Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Some like it wet, some like it dry
We talk a lot about sun/shade conditions and soil types but one thing we don’t always check on when pursuing our favorite plants is whether they like dry feet or wet feet. Some really have a penchant for moist soil.
Siberian Iris are graceful yet tough perennials that thrive in moist to wet soil, and they’ll form large clumps that bloom heavily after the first year. For most prolific bloom, Siberian Iris should be planted in full sun. Siberian irises flourish in rich, slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5), high organic matter soil. For more on planting iris click HERE.
A gorgeous shrub that appreciates extra moisture is Sambucus ‘Lemony Lace’. Hardy from zone 3 to 7, this chartreuse beauty will turn heads. Keep in mind, it doesn’t like herbicides of any kind!
An annual for the pond edge or in a container you can keep watered, try Cyperus Papyrus ‘King Tut’. It looks like a bunch of tall green sparklers!
For dry gardens you can’t hardly beat Russian Sage and there’s now a shorter variety called ‘Peek a Blue’.
Verbascum and Lambs Ears are also wonderful perennials for sunny dry spots. In the shade, check out Lamium. This plant will grow in up to full shade, with it’s variegated leaves it’ll brighten up a dark spot in the garden.
