Thriving Vegetation in Wet Terrain: Gardening in Soil Saturated with Water

Wet-Loving Plants: A Guide to Thriving in Moist Soil

Gardening in wet conditions doesn't have to be a challenge. Many plants thrive in moist soil, offering vibrant colours, habitat benefits, and ecosystem support. Here are some wet-loving plants to consider for your garden.

Herbs and Herbaceous Plants

Peppermint and Mint are versatile herbs that can tolerate wet soil and are vigorous producers of tea leaves.
Catnip is another easy herb to propagate by cuttings.
Lemon Balm can be propagated by cuttings in the spring or fall and placed in a jar of water.
Basil does not do well in permanently wet soil but loves water and its roots permeate through the top 8-12 inches of well-draining soils.
Parsley favors regularly moistened and well-draining substrates in sunny locations.
Marjoram can be propagated in water in midsummer by taking cuttings from the tips of the stems of a healthy plant.
Lemongrass can grow in almost any type of substrate as long as its roots are provided with ample moisture.

Shrubs and Trees

Willow prefers full sun to partial shade locations and can grow in various soil types, including clay, acidic, and alkaline soils.
Bald Cypress is a deciduous conifer that is native to swamps in the southeastern United States but also does well in northern regions.
American Hornbeam is a small, shrubby tree that does well in heavy shade and wet soils but can also tolerate sunnier and drier sites.
Swamp White Oak performs best in moist, acidic soils.
Silver Maple is commonly found along rivers and streams and is one of the largest native trees, growing up to 100 feet tall.

Flowers and Ornamentals

Turtlehead can thrive in soggy soil as well as tolerate drought.
Cardinal flower prefers full sun to partial shade and consistently moist soil but needs to dry out within a few days.
Ligularia is a water-loving plant that needs constant moisture, especially if it gets afternoon sun.
Canna thrives in full sun to partial shade and consistently moist soil.
Papyrus grows in full sun and wet soil and produces small greenish-brown flowers during summer.
Siberian Iris will grow in shallow standing water or poorly drained soil.
Impatiens can tolerate damp soil but require care to avoid foliage diseases.

Native Plants

Turtlehead, Cardinal Flower, Canada Anemone, and Marsh Milkweed are native species that love extra moisture and provide color and habitat benefits.

Grasses and Sedges

Switchgrass, Sweetgrass, and moisture-loving sedges are grasses that do well in wet soils and help stabilize the soil.

Other Plants

Red Maple can tolerate standing water for months in the wild but will not withstand flooding when used in a landscape.
Figs are a low-calorie snack rich in various vitamins and minerals.
Black Tupelo provides outstanding fall colour and offers berries for native songbirds.
Sycamore can reach a height of 75 to 100 feet and prefers full sun.
River Birch grows to a height of 50 to 60 feet and performs best in acidic soils.
Hackberry is a large, native tree that is adaptable to various conditions, tolerating acidic or alkaline soils and wet or dry sites.
Composting can supercharge soil for optimal plant growth by adding nutrients and improving soil structure.

By incorporating these wet-loving plants into your garden, you can create a vibrant, healthy, and eco-friendly space that supports local ecosystems.

[1] Soil and Water Conservation Society [2] National Wildlife Federation [3] The Wildlife Trusts [4] Royal Horticultural Society

For a vibrant fusion of lifestyle and home-and-garden, consider incorporating wet-loving plants like Peppermint, Turtlehead, or Figs into your garden.
Expand your fashion-and-beauty routine with organic and eco-friendly skincare products that include ingredients such as Lilac (a attractant for beneficial pollinators) or Calendula (a medicinal herb).
Elevate your food-and-drink game by focusing on sourcing fresh produce like Beets (a popular choice for wet soil gardens) or Black Tupelo berries.
Enhance your travel adventures with a visit to the Soil and Water Conservation Society or The Wildlife Trusts to learn about sustainable gardening practices.
Pursue education-and-self-development by exploring online resources about the numerous benefits of wet-loving plants in creating a healthy ecosystem, or discover pet-friendly native plants suitable for pet guardians with green thumbs.