Re: flood-tolerant plants
Hello Nancy,
A few plants that come to mind for this habitat, based upon what you already
describe as doing well for you, would be the Goats Beard. There is the large
species A. dioicus and then the dwarf species. I think they are more tolerant than
Astilbe and the dwarf from very much resemble Astilbe. Try the Blue Cohosh
(Caulophyllum thalictroides) among the ferns. The shooting stars would like this
one, but go dormant by July. I think you would have good luck with Hosta. There
are native Iris that will handle the outside edge where you can get a bit more
light such as I. fulva and virginica. Both species of the Lobelia, Obedient Plant,
Solomon's Seals, False Solomon's seal, Spigelia. Man of the ephemeral would handle
this one as they enjoy extra spring moisture then drying off for the summer.
Incidentally, there are native Monarda that grow in the woodland edge.
Gene Bush Southern Indiana Zone 6a Munchkin Nursery
around the woods - around the world
genebush@otherside.com http://www.munchkinnursery.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Nancy Stedman <stedman@INTERPORT.NET>
Sent: Friday, September 17, 1999 1:49 PM
Subject: [SG] flood-tolerant plants
> How's this for a tall order? I'm looking for recommendations for
> shade-loving plants that can stand periodic flooding in a bed that would be
> dry if I didn't water it in the summer (i.e., it is by no means a "moist"
> area). The water comes from a construction site uphill from me (long, dull,
> annoying story), and since the situation is in court it won't be resolved
> for a long time. Oh yes, the plants also should be able to tolerate clay
> since my much-amended soil gets washed out and is replaced by globs of the
> sticky stuff. So far I've discovered that pink turtlehead and Joe Pye weed
> stand up, but the eupatorium really is an unattractive washed out brown/pink
> in the shade rather than the lovely burgundy I had in mind (and that I see
> when the plant is placed in more sun). I've already seen one astilbe die,
> and a few look ill, which kind of surprised me. If I hadn't already invested
> in so many perennials for this bed I'd be tempted to replace everything with
> black chokeberry, which is doing fine in another flooded area. The shade is
> pretty serious--there's only light in the mid- to late afternoon (which
> makes a lot of plants wilt)--and the bed is in front of a tall brick
> retaining water which, I assume, radiates a lot of heat. In less flooded
> parts of the bed cimicifugas are doing well. Do you think they'd stand up to
> a lot of water? How about monarda?
> By the way, thanks to everyone for the Sluggo information.
> All ideas appreciated,
> Nancy S. (NYC, zone 6B)
