If puddles and soggy areas consistently linger in your yard after a heavy rain you may have a drainage issue, which can destroy your lawn. A great way to handle a soupy yard and beautify your landscape at the same time is to plant a rain garden.
Rain gardens can suck up large amounts of water and help alleviate issues like standing water and soggy patches in your yard. Many native plants flourish in these conditions and oftentimes they create habitats for frogs, birds, insects, and various species of wildlife. For plants that offer vivid color, and considerable height and width, consider these five thirsty beauties.
Blue Flag Iris (hardiness zones 3 to 9)
This flower yields splashy blue-violet blooms which attract hummingbirds, butterflies, native bees, and other beneficial insects. The blue flag iris isn’t as susceptible to the pests and diseases that are usually associated with its bearded iris counterpart. Blue flag irises are also deer-resistant.
American Beautyberry (hardiness zones 7 to 11)
In late summer American beautyberry shows its true colors when clusters of green berries the size of pearls begin to turn various shades of eye-catching purple.
Astilbe (hardiness zones 3 to 8)
These perennials bloom in summer and come in a variety of colors like red, pink, white, and purple. They stand between 1 and 3-feet tall and like afternoon shade.
Winterberry (hardiness zones 3 to 9)
Winterberry is a woody shrub that yields brightly-colored fruit from fall through winter in a range of colors, from bright red to yellow-orange. It grows 6 to 12-feet tall, with a similar width, and is relatively resistant to disease and pests.
Switchgrass (hardiness zones 5 to 9)
Consider switchgrass as another option for height in your rain garden. Its green foliage grows to about 3-feet tall, but by mid-summer it produces pinkish flower panicles that can raise its height to 5 or 6 feet. Songbirds feast on its flowers.
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