Adding ornamental plants to your garden is an excellent way to improve the aesthetics of your yard. And they aren’t just stunning! If you want to learn about the best ornamental grasses for wet soil, you have landed in the right place!
Indeed, we have collected our favorite options in this essential guide! Keep reading to get some inspiration.
Best ornamental grasses for wet soil
Ornamental grasses are a favorite among many homeowners because of their versatility, hardiness, ease of care, and dramatic appearance.
After all, you can select from various colors, textures, and sizes. If you know what to look for, you shouldn’t have problems finding an ornamental plant that suits your needs and requirements.
But most plants thrive in well-draining soil. So, if you can only offer wet or boggy conditions, you will have to look into species that perform well even under such circumstances.
Panicum Heavy Metal
If you are a beginner gardener, consider planting Panicum Heavy metal. This native ornamental grass has an upright growing pattern and will enrich your garden with metallic blue leaves that turn yellow in the fall.
While this plant is a versatile species, it will thrive in moist conditions. After all, you can naturally find it along with ponds or streams. Don’t worry if you don’t have the space to grow such a plant in your garden: it will perform well even in containers.
All you have to do is place it in a sunny location. As long as your plant will receive at least six hours of sunlight daily, you won’t have to worry about anything else!
Soft stem Bulrush
Bulrushes love the water. These plants naturally occur around rivers and ponds and are excellent habitats in which wild birds like to hide. You can also plant it as an ornamental in wet soil.
However, keep in mind that this plant can become invasive under ideal conditions. Ensure you prune it frequently to keep it under control. Soft stem bulrush thrives in various soil conditions and will also survive periods of drought (if necessary).
Sorghastrum Indian Steel
The Sorghastrum Indian Steel, also known as Blue Prairie Grass, is another ornamental plant that thrives in wet soil. This plant produces dense foliage that will display yellow flowers during the summer.
One of the best parts about it is that it is a native plant, making it ideal if you don’t want to get crazy trying to recreate the conditions for its growth. Indian Steel is a hardy perennial that performs best in full sun. Avoid fertilizing it as it might make it weaker.
Deschampsia Goldtau
If you like the idea of adding a delicate (but voluminous) texture to your garden, you will love Deschampsia Goldtau. This ornamental, also known as Golden Dew Tufted Hair grass, is a semi-evergreen clumping variety that will thrive in various conditions, including wet soils.
The plant will maintain its attractiveness even in the winter when the dark green stems turn bronze. Keep the plant moist to get more abundant foliage but don’t forget to prune it to keep it in shape.
Cherokee Sedge
Cherokee sedge is a native plant that naturally occurs at the edges of woodlands and thrives in moist sites. Under ideal conditions, it will grow up to two feet high and display lush foliage.
Beginner gardeners will have no problems growing this versatile plant, as it won’t require much attention. To get the best results, place it in a location that receives partial sun.
Doing so will minimize the risk of burning and ensure lush and dark green foliage. While you shouldn’t cut your sedges to the ground, you must give them a trim in late winter to keep them in shape.
Panicum Totem Pole
Finally, we couldn’t end our essential guide on the best ornamental plants for wet soil without including the Panicum Totem Pole.
This native plant can withstand various growing conditions, including boggy soils. To enjoy the most from its dense foliage, place it in a sunny location. As you may expect from its name, this variety of Panicum grows tall and narrow.
Additionally, its blue foliage stays all year round, making it an excellent option to improve the looks of your garden and add volume and texture. As this plant is tolerant to salt, this plant is also ideal for seaside gardens. It will also perform well along roads that get salted in the winter.
Related Article: Pennsylvania Native Grasses