Shrubs for wet soil

number12 · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 19 Apr 2010 Posts: 1

Hi, I'm really new to the gardening world and hope this forum will prevent me making some basic mistakes starting off.

I'm building a patio and have a left a 50cm border between the patio's edge and the surrounding fence for some shrubs. Ideally these should be ones that grow very little or very slowly as I wont have the time to be constantly maintaining them. In addition, the land was very marshy before the houses were built and so drainage is poor.

I'd love to get some shrubs that have a nice colour all year around.

Can someone please suggest what I should be looking for? Thanks

Sive · Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 5:15 pm Post subject:

I think dogwoods ( cornus ) may do well for you.

catman · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 12:49 pm Post subject:

I have a corner of my garden that has very poor drainage, after heavy rainfall it can be 3 days before standing water is gone. I have a magnolia here and it is thriving.

James Kilkelly · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 11:34 pm Post subject: Re: Shrubs for wet soil

Try the low growing Variegated periwinkle (Vinca major 'Variegata')
Most dwarf willows will also be suitable.

Maybe consider some perennials as well.
Examples for damp soil.....

Chinese astilbe (Astilbe chinensis)
Bugle (Ajuga reptans)
Meadow sweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Heart-leaved houttuynia (Houttuynia cordata)
Leopard plant (Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona')
Drumstick primula (Primula denticulate)