Wet shady areas are ideal for many different types of plants. There are a number of low-growing, architectural plants that do very well in these types of areas. You can also plant astilbes, an easy-to-grow perennial, which is quite happy in partial shade. Listed below are a few of our favorites:
Cornus
A variety of Cornus trees are well-suited for wet shady areas. The plant grows in a range of soils, including heavy clay. They tolerate a wide range of conditions, including summer drought. Dogwoods, for example, are perennial favorites that tolerate wet clay soils. For smaller gardens, Cornus alba ‘Sibirica Variegata’ is a good choice.
A variegated leaf makes this species a great choice for wet shady gardens. The plant has creamy white flowers that bloom late in spring and summer. Cornus should be coppiced to maintain its stem colour and cut to the ground during winter. Once established, the shrub will be a trouble-free plant that grows in wet shady areas. Its hardiness is zone 5 through 8 in USDA.
For moist shady areas, you can choose a variety of shrubs and perennials that grow well in this type of soil. Astilbe, sweetspire, and summersweet are among the popular choices. Cornus canadens, meanwhile, is native to Oregon and tolerates wet and dry shade. The plant also produces red berries. Its foliage is dense and the flowers are tubular.
Epimedium
If you have a wet shady area in your yard and are looking for a plant that will grow in that spot, consider an Epimedium plant. These plants are perennials that do well in moist soil and don’t mind being in partial shade. Epimediums can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, including alkaline and acidic soil, so you may want to consider planting them in pots.
The most striking feature of Epimedium is its distinctly shaped leaves and stems. The foliage turns a rich maroon in spring and fall, and the flowers are ten to thirty inches in diameter. The flower spurs are large and showy, with reddish markings and an arrowhead shape. This plant is hardy in zones 5 to 8 and grows at a moderate rate.
Barrenwort is a popular ground cover plant for shady areas, but you should keep in mind that it only flowers for a week or so. While Epimedium doesn’t flower all year long, it tolerates dry soil and dense shade. It comes in many species, including ‘El Nino Green’, which has white edges to the leaves and pale lilac flowers in the summer.
Wood anemone
Wood anemone plants are easy to care for and can thrive in shady areas. They grow in pots, borders, and banks. They also make excellent ground covers and are suitable for underplanting with other shade loving plants. The small, spiky seed pods of the wood anemone are harvested when they are nearly dry. Wood anemone plants are low maintenance and thrive in a variety of soil types, especially in shady areas.
The European variety flowers in mid-April through mid-May, depending on the weather. The flower is 1 to 2 inches in diameter, double or semi-double, and borne in clusters. They are available in several cultivars. Despite their weird, green flower, wood anemones are easy to recognize because of their distinct appearance. They are hardy, moderately-sized, and grow slowly.
The wood anemone has a very unique flowering cycle. It opens in the morning and expands its bloom during the day before closing its shop in the early evening and the arrival of rain or heavy clouds. The flower is a beautiful sight when combined with the pale-lilac cuckoo flower or yellow wild daffodils. Another species, the Robinson windflower, has a deep-cut leaf, soft blue petals, and a dove-grey back. Robinson windflower, a perennial with a crown of orange-gold stamen, has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Wood anemone is a perennial flower with interesting foliage. It grows well in soils rich in organic matter and in moist, dappled shade. Its rhizomes do not mind soaking in water if they are planted in early spring. If you have trouble finding one in the wild, you can purchase a potted plant. To propagate this plant, you can divide the tubers, which will make it easier to transplant.
Epimedium x hybridum
Plant epimediums for shade in the garden or landscape. These low-maintenance perennials grow well in dry shade and associate well with spring bulbs and hellebores. Epimediums prefer acid soil, but they also tolerate alkaline soil. Prepare your soil for shade plants by adding organic matter. Epimedium clumps fill in empty spaces as they spread.
The foliage of this plant is heart-shaped and arrow-shaped. It complements other ground-hugging plants and works well as an edging plant or border. This plant will grow well in pots, and is drought-resistant. It grows well in both acidic and alkaline soils and tolerates shade and moist soil. It is also a good choice for woodland path borders, as its foliage softens the edge of paths and adds movement to the landscape.
These ground covers are great in dry shade, too. They have bronze-colored foliage and yellow flowers in the spring. Because they are so hardy, Epimediums can be interspersed with other shade-loving ground covers. To avoid overcrowding, use complementary plants such as Allegheny spurge, columbine, fringed bleeding heart, hostas, and Lenten rose.
Giant elephant ears
If you have a wet shady area that lacks light, giant elephant ears may be the best plant for this location. They will thrive in up to six inches of water and require regular watering. It is essential that you don’t let the soil dry out as the plant will become stunted and die. If you live in a colder climate, it is necessary to protect the plant from frost by planting it in a pot. Be sure to bring it inside before the temperature drops below 55 degrees F and place it in a bright spot. In areas where frost is a regular problem, you must transplant the plant as soon as it has finished flowering.
The best time to plant elephant ears is in spring. The best time to plant them is when the soil temperature is 65 degrees F. It will take several weeks before the plant begins to sprout leaves. The elephant ear can also be started indoors four to six weeks prior to planting. During the winter months, you can place the plants in a warm sunny window or under lights.
The leaves of giant elephant ears grow up to three feet long. They are typically wavy and have prominent veins. They are grown as foliage plants, but can also produce large fragrant flowers or berries. These plants are great for wet shady areas, but they also thrive in full sunlight. So, if you have a wet shady area, Giant elephant ears may be the best plants for you.
Foxglove
If you are considering planting a foxglove in your garden, be aware that it is susceptible to crown rot. To prevent this problem, make sure the soil is well-drained and water the plant only when the top inch is dry. Don’t water it too often or it will self-seed. In addition, some cultivars are bred to bloom in the first year. Whether you choose a common or a specialized cultivar, you must be aware of foxglove’s toxic properties. Luckily, there are some insect predators that will take care of mild infestations. However, if infestations are more severe, you may have to use chemical spray pesticides.
Another reason why foxglove is a good plant for wetting shady areas is that it produces dramatic flowers. The flowers of foxglove can reach up to six feet long, making it a showpiece in any garden. However, it is important to keep in mind that foxgloves are susceptible to crown rot, so it is recommended to space them apart to ensure they receive adequate air circulation. Other problems with this plant include leafy mildew and powdery mildew.
When planting foxglove, it is important to remember that all parts of this plant are poisonous. Various compounds of Digitalis have been used as heart medication. If ingested, the plant can lead to nausea and cardiac arrhythmia. In addition, it prefers moist soil that is rich in organic matter and moisture. Generally, it does well in full sunlight, although it does need occasional afternoon shade. If the plant’s roots and flowers are healthy and the soil is well-drained, foxglove is pest and deer-resistant.
