Every garden has at least one tricky spot where most plants do not perform well. These spots tend to be either too wet, too dry or too rocky. Luckily there are plants that not only can tolerate these unusual conditions but can thrive in them.
Spaces in the garden that are constantly wet or tend to hold water after rains are perfect for places for Hardy Hibiscus (Rose Mallow). Hardy Hibiscus has an amazing tropical look with breathtaking 12-18 inch blooms making them a striking addition to any garden. This easy maintenance perennial attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and many other pollinators while deer typically leave it alone. Hibiscus loves wet soil and love full sun exposure. Other great options for wet locations include perennial Lobelia, Andromeda, Astilbe, Liatris, Milkweed, and Dappled Willow.
Rocky, sandy and dry soils can pose another problem. Sedum is a fantastic perennial for
rocky or sandy locations. These hardy succulents thrive in dry sunny spaces. Proven Winners Rock ‘N Grow Bundle of Joy Stonecrop Sedum has a low mounding habit and becomes covered in small white flowers in late summer through fall. This tough succulent loves the sun and poor well draining soils making it a low maintenance keeper. Other options for sandy dry locations include Hens and Chicks, Coreopsis, Nepeta, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Creeping Thyme, Yarrow, and Artemisia.
Dry Sandy Rocky Soil:
Annuals:
Cosmos
Dianthus
Lobularia (Alyssum)
Prairie Dropseed
Verbena
Zinnia
Perennials:
Artemisia
Columbine
Coreopsis
Creeping Thyme
Dianthus
Echinacea
Hens and Chicks
Heliopsis
Lavendula
Nepeta
Papaver (Poppy)
Rudbeckia
Salvia
Sedum
Stachys (Lamb’s Ear)
Veronica
Yarrow
Yucca
Trees and Shrubs:
Buxus (Boxwood)
Juniper
Physocarpus (Ninebark)
Wet/Clay Soil
Annuals:
Canna
Carex (Toffee Twist)
Colocasia (Elephant’s Ear)
Juncus spiralis (Corkscrew Rush)
Papyrus (Baby Tut, Prince Tut and King Tut)
Perennials:
Andromeda
Anemone
Asclepias (Milkweed)
Astilbe
Baptisia
Clematis
Coreopsis
Geranium (hardy)
Hemerocallis (Daylily)
Hosta
Ilex
Ligularia
Lily of the Valley
Liatris
Lobelia (perennial)
Lysimachia (Creeping Jenny)
Monarda (Bee Balm)
Ostrich Fern
Pachysandra
Penstemon
Phlox
Rudbeckia
Russian Sage
Tradescantia
Trees and Shrubs:
Acer
Barberry
Buddleia
Dappled Willow
Elderberry
Hibiscus
Hydrangea
Syringa (Lilac)
Lonicera
Peony
Spirea
Weigela
