All plant species need water for survival, but some have a higher requirement than others. Cucumber, mallow, elephant ears, autumn fern, and others are all known to thrive in wet climates. Other species flourish in sunny and dryer lands. Tree experts recommend choosing species from a native tree nursery, but you can find various plants that’ll do well under wet conditions. Here’s an overview of the top options:
1. Native Plants and Trees
Dry and wet regions have native plant species that have thrived in the area for millennia. If you live in areas with prolonged rainy periods and wet conditions, you can never go wrong with native species. The plants are natural inhabitants of existing conditions and have adapted to surviving the extra rain.
Some species cannot grow elsewhere because their survival depends on the unique rainfall available in their native surroundings. You can select any plant variety from your local native tree nursery. Native species also need less caring and fertilizer as they’re adapted to the environment and available nutrients.
Advantages of Native Plants
- Grow naturally in wet/rainy environments
- Reduced need for fertilizer and pesticides
- Readily available from your local native plant nursery
- Have proven success under existing conditions
- Can grow without extra irrigation
- Survive through all seasons
2. Hydrophytes/Aquatic Plants
Some plants and trees can only survive under damp conditions and are perfect if you live in regions that receive more rainfall. You can also find garden plants that only excel under wet conditions. Collectively known as aquatic plants, hydrophytes are the best plant and tree species for rainy environments.
Popular examples include cattails, reeds, wild rice, swamp birch, wild celery, pondweeds, and pickerelweed. You can plant calla lily, parrot’s feather, monkeyflower, rose mallow, iris, crinum, and more if you have a backyard pond. Watery garden owners can also plant lettuce, spinach, hosta, sugar snap peas, dogwood, leopard plant, bleeding heart flowers, and more.
Advantages of Aquatic Plants
- Suited to watery conditions
- Can survive the worst winters and rainfalls
- Most are native to wet regions
- Can improve water quality in backyard ponds
- Easily adaptable provided they receive enough rain
- Can survive dry seasons through irrigation
3. All-Season Plants and Trees
Native plants may only grow in their native surroundings, while hydrophobic trees require lots of water. All-season plants and trees adapt to the different conditions in a calendar year. They can flourish under heavy rains and survive dryer seasons without drying. Planting all-season trees and vegetation is one way to deal with rainy environments.
Popular all-season plants include rose, hibiscus, Cassandra, yew, eggplant, camellia, aucuba, tomatoes, leeks, euphorbia, iris, lavender, and more. Even the rainiest regions will experience periods of dryness. One benefit of all-season plants is they can survive through winter, autumn, spring, and summer with minimal watering.
Advantages of All-Season Plants
- Thrive under wet and rainy conditions
- Need less watering during dryer seasons
- Readily available from local plant nurseries
- They grow in any garden with minimal preparation
- Offer year-round beauty and blooms
4. Tropical Rainforest Plants
Rainforest plants are suited to wet conditions and thrive in rainy environments. Tropical rainforest plants also need sunlight, so make sure the garden/planting site is exposed to full sunlight. Plants growing in thick rainforests are adapted to wet soil and little sunlight because of the canopies from taller trees. They are perfect for regions with surplus rain.
A typical rainforest tree has thick logs and grows to taller heights. The plants also feature big, thick leaves that provide a canopy to keep the soil moist and prevent evaporation. Popular examples include the Amazon water lily, rubber tree, rosewood, bougainvillea, ironwood, vanilla orchid, mahogany, and more. Make sure the garden has enough compost.
Advantages of Rainforest Plants
- Adapted to growing under rainy conditions
- Can survive under minimal sunlight
- They thrive throughout all seasons
- Tall with lush canopies for shade
- Easy to grow and maintain
- Reduced need for pesticides
Trusted Native Tree Nursery for Rainy Environments
The best plants for rainy environments come from a native tree nursery. Native trees already thrive under existing conditions and have reduced maintenance requirements. When looking for plants and trees for your garden, choose a reputable nursery like Forrest Keeling Nursery. Working with a trustworthy nursery can help you grow healthy native plants that will survive all seasons with minimal care and irrigation.
