In gardening lingo there is a term called site specific planting. This means matching a plant to a location based on the cultural conditions available in terms of light, soil and moisture. The advantage of applying this method when gardening is that you can landscape with little change to the existing conditions of the environment.
A perfect example is nature itself. Our national parks and wilderness areas don’t have irrigation, drainage systems, or gardeners conducting weekly maintenance. Plants thrive and continue to do so because conditions are balanced for survival. If you happen to have an area in the garden that stays wet year round – employ site-specific planting.
The Following Hibiscus is an Unique Choice for the Bog Garden and Site Specific Planting
Hibiscus coccinea, also known as the Scarlet Hibiscus and Swamp Hibiscus is a very unusual plant. The leaves are deeply serrated like a lace-leaf form of Japanese maple. This plant is extremely water tolerant and can withstand complete flooding for a good portion of the season - as long as there are fluctuating periods of non-submersion. Once established this plant is known for its ability to withstand drought as well. It can be seen growing along riverbanks in its native habitat of Florida.
This hardy hibiscus is known to grow in zone 6. In cold areas it will die to the ground (should be clipped close to ground in the fall) and swiftly reemerges from its basal crown when springs returns. Long slender stems will rise quickly to six feet or more with a rather open structural form. The scarlet flowers will emerge daily from interestingly shaped buds. The flowers don’t persist long, but occur daily and consistently as the vigorous stems elongate quickly, while developing more buds.
Plant this one at the rear of the pond so the roots can feed on the ever present moisture supply. It’s a great plant to mix in with other perennials so the tops rise above other lower growing plantings for a layering effect. And if you like drawing hummingbirds to the garden – you’ll love Hibiscus coccinea.
Other Bog Plants That look Great With Hibiscus Coccinea
Acorus gramineus Ogon is a beautiful evergreen ornamental grass that will grow in sun or shade. The variety Ogon is especially beautiful due to its beautiful illuminating golden yellow foliage that will thrive in extremely wet areas. Don't drought stress this one.
Gunnera is definitely a collector’s plant and conversation piece for the garden. Some of the species will sport leaves nearing 8 feet wide. Best in morning light with afternoon shade, Gunnera is a bog plant but is best planted so its roots can tap into the pond with the crown just above the water line.
Many Iris, including Japanese, Chinese, and Yellow Iris will take swampy conditions. Siberian Iris is a favorite as well and sports beautiful foliage throughout the growing season.
Cornus stolonifera Ivory Halo is a special cultivar of the red twig dogwood clan. Beautiful, variegated green and cream colored foliage brightens the landscape during the growing season then turns red with a sharp frost. Leaves drop to reveal a beautiful thicket of bright red stems. Give this 5 foot tall shrub room to spread as it will spread slowly via underground stems. Great plant for the natural garden and extremely bog tolerant.
Click on photo below to see hummingbird in action and scarlet hibiscus.
Rod Whitlow - Rod Whitlow brings a Horticulture Rich Background with him to Suite 101.com. During his 30 years of working in the GREEN INDUSTRY Rod ...
