flowers with white centers emanate a sweet vanilla fragrance that calls in countless other pollinators. Beyond its beautiful color and sweet scent, this compact milkweed tolerates moist soils and is a great choice for small-space gardens. Deer resistant. (Asclepias incarnata)Learn More'Goldsturm' Black Eyed Susan brings a burst of showy color to the full-sun garden. Golden yellow, daisy-like petals surround nectar-rich, brown center 'buttons' set atop deep green f...
Learn MoreGoldsturm Black Eyed Susan Black Eyed Susan Goldsturm Rudbeckia fulgida GoldsturmAs low as $9.98 Sale $6.49Per Plant - 3" Pot'Goldsturm' Black Eyed Susan brings a burst of showy color to the full-sun garden. Golden yellow, daisy-like petals surround nectar-rich, brown center 'buttons' set atop deep green foliage. Unbothered by most pests, poor soils, drought and humidity, 'Goldsturm' is easygoing and the perfect addition to flower arrangements and pollinator gardens. Deer resistant and long-lasting. (Rudbeckia fulgida)Learn MorePlant the colorful Rain Resilience Pre-Planned Garden to slow the flow of rain and runoff on your property! By harnessing rainwater with resilient native plants and grasses, you...
Learn MoreRain Resilience Pre-Planned Garden Rain Resilience Pre-Planned Garden$177.98 Sale $99.99Per Garden of 13 PlantsPlant the colorful Rain Resilience Pre-Planned Garden to slow the flow of rain and runoff on your property! By harnessing rainwater with resilient native plants and grasses, you can protect clean water while growing a beautiful garden that supports birds and pollinators, too. Rain or shine, this easy-to-grow garden offers a showy mix of flower forms, fragrance, and foliage for years of lasting beauty.Learn MorePurple Dragon has stunning silver leaves with dark green edging and large, magenta-purple flowers. This Lamium is perfect for any shady area of the garden. PP# 15890 (Lamium maculatu...
Learn MorePurple Dragon Lamium Purple Dragon Dead Nettle PP#15890 Lamium maculatum Purple Dragon PP#15890As low as $10.98 Sale $5.49Per Plant - 3" PotPurple Dragon has stunning silver leaves with dark green edging and large, magenta-purple flowers. This Lamium is perfect for any shady area of the garden. PP# 15890 (Lamium maculatum)Learn More
Additional Moisture-loving Perennials
- Ligularia The Rocket is a great choice for moist, shady gardens and illuminates with bright yellow flower spikes that attract hummingbirds.
- Spiderworts are hybridized from a wildflower with the wild form of this unique three-petaled flower usually purple. The foliage is lily-like, forming a clump of glossy green. They naturally grow along streams, so give them plenty of water and some shade.
- Hydrangeas are famous for their large, ball-shaped blooms that add elegance and charm to the summer garden. They can also be planted in wet soil.
- Hardy Hibiscus are extremely easy to grow. All they ask for is full sun, decent soil, and some pruning once in a while. They leaf out very late in spring, so don't think they're dead and chop them down. Be patient, and in a few weeks you'll have attractive foliage and soon thereafter a summer full of spectacular blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Bulbs that Thrive in Wet Soil
Many Summer-Blooming Bulbs tolerate wet soil and add unique, gorgeous color and foliage to the garden. If you're in an area that doesn't receive frost, these bulbs will act as perennials. However, if you receive hard frost during your cold months, you'll want to dig them up for the winter.
Learn more about how to store your bulbs over the winter
Elephant Ear Bulbs create a dramatic, whimsical look both planted in the garden and in containers. Huge, unique foliage is beautiful on its own or planted as a backdrop for your favorite blooms.
Canna Lily Bulbs ignite the late season garden with huge, boldly-colored blooms that last for weeks and weeks. These beauties are also extremely easy to grow.
Calla Lily Bulbs are another gorgeous choice, thriving in wet soil and creating an elegant statement both in the garden and cut for summer bouquets.
Plant the Rain Lily Mix for gem-like blooms similar to a crocus and enjoy the show when they flower, usually after a heavy rain. Pastel colors, including yellow, pink and white. (Ze...
Learn MoreRain Lily Mix Rain Lily, Fairy Lily Mix Zephyranthes Mix$22.98 Sale $14.94Per Bag of 25Plant the Rain Lily Mix for gem-like blooms similar to a crocus and enjoy the show when they flower, usually after a heavy rain. Pastel colors, including yellow, pink and white. (Zephyranthes)Learn MoreThe lush, rose-like blooms of 'Tecolote White' Ranunculus are absolutely perfect additions to summer wedding decor and bouquets. Each flawless flower is comprised of thousands of pur...
Learn MoreTecolote White Ranunculus Tecolote White Ranunculus Ranunculus Tecolote WhiteAs low as $17.98 Sale $11.69Per Bag of 12The lush, rose-like blooms of 'Tecolote White' Ranunculus are absolutely perfect additions to summer wedding decor and bouquets. Each flawless flower is comprised of thousands of pure white, crêpe paper petals, and the tall, straight stems of this Persian buttercup make cutting and arranging as easy as can be. (Ranunculus)Learn MoreGloriosa Lily, also called Fire Lily, is a tropical trailing vine that produces flame-colored blooms. Perfect for growing in a pot or in the garden - just make sure to give it somet...
Learn MoreGloriosa Lily Gloriosa Lily, Glory Lily, Fire Lily Gloriosa superba Rothschildiana$28.98 Sale $21.74Per Bag of 3Gloriosa Lily, also called Fire Lily, is a tropical trailing vine that produces flame-colored blooms. Perfect for growing in a pot or in the garden - just make sure to give it something to climb on! Hardy in zones 8-10. (Gloriosa rothschildiana)Learn MoreWith green and white heart-shaped leaves, 'Candidum' Caladium is perfect for brightening up a shady spot. Its rich foliage thrives in containers and its moonlight-catching leaves can...
Learn MoreCandidum Caladium Candidum Fancy Leaf Caladium Caladium CandidumAs low as $16.98 Sale $11.04Per Bag of 3With green and white heart-shaped leaves, 'Candidum' Caladium is perfect for brightening up a shady spot. Its rich foliage thrives in containers and its moonlight-catching leaves can help define walkway borders after sunset. (Caladium 'Candidum')Learn More
This season, turn that poorly-draining spot on your property into the fabulous garden that it deserves to be! What experience do you have planting in wet soil?
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