Flower gardeners are so familiar with the drumbeat of good drainage for plants that flowers that require opposite conditions seem to be forgotten. Yet, there are flowers that thrive in wet soil, whether the situation is a pond margin or a low-lying corner of the landscape that never seems to dry out. Whether your soggy spot lies in sun or shade, you can make it a focal point by choosing one or more of these flowering bog garden specimens.

1. Astilbe

The astilbe is a popular flower promoted by many garden centers for shade gardens. However, without an ample supply of moisture, these late spring through summer flowers will never reach their glorious potential. Astilbes are a slow growing perennial, so unless you’re planting a large group and wish to save money, start with potted plants. In spite of the astilbe’s need for abundant moisture (dry spells will induce dormancy), some drainage during the winter months is necessary. Astilbes are heavy feeders, so regular soil amendment and fertilizer is important.More »

2. Cardinal Flower

A native red flower that attracts hummingbirds to shady areas? Yes, please. The spikes of cardinal flowers can reach eight inches on plants that grow up to six feet tall, depending on the variety. The plant is vigorous without being invasive, and if you wish to propagate it you can easily do so by layering. Pests won’t bother your cardinal flowers, but browsing deer may stop for a snack.More »

3. Goat’s Beard

Another fine native wildflower, the Aruncus dioicus has blooms similar to the feathery astilbe, only on six-foot tall plants. This summer bloomer will fill your shady bog garden with volunteer seedlings if you let it.More »

4. Lady’s Tresses

Although Spiranthes is rarely at nurseries, this delicate native hardy orchid is worth seeking out from responsible growers who cultivate their own plants, rather than gathering them from endangered wild populations. Unlike lady’s slippers and some other hardy native orchids, lady’s tresses are easy to grow, rewarding you with a jasmine-like fragrance for weeks in the fall.More »

5. Ligularia

Commonly called the leopard plant, this shade-loving bog plant is pleasing to the eye even when not in bloom due to its large, circular foliage. I admit to losing the battle to aphids on this plant, but my specimen was probably weakened from a long spell of hot dry weather. This Asian import won’t mind the constant shadows of the north side of your house. Try ‘Britt Marie Crawford’ for purple leaves in addition to golden flowers.

6. Mimulus

Whether or not you believe mimulus plants deserve the moniker of monkey flower due to a resemblance to a monkey’s face on the blossoms, you will find that this plant is easy to please in a rain garden or other wet site in your partially sunny landscape. Native forms sport lilac blooms, or you can choose from hybrid cultivars in a rainbow of solid and bicolors.

7. Monarda

Once upon a time, bee balm got a bad reputation for being a mildew-prone plant that gobbled up any free garden space it could. Now, gardeners choose from better behaved varieties like the purple ‘Scorpio,’ red ‘Jacob Cline,’ or pink ‘Marshall’s Delight.’ Well, the mildew problem has been addressed, but this member of the mint family will stay true to its assertive roots, so remove unwanted plants as needed and share with understanding neighbors.More »

8. Primrose

Candelabra primroses offer you Easter egg colors from late spring into early summer, when most primroses are finished with their blooming cycle. Many flowers have a contrasting eye, and some have evergreen foliage. Look for japonica or florindae primrose selections for best bog performance.More »

9. Siberian Iris

The bearded iris has enjoyed the limelight in many gardens, but the smaller Siberian iris rarely succumbs to the iris borer or leaf spot disease that claims many bearded iris specimens. To add to its low-care appeal, Siberian irises rarely require division. Your plants may take a few years to get established, so don’t remove them if they don’t seem to take off at first.

10. Turtlehead

The white or pink flowers of the chelone make a welcome appearance in August and September in the shady garden, when not much else is going on. The plants prefer dappled shade to dense shade, which can cause weak stems that flop over. Turtleheads appreciate humus-rich mulch in addition to very moist soil.More »