Planting In Wet Ground And Plants That Love The Shade

Water is an essential element required for the growth of healthy plants. Most outdoor plants require frequent exposure to water, whether from rain or your own watering measures, however different types of soils are capable of retaining water for longer than others. Making wet soil types rather compact and sometimes more complicated to garden. In this blog we explore how to plant wet ground and also uncover a list of the plants that love both wet conditions and shady spots in your garden.

 

How to know what type of soil you have in your garden

It can be quite simple to determine what type of soil you have in your garden. By simply taking a piece of soil from your garden and feeling the texture of it, you can identify whether it is a:

 

Sandy soil: Loose and coarse in texture, easy to crumble, has poor water retention

Clay soil: Smooth when wet and sticky when dry, difficult to work with, high water retention

Silt soil: Fine and smooth texture, good moisture retention

Loam soil: Ideal balance of sand, clay, silt and humus (organic matter), providing good drainage while retaining moisture

Peat soil:  Dark in colour, spongy and light when dry, high water retention

Chalky soil: Has a grainy texture with plenty of small stones, alkaline pH level

 

Soil types that retain moisture and are damp for long periods of time or entire seasons include peat soil or clay soil, which in winter will be very wet while in summer it will dry out.

 

Plants for wet soil types

There are several types of outdoor plants that will thrive in wet soil. From perennials to shrubs, you will find a variety of outdoor plants for your garden online at One Click Plants. We make it simple for you to choose the right type for your garden and buy online in just a few clicks. If your soil is a wet type of soil, below is a list of the best types of plants for your garden:

 

Hosta

Hosta plants are perfect for wet soil types and shady spots in your garden. These leafy perennials come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours, making them a beautiful addition to any garden. They are also low-maintenance and can thrive in both wet and dry conditions. Hostas prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

 

Magnolia (most varieties)

Many varieties of the beautiful Magnolia will survive and thrive in wet soils. Carefully choosing your type of Magnolia will ensure that you get the right one for your garden.  While often considered an expensive addition to a garden, they are certainly a wonderful investment. Bringing an incredible display when flowering whilst also attracting pollinators to your garden too. Those who have planted Magnolia trees are often impressing neighbours, family and friends alike who fall in love with the wonderful beauty of such a tree. 

 

Actaea

Actaea, also known as bugbane or black cohosh, is a great choice for gardens with wet soil. This perennial produces tall spires of white flowers in late summer and early fall and prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It also attracts pollinators to your garden.

 

Spiraea

Spiraea is a beautiful shrub that thrives in wet soil and partial shade. They produce delicate, cascading clusters of flowers in shades of pink or white. These low-maintenance plants also attract butterflies and other pollinators to your garden. Spiraea prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate some periods of drought once established.

 

How to avoid water logging

Water logging is a problem that all gardeners should be aware of but particularly those with

Soil that retains  high levels of moisture. Water logging is when the soil becomes oversaturated with water that therefore restricts the flow of oxygen and nutrients and will cause a decrease in plant growth, issues such as root rot and potentially kill your plants. 

To avoid water logging you must ensure that your soil is well-drained. If this has become an issue in your garden, aim to solve the problem by finding the source of the excess water. If you have a leak or a flooding issue, the best thing to do is to fix this and leave the soil until it is workable once more. Any dead shoots should be removed and overtime you should continue to cultivate the soil, helping to improve its structure and drainage.

You may even choose to raise your beds in order for excess water to run downwards.

 

Plants for shade and shady gardens

Often the shadier areas of your garden are the most moist. Since they simply don't get as much sun as others.

For shady areas of your garden, such as those hidden behind structures or blocked from the sun by development, we suggest considering the following types of plants (those that love to be hidden in the shade):

 

Ferns

As mentioned before, ferns are a great choice for wet soil and shade. With their delicate foliage and ability to thrive in low-light conditions, they can add an air of whimsy to your garden.

Hostas

Hostas also thrive in shaded areas and prefer moist soil. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours making them a versatile addition to any shady spot.

Begonias

Begonias are another plant that loves the shade and moisture. These colourful annuals come in a wide range of colours and can add a burst of colour to your shady garden.

Impatiens

Impatiens are another annual that loves shade and moisture. They come in a variety of colours and can add a pop of colour to any shaded area in your garden.

Astilbe

As mentioned before, astilbes are perfect for wet soil types but they also do well in shady areas. Their colourful blooms can brighten up any dark corner of your garden.

Hellebores

Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, are another great choice for shade and moist soil. These perennials produce beautiful flowers in late winter or early spring and can add a touch of colour to your shady garden.

 

All of the above are also brilliant for smaller, more restricted gardens that don’t receive much or any sunlight at all.