Rain Garden Plants

About

What is A Rain Garden? A rain garden is essentially a carefully curated assemblage of flowering plants, grasses and bushes typically planted in a shallow basin. It's engineered to absorb surplus rainwater runoff that originates from impervious surfaces like roofs, driveways, sidewalks and patios. Despite their name, rain gardens aren't always wet. Instead, they're dry most of the time, as opposed to a water garden that features a pond or some other body of standing water. Rain gardens are both an attractive and cost-effective method to mitigate runoff from your land. What's more, they aid in filtering pollutants from the runoff and offer a habitat for various forms of wildlife, including pollinators and birds. What Plants Are Best for A Rain Garden? Plants for a rain garden should be able to tolerate both heavy watering and periods of drought. They should be native to the area, as they will be more tolerant of local conditions and provide habitat for local wildlife. Here are some examples of plants that are often used in rain gardens: Astilbes— They thrive in moist to wet soil conditions, which makes them ideal for rain gardens. Their fibrous root systems bind the soil together, reducing erosion to help stabilize the rain garden. Elephant Ears— These giant, tropical perennials can tolerate periods of inundation and high moisture levels. Their massive, heart-shaped leaves provide excellent ground cover, helping to prevent erosion. Ferns— In addition to their excellent water tolerance and ability to prevent soil erosion, ferns provide a lush, verdant look. Many varieties thrive in partial or full shade, ideal for gardens that don't get much direct sunlight. Daylilies— With their tolerance to varying moisture levels, low-maintenance nature, aesthetic appeal and adaptability to different light conditions, daylilies tend to be excellent performers in rain gardens. Siberian, Japanese and Louisiana Irises— All are known for their ability to thrive in areas with high moistu