Do you have a soggy yard that feels more like a swamp than a lawn? Sure, you could level the whole yard and install drainage for thousands of dollars, or you could do something more cost-effective and aesthetically appealing. The good news is that some plants love wet feet and can help absorb excess water while adding beauty to your landscape. Whether you like elegant grasses or water-thirsty trees, these plants are nature’s own drainage system. Here are 9 outdoor plants that can help turn that soggy spot into a thriving garden.
1. Cattails
Cattails are the ultimate wetland warriors, thriving in standing water and soaking up moisture like a sponge. These tall, reed-like plants are perfect for areas with poor drainage and add a touch of natural beauty. Plus, their fluffy seed heads still look great in the winter and make a cozy home for wildlife.
2. Willow Trees
Willows do not just tolerate wet soil, they thrive in it. Their fast-growing roots eagerly drink up excess water, making them ideal for low-lying areas or near ponds. If you need a quick solution for soggy soil, plant a willow and let nature do the work. Just be mindful of those thirsty roots near foundations, as this can be problematic over the long run.
3. Blue Flag Iris
If you want a plant that can handle wet conditions while looking absolutely amazing, blue flag iris is the way to go. This perennial produces gorgeous blue-purple blooms while happily growing in marshy areas. It is a great choice for adding color to rain gardens or along pond edges, all while helping to control excess water accumulation, so your yard is actually a yard, not marshland.
4. Pickerelweed
Pickerelweed is a wetland-loving plant that soaks up moisture while attracting pollinators with its vibrant purple flowers. It thrives in boggy areas, shallow water, and along drainage ditches. Plus, its floating heart-shaped leaves create a lush, tropical feel, making even the wettest parts of your yard look intentionally designed. Attracting bees and other pollinators doesn’t just benefit your yard, but the whole world around you, while adding a bit of life to the mix too.
5. Pussy Willow
Pussy willows are not just famous for their soft, fuzzy catkins, which, let’s admit it, are super fun to play with, but they are also fantastic at absorbing excess water. These fast-growing shrubs are perfect for wet areas and can quickly establish themselves where other plants struggle. They provide year-round aesthetic appeal and are an early food source for pollinators in the spring, making them both beautiful and beneficial.
6. Sweet Flag
Sweet Flag is an ideal choice for areas with consistently wet soil. This perennial grass-like plant thrives in damp, marshy conditions and is particularly well-suited for rain gardens, ponds, or any area that tends to stay soggy. It features tall, sword-like leaves with a pleasant fragrance when crushed, and its rhizomes help absorb excess moisture. Sweet Flag grows well in both standing water and in moist, poorly-drained soil while also adding a unique texture to the landscape.
7. Royal Fern
Ferns love moisture, but royal ferns take it to another level. These lush, bright green ferns thrive in wet soil, making them perfect for shady, damp areas that need a little softening. They add a tropical feel to rain gardens and woodland edges while keeping water from pooling in unwanted spots.
8. Southern Wax Myrtle
This hardy shrub is a superstar when it comes to soaking up water while providing year-round greenery. Southern wax myrtle thrives in wet conditions and has aromatic foliage that helps repel insects. It is an excellent option for creating privacy screens in damp areas where other shrubs might struggle. Combine this with pickerelweed, and you’ll have a garden full of pollinators and free of pests.
9. Lupines
Lupines are more than just pretty flowers. These tall, colorful perennials thrive in moist soil while fixing nitrogen to improve soil health. They add a bold pop of color while absorbing excess water, making them an ideal choice for rain gardens or low-lying areas that need a little help drying out. That said, their stunning blooms are more than enough reason to add these to your garden or the edges of your yard.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.