Garden Design and Landscaping

50 Best Plants for Wet Areas

July 1, 2024 by

1. Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)

  • Benefits: Bright yellow flowers, early bloomer
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, grows in wet meadows and swamps
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-7
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers rich, moist soil

2. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

  • Benefits: Attracts hummingbirds, vibrant red flowers
  • Description: Perennial herb, grows along streams and in moist meadows
  • Ease of Growing: Moderate
  • Zones: 3-9
  • Tips: Plant in partial shade, ensure consistent moisture

3. Japanese Iris (Iris ensata)

  • Benefits: Showy flowers, deer-resistant
  • Description: Rhizomatous perennial, prefers wet areas like pond edges
  • Ease of Growing: Moderate
  • Zones: 4-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently wet

4. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

  • Benefits: Attracts butterflies, fragrant flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, thrives in wetlands and along waterways
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-8
  • Tips: Plant in full sun, tolerate moist to wet soils

5. Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus)

  • Benefits: Aromatic foliage, traditional medicinal uses
  • Description: Semi-aquatic perennial, often found in marshes
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-11
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers consistently wet soil

6. Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)

  • Benefits: Attracts pollinators, vibrant blue flowers
  • Description: Rhizomatous perennial, native to wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, ensure constant moisture

7. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

  • Benefits: Attracts bees and butterflies, large clusters of pink flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, common in wet meadows
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 4-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers moist soil

8. Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

  • Benefits: Attracts pollinators, unique white flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, found in wetlands and moist woods
  • Ease of Growing: Moderate
  • Zones: 3-8
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently moist

9. Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica)

  • Benefits: Elegant flowers, deer-resistant
  • Description: Rhizomatous perennial, suitable for wet areas
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers moist to wet soil

10. Swamp Rose (Rosa palustris)

  • Benefits: Fragrant pink flowers, attracts pollinators
  • Description: Deciduous shrub, thrives in wetlands and swamps
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 4-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers consistently moist soil

11. Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

  • Benefits: Attracts bees, vibrant purple flowers
  • Description: Aquatic perennial, common in ponds and marshes
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-10
  • Tips: Plant in full sun, keep soil consistently wet or submerged

12. Lizard’s Tail (Saururus cernuus)

  • Benefits: Unique foliage, white flower spikes
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, found in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 4-11
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers moist to wet soil

13. Giant Rhubarb (Gunnera manicata)

  • Benefits: Dramatic foliage, large leaves
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, thrives in moist environments
  • Ease of Growing: Moderate
  • Zones: 7-10
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, ensure consistently wet soil

14. Water Mint (Mentha aquatica)

  • Benefits: Fragrant foliage, attracts pollinators
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, common in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 5-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers consistently moist soil

15. Black Snakeroot (Cimicifuga racemosa)

  • Benefits: Attractive foliage, white flower spikes
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, thrives in moist woods
  • Ease of Growing: Moderate
  • Zones: 4-8
  • Tips: Plant in partial shade to full shade, keep soil consistently moist

16. Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

  • Benefits: Attracts bees and butterflies, unique spherical flowers
  • Description: Deciduous shrub, found in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 5-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers consistently moist soil

17. Bog Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia)

  • Benefits: Attractive foliage, pink flowers
  • Description: Evergreen shrub, thrives in boggy areas
  • Ease of Growing: Moderate
  • Zones: 2-6
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers acidic, consistently moist soil

18. Water Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis scorpioides)

  • Benefits: Bright blue flowers, attracts pollinators
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, common in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-8
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently moist

19. Cattail (Typha latifolia)

  • Benefits: Provides habitat for wildlife, unique flower spikes
  • Description: Aquatic perennial, common in marshes and wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-10
  • Tips: Plant in full sun, keep soil consistently wet or submerged

20. Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus)

  • Benefits: Showy yellow flowers, attracts pollinators
  • Description: Rhizomatous perennial, suitable for wet areas
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 4-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers consistently moist soil

21. Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus)

  • Benefits: Unique foliage, early bloomer
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, common in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Moderate
  • Zones: 4-7
  • Tips: Plant in partial shade to full shade, prefers consistently moist soil

22. Soft Rush (Juncus effusus)

  • Benefits: Attractive foliage, provides habitat for wildlife
  • Description: Perennial grass, found in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 4-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently moist

23. Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)

  • Benefits: Attracts pollinators, white flowers
  • Description: Aquatic perennial, common in ponds and marshes
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 4-10
  • Tips: Plant in full sun, keep soil consistently wet or submerged

24. Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

  • Benefits: Medicinal uses, attracts pollinators
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, thrives in wet meadows
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun, prefers consistently moist soil

25. Woolly Sedge (Carex pellita)

  • Benefits: Attractive foliage, provides habitat for wildlife
  • Description: Perennial grass, common in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 4-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently moist

26. Bog Laurel (Kalmia polifolia)

  • Benefits: Attractive foliage, pink flowers
  • Description: Evergreen shrub, thrives in boggy areas
  • Ease of Growing: Moderate
  • Zones: 2-6
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers acidic, consistently moist soil

27. Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

  • Benefits: Attracts pollinators, blue flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, common in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-8
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers consistently moist soil

28. Marsh Cinquefoil (Comarum palustre)

  • Benefits: Attractive foliage, red flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, found in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-8
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently moist

29. Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

  • Benefits: Medicinal uses, attracts pollinators
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, common in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers consistently moist soil

30. Bog Bean (Menyanthes trifoliata)

  • Benefits: Attractive foliage, white flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, thrives in boggy areas
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-7
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently moist

31. Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)

  • Benefits: Attractive blue flowers, deer-resistant
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, found in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 4-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers consistently moist soil

32. Meadow Rue (Thalictrum dasycarpum)

  • Benefits: Attracts pollinators, white flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, common in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Moderate
  • Zones: 3-8
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently moist

33. Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)

  • Benefits: Attracts pollinators, pink flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, thrives in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers consistently moist soil

34. Water Avens (Geum rivale)

  • Benefits: Attractive foliage, pink flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, found in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-7
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently moist

35. Marsh Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)

  • Benefits: Attracts pollinators, purple flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, common in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers consistently moist soil

36. Water Plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica)

  • Benefits: Attracts pollinators, white flowers
  • Description: Aquatic perennial, common in ponds and marshes
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 4-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun, keep soil consistently wet or submerged

37. Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris)

  • Benefits: Attractive foliage, provides habitat for wildlife
  • Description: Deciduous fern, found in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-8
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers consistently moist soil

38. Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)

  • Benefits: Attracts pollinators, yellow flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, common in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-8
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently moist

39. Water Lily (Nymphaea spp.)

  • Benefits: Attractive flowers, provides habitat for wildlife
  • Description: Aquatic perennial, thrives in ponds
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 4-10
  • Tips: Plant in full sun, keep soil consistently wet or submerged

40. Marsh Marigold (Caltha leptosepala)

  • Benefits: Attractive yellow flowers, early bloomer
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, found in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-7
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently moist

41. Bog Violet (Viola nephrophylla)

  • Benefits: Attractive purple flowers, attracts pollinators
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, found in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-8
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently moist

42. White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

  • Benefits: Attracts pollinators, white flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, thrives in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Moderate
  • Zones: 3-8
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently moist

43. Golden Club (Orontium aquaticum)

  • Benefits: Attractive foliage, white flowers
  • Description: Aquatic perennial, common in ponds and marshes
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 5-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun, keep soil consistently wet or submerged

44. Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile)

  • Benefits: Attractive foliage, provides habitat for wildlife
  • Description: Aquatic perennial, found in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-11
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers consistently wet soil

45. Swamp Smartweed (Polygonum hydropiperoides)

  • Benefits: Attractive flowers, provides habitat for wildlife
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, common in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently moist

46. Swamp Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius)

  • Benefits: Attracts pollinators, yellow flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, thrives in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 6-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun, prefers consistently moist soil

47. Spotted Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)

  • Benefits: Attracts pollinators, pink flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, common in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 4-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently moist

48. Water Parsnip (Sium suave)

  • Benefits: Attracts pollinators, white flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, found in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 4-8
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, prefers consistently moist soil

49. Swamp Aster (Symphyotrichum puniceum)

  • Benefits: Attracts pollinators, purple flowers
  • Description: Herbaceous perennial, common in wetlands
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 3-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade, keep soil consistently moist

50. Water Shield (Brasenia schreberi)

  • Benefits: Attractive foliage, provides habitat for wildlife
  • Description: Aquatic perennial, common in ponds and marshes
  • Ease of Growing: Easy
  • Zones: 5-9
  • Tips: Plant in full sun, keep soil consistently wet or submerged

Jonathan Holmes is an experienced and enthusiastic gardener who has been cultivating his green thumb for over 20 years. His love of gardening started in Scotland, where he gained a deep understanding of different plants and flowers, as well as the importance of soil composition, watering techniques, and sunlight exposure. After moving to Australia, Jonathan adapted his gardening skills to the different climate and growing conditions of his new home, experimenting with different plants and techniques to create sustainable and beautiful outdoor spaces. He is known among his friends and family for his impressive gardens and often shares his knowledge and tips with others who share his passion for gardening.

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