Wet Tolerant Annual Flowers: Choosing Annuals For Wet Soil Areas

A swampy or low yard can be tough to garden. Many types of plants give way to rot and fungal infections where there is too much moisture in the soil. A natural garden with wetland shrubs and perennials is a good option for these tricky spots. If you enjoy a lot of color, you can find moisture-loving annuals for moist gardens and beds as well.

Are There Really Annuals That Like Wet Soil?

Gardeners generally avoid wet soil and standing water. Most plants will get soggy roots and become susceptible to root rot in too much moisture. This is especially true for many annuals, which often come from dry regions like the Mediterranean or California.

While excessive moisture is one of the more difficult issues to find annuals to tolerate, it is possible. There are, in fact, wet tolerant annual flowers that thrive in these conditions. Make sure these plants still get plenty of sun to help them grow and bloom, though.

What Annuals Like Wet Soil?

Below is a list of annuals that will tolerate extra moisture but not necessarily thrive in soaked ground or standing water:

• Impatiens: Impatiens is a classic annual flower that not only tolerates moist soil but also shady areas.
• Forget-me-nots: Forget-me-nots do well in a shady, moist area but can be vulnerable to downy mildew.
• Foxglove: Foxglove flowers prefer plenty of sun but will tolerate moisture.
• Spider flower: Named for the spidery looking blooms that add a tropical look, spider flowers like full sun and do well with moderate moisture if planted in well-drained soil.
• Nasturtium: Nasturtiums are easy-to-grow annuals that can grow in partial shade but will not bloom as well.
• Pansies: Pansy flowers thrive in moist soil but may be prone to problems due to overwatering.

These are some examples of moisture-loving annuals that do very well in wet soil:

• Monkey flower: The monkey flower does very well with soggy soil, producing bright flowers in varied colors and grows quickly from seed.
• Five spot: Five spot produces pretty, delicate white and blue flowers and will take a little shade with its moisture
• Limnanthes: Meadowfoam flowers are large and saucer shaped – notable varieties include mixes of yellow and white flowers.

While it is possible to find annuals for wet soil, always be on the lookout for signs of rot, mildew, or other infections.