Many people despair when they discover they have damp areas in their garden. Me on the other hand... squeals of joy. Areas that are consistently moist are the perfect conditions for what I consider to be the most interesting and beautiful plants.
Following are just a few I have growing n Tasmania. More will be added soon as we are still harvesting seeds and haven't started to divide plants.
Astrantia (Masterwort or Hattie’s pincushion)
Is a charming hardy and herbaceous perennial border plant that flowers during summer. These are easy to grow plants but it is crucial that they are given the correct growing conditions. It is essential these plants are grown in moist humus-rich soil. Astrantias will grow in heavy clay soils, but much prefers slightly acidic, light rich, loamy soils. For best growth and performance, astrantias should be planted in partial sun to dappled shade. Darker varieties, such as ‘Hadspen Blood’, will perform better in a sunnier spot.
Excellent cut flower with some varieties having stem length of up to 50cm.
Lychnis viscaria - German Catchfly
Masses of beautiful spikes of soft pink star-shaped flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its ferny leaves remain light green in color throughout the season. This perennial forms a slowly spreading clump that grows to around 30cm. These plants require full sun and moist conditions, do not allow them to dry out.
Veronica gentianoides - Gentian Speedwell
A very beautiful pale blue perennial veronica which has a very long flowering season and is an excellent cut flower. Due to its compact habit, plant towards the front of a border or grow in a pot. This is an easy to grow plant that prefers rich well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist (do not allow this plant to dry out). It prefers full sun but will also tolerate light shade. Height with flowers 50cm. Summer flowering.
Veronica longifolia (Speedwell)
This is an upright herbaceous perennial, growing up to around 1m tall. It has long blue flower spikes, that are excellent as cut flowers. It attracts and benefits bees, butterflies plus other pollinators and beneficial insects, which help keep pest numbers down. This is an easy to grow plant that prefers rich well-drained soil that is kept consistently moist (do not allow this plant to dry out). Grown in full sun. Height to 1.5m. Sumner flowering. Veronica longifolia is a statement plant that will add structure and movement to your garden.
Lychnis flos-cuculi - Ragged Robin
Found growing naturally in damp places in Europe, Caucasus and Siberia. With an upright or spreading habit, ragged robin has blue-green, lance-shaped leaves at the base of the plant, becoming more rounded further up the stem. In summer loose, flat flower heads carry star-shaped flowers with deeply cut petals, which vary in colour from purple-pink to white. Lychnis flos-cuculi is an understated, hardy perennial perfect for growing in damp borders, around the edge of ponds and in wildlife gardens. Plant in boggy soil in full sun to partial shade. Height 40cm.
Sanguisorba canadensis (Canadian Burnet or American Burnet)
is a clump-forming perennial with pinnate leaves composed of narrowly oblong leaflets, and bottlebrush-like white flower spikes in summer and early autumn. This is a clump-forming perennial with pinnate leaves composed of narrowly oblong leaflets, and bottlebrush-like white flower spikes in summer and early autumn. The plant prefers full sun and damp conditions. Excellent cut flower.
Sanguisorba officinalis ‘Pink Tanna’ has bottlebrush like flowers that are an apple blossom pink, appearing in summer on tall, airy stems. Further flowers can be encouraged by deadheading spent flowers. This plant prefers a moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It can handle heavy soils, I have it happily growing in a damp area of the garden with clay in the soil.
If you are an admirer of Piet Oudolff's designs, then this plant is a must as it is one of his favourites. So, it goes without saying this plant compliments ornamental grasses or can be grown with perennials in a cottage border. It will add height and interest to your garden with the flowers swaying in the breeze. The narrow stems allow plants to be seen behind it. Herbaceous perennial. Height 90cm. Spread 50cm. Excellent cut flower.
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