Marianne's Response

What to plant in a spot that is both wet and dry

Hi Marianne, I’m in a quandary and hope you can offer suggestions. I have an area at the end of my driveway that is really dry in the summer and really wet in the winter and I don’t know what to plant, therefore it’s looked like this (see photo) all summer long. Would like a perennial and ideally one that flowers (I love bees & butterflies) but I also really like ornamental grasses. Thinking maybe something that tops out at about 12″ or so as to not overshadow the Lithodoria right above it (LOVE when that’s a blanket of purple flowers!). (FYI, the Rhodies have pink & purplish flowers). What would you recommend? Thanks so much!

Posted by Stacey Long Collins on September 20, 2019

Marianne's Response

What a challenging site indeed. You did not mention where you live but as I see rhododendrons I think you should try some plants native to the NW. Sword ferns may grow a bit tall but they can survive and also the hardy geraniums as they bloom in spring and early summer and some have the pink and lavender colors you already have going in this area. Another idea is to use large containers in the area and fill these with potting soil. Now you can grow spring bulbs and summer perennials  in the pots such as daylilies, heucheras and sedum 'Autumn Joy,. . Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

    Search the Ask the Gardening Expert library

    Looking for a quick resolution to your problem? Marianne has answered thousands of gardening questions. One may be similar to yours. Try searching our library to get the answer you need — fast!

    My Topics

    View questions you submitted to Marianne in the past

    VIEW MY QUESTIONS