By Cecil Hightower

Low lying areas of your property that drain poorly or stay boggy can pose a problem when trying to find plants that can adapt to these conditions.  There are actually quite a few specimens that will not only grow in such wet areas, but will actually thrive.

To add a colorful, tropical flair to a soggy area, try cannas.  This plant has big leaves and spikes of bright red, yellow, orange and pink flowers.  You can choose from a variety of heights as cannas can range from 8 feet to dwarf selections under 2 feet.

Elephant ears can also add a “touch of jungle” to that low spot and likes wet soil so much that it will even grow in standing water.

A moisture loving plant that will attract butterflies is Joe-Pye Weed.  This show stopping prairie native grows from 4 to 6 feet tall and produces huge, fragrant, puffy, pink flower heads.  Because of its extensive root system, it can even tolerate drought and will continue to do well should that bog become dry.

For a delicate addition, try Siberian irises, which have thin, grassy foliage and slender spring blossoms that give them a graceful elegance.  Unlike their cousin, the bearded iris, which requires good drainage, these irises will grow in shallow, standing water.

Add a little sunshine to a partially shaded, wet area with the golden flowered ligularia.  Like the Joe-Pye, they attract butterflies and are deer resistant.

A good ground cover is the creeping Jenny.  It has chartreuse foliage and small, bright yellow blooms and will even climb beautifully over rocks and structure as long as its roots stay moist.

The unique form of the dwarf papyrus makes it a great focal point in a swampy garden. It has a grassy stem topped by a star burst of long, thin bamboo-like leaves.

So, you see, your landscape doesn’t have to be hampered by that annoying low, soggy spot.  You can add color, variety and impact to an area that was once an eyesore with these and many other moisture loving plants.

Reach Jefferson County Master Gardener, Cecil Hightower, by calling the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at (409)835-8461.