July 14, 2025

Perennials That Thrive in Wet Gardens

If you have a spot in your yard that always seems damp, you might feel limited in what you can plant there. But wet areas can become stunning garden features with the right perennials. Many plants love moisture and will reward you with lush foliage and beautiful blooms if given the consistent water they crave.

Here are some of our favorite perennials that thrive in wet gardens:

Lobelia (Cardinal Flower)

Lobelia cardinalis, or Cardinal Flower, is a showstopper in damp areas with its brilliant red spikes of flowers that bloom in late summer. Not only do these flowers add bold color to your garden, but they also attract hummingbirds and butterflies. They prefer rich, moist soil and partial to full sun.

Ligularia (The Rocket, Ragwort)

Ligularia is a fantastic choice for wet spots, especially those with some shade. With large, dramatic leaves and tall spikes of bright yellow flowers, Ligularia adds both structure and color to the garden. Varieties like Ligularia dentata ‘Desdemona’ are prized for their bold foliage and orange-yellow daisies.

Astilbe

Astilbes are beloved for their feathery plumes of flowers that rise above fern-like foliage. They come in shades of white, pink, red, and purple and bloom from late spring through summer. Astilbes prefer moist, rich soil and perform well in partial shade, making them perfect companions for other moisture-loving plants.

Eupatorium (Eutrochium, Joe-Pye Weed)

Known commonly as Joe-Pye Weed, these tall perennials produce large, fluffy clusters of pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in late summer into fall. They are a magnet for pollinators like butterflies and bees. Eupatorium prefers full sun to part shade and consistently moist soil, thriving in rain gardens and naturalized wet areas.

 

Other Great Options for Wet Gardens

• Iris versicolor (Blue Flag Iris): A native iris that loves wet soil and produces stunning blue-purple flowers.
• Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold): Bright yellow flowers in early spring that bring cheer to boggy areas.
• Filipendula (Meadowsweet): Produces clusters of frothy white or pink flowers and loves damp soil.
• Chelone (Turtlehead): Named for its unique turtle-head shaped blooms, Chelone thrives in wet soils and blooms late in the season with pink or white flowers.

 

Designing Your Wet Garden

When designing a wet garden area, think about plant heights and bloom times to create visual interest from spring to fall. Many wet garden plants are also beneficial to pollinators and wildlife, making your space not only beautiful but ecologically vibrant.

 

Embrace Your Garden’s Natural Moisture

Instead of fighting those wet spots in your yard, embrace them with moisture-loving perennials. Visit us to explore these varieties and transform your soggy areas into lush, thriving garden spaces.