Water-Wise Landscaping For The Rainy Summer Months
Severe summer heat is hitting the East Coast hard; thunderstorms with intense precipitation are at their peak. While water in the summer months is necessary for most plants to survive, too much water can be detrimental to gardens and landscaping. However, carefully selecting plants that can thrive in overly wet conditions ensures a gorgeous landscape even in the most extreme summer seasons.
In this blog, we will explain the benefits and key design considerations for a summer rain garden and share a few of our favorite moisture-tolerant plants that thrive in fluctuating moisture levels.
Benefits of Rain Gardening
While initially beneficial for outdoor aesthetics, rain gardening is also a positive action toward bettering your environment and creating a sustainable landscape that supports a healthy ecosystem. Below are just a few of the many benefits.
Reduce Flooding and Erosion
Rain gardens serve a spongelike purpose in a swampy landscape. The roots of rain garden plants soak up excess water and reduce the chance of flash flooding. Additionally, rain garden plants work to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, which is often an issue with heavy rainfall.
Filter Pollutants
In addition to protecting an outdoor space from the damaging effects of heavy precipitation, garden landscaping filters pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides, and sediment from entering local rivers and streams.
Conserve Water
Rain gardens with water-wise plants reduce the need for irrigation, as they are designed to thrive solely on natural precipitation.
Summer Landscaping Favorites For a Wet Climate
Dura Heat River Birch
Serving as an elite warrior in hot summer landscapes, the Dura Heat River Birch is an exemplary option to provide unique beauty, shade, and structure to a wet and rainy landscape. The Dura Heat is a pyramidal, upright grower with attractive pale peeling bark and a dense head of lush deep green leaves. This hardy landscape tree is acclaimed for tolerating moist to soggy conditions. The Dura Heat River Birch has a robust root system that helps stabilize soggy ground and reduce erosion.
Midnight Marvel Hibiscus
Hardy Rose Mallow Plants or ‘Hardy Hibiscus,’ are also a standout option for heavily moist areas in the landscape. The Midnight Marvel Hibiscus is a well-loved variety that sports large scarlet-red flowers that contrast beautifully with deep purple foliage. This bold midsummer bloomer brings dramatic color and tropical vibes to any outdoor space. Hardy to USDA zones 4-9, the Midnight Marvel Hibiscus is a grand option for a range of different climates. Ideal conditions for this bold bloomer include moist, rich soils, but it is known to tolerate less than perfect conditions.
Shenandoah Switch Grass
To add a splash of height and texture to the swampy areas of your yard, consider planting Switch Grass. Shenandoah Switch Grass is a majestic variety of Panicum virgatum that has tall green stems tinged in red with a delicate airing of seed pods that sway gracefully in the summer breeze. Native to North America, this ornamental grass is naturally adapted to local climate conditions, including periods of heavy rainfall. While the grass prefers moist conditions, it has also shown an impressive tolerance to conditions of drought.
Clethra Ruby Spice
Last on the list of swamp-tolerant plants that thrive in a rain garden is Clethra. Also known as ‘Summersweet,’ Clethra is a water-loving, shade-tolerant plant that brings whimsical elegance and a host of pollinators to the landscape. Clethra Ruby Spice is a popular variety that sports deep pink, fragrant bottle-brush flowers. Deep green leaves contrast delightfully with the plant’s airy blooms. These gorgeous shrubs thrive in moist acidic soils and full to partial sun. Popular uses for Clethra in the landscape include use in shrub borders, planting along streams and ponds, or planted alone as statement features in rain and woodland gardens.
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With the right strategy, even the rainiest summer can work in your favor. Designing a landscape that embraces, rather than battles, excess moisture keeps your garden looking vibrant and contributes to a healthier environment. By incorporating water-wise plants and thoughtful rain garden design, you can transform those damp, troublesome areas into thriving, beautiful spaces supporting your landscape and local wildlife for seasons to come.