Do you live in an area with higher than average rainfall or perhaps in a low-lying area where water accumulates? Not all plants will thrive in such an environment. Drought-resistant plants and trees, such as Lavender, Russian Sage and most succulent plants, will find the excess water overwhelming. Choose water-loving flowers, plants and trees for a successful wet garden.
Hydrangeas even have the word water--"hydra"--in their name. This genus of around 23 species are native to Asia, but a number of species have acclimated to North American gardens quite easily. A round, perennial shrub, the most common Hydrangea produces pink or blue pom-pom-shaped blossoms, depending on the pH level of the soil. Other varieties, such as "Annabelle," produce white blossoms. Hydrangeas are hardy to USDA growing zone six through nine (depending on the species) and bloom in the late spring. Most Hydrangeas grow to be around four to six feet tall and four to six feet in width and are easy to grow if well-watered.
The Louisiana Iris, formally "iris giganticaerulea," is another water-loving perennial. Native to the United States Gulf Coast, this flowering plant is the state wildflower of Louisiana. This species of Iris grows naturally in standing water or roadside ditches and is a good choice for surrounding a water garden or for a bog garden. Most Louisiana Irises are blue or purple, but rarer white and lavender varieties exist. These plants grow to be up to three feet tall and flower in March and April in the Gulf Region.
River Brch Trees
The River Birch tree, formally "Betula nigra," is native to the Eastern United States and thrives naturally in swamps and bogs. This deciduous tree can grow to be 80 to 100 feet tall and is noted for its distinctive, scaly, gray-colored bark. River Birch trees are found from Georgia to Minnesota and are cold-hardy to USDA zone four.
Willow trees love water so much that it can sometimes be a problem. These gracious water-loving beauties have been known to suck all the moisture from the garden and landscape, leaving other garden residents high and dry. However, when planted alone--far away from the perennial garden--this genus (formally "salix") of around 400 trees and shrubs can add interest to any yard. Willow trees are deciduous and grow to an average height of 70 to 100 feet, depending on the species. Willow trees are noted for their drooping ("weeping") branches.