Bog loving plants

I need help finding 3-4 plants, shrubs, whatever for a spot in my garden. It runs along the edge of the chicken enclosure, and gets all the water run off, especially in winter. Our soil here is damp and clay anyway, so I am at wits end what to plant there.

OH recently bought an Aronia tree/shrub (because he liked the sound of it!) so I was thinking of planting it in this spot, as from my googling, it likes the conditions I have described. I also have a varigated Euonymus that can go at the end to trim into a marker post.so now I am looking for something with some colour and a bit of architectural value to go with them, but NOT ferns. As posted elsewhere, I am lifting the bamboos that are currently growing in this spot. I would love to plant a Mahonia there, but I'm concerned it won't do well.

Any ideas? Oh yes, also looking for something low growing to go at the front of the border! I have the plan in my head, just need the plants to match it! :cnfs:

 

Houttuynia " Chameleon " is a nice, low growing, spreading herbaceous perennial. You could also use Zantadecia, Astilbe, Gunnera, Irises and Hostas.:thumb:

 

Thanks, a few ideas there

 

How about perennial Lobelia. I have 'Queen Victoria' with purple foiliage and 'Tanya', which is more hardy, but there are many more. I lift them both in the winter to be on the safe side. I also have Lobelia syphalitica, which is blue and extremely hardy. When I lift them I divide them, and the numbers grow very fast that way. But its not at all invasive if you don't divide it.

As for height, How about Eupatorium purpurea. It grows up to 5 or 6 foot high, with huge composite flower heads. However it is herbaceous and will die back in the winter. Its a favorite of mine.

 

Thanks Pete, I planted a Eupatorium in (another) wet spot in the garden. Really looking forward to seeing how it does.

 

How about Rogersia or Ligularia? Both love damp and are fantastic in flower.

For shrubs, Cornus alba (red stemmed dogwood) will cope with damp clay.

 

I can recommend you look at the Puddle Plant website. http://www.puddleplants.co.uk/index.htm. I have to plant a large area of bog and marginal plants in the spring and Annette was most helpful with advice and suggestions.
Chris

 

How about a HUGE GREAT BIG GUNNERA!!!! Or maybe a small one - we have 2 in our bog garden - they only get about 3foot round & 2 high. If you want some Houttuynia, I have a reddish varigated leaf one that grows like a weed in our front garden (and it isn't even damp!!) You are welcome to a couple of clumps of that when it grows back in the spring.

 

I could never understand the appeal of Houttuynia...has some awful variegations and stinks to high heaven IMO

 

Sorry Chris, I just saw your recommendation now. Lovely website there. How small are the plants she supplies-I'm thinking of ordering some?

 

I'm with you Aesculus - we inherited it with the garden 9 years ago - and are STILL trying to get rid of it!!! When we had our pond put in, it was suggested we moved some of it from the front garden to the pond area - the landscaper was shocked at my repy - think he learned a word or two!!

And yes - I had a look at the website too, Boghopper - when I have a few more minutes, an order will be going in!! :gnthb: