Bog
Plants-
Other Names ( Poolside plants, Waterside Plants, Moisture-loving Plants)
Roots in moist soil but not permanently submerged in water, leaves and flowers
clearly above the surface.
These
plants require damp humus-rich soil which is never allowed to dry out but
they will not survive in permanently waterlogged ground. The term 'Bog plant'
is therefore not an accurate description and many experts prefer 'Poolside
plants' for this group. Their home is in the bog garden constructed at the
side of the pond. There is no clear-cut definition- some like
Hemerocallis and Astilbe flourish in the herbaceous border,
and there are Marginals such as Caltha and Mimulus which will
grow in the bog garden. Follow the garden rules rather than the pond ones
for Bog plants. Divide every few years.
Aruncus-
Goat's Beard There is a single
species-
Aruncus
dioicus,
usually sold as
A.
Sylvester,
it may take a year or two to become established, but given the right conditions
will reach 6 ft. or more. For a few weeks in June or July the tall stems
are crowned with large fluffy flower-heads. Each flower-head is about 8 in.
long and bears a multitude of tiny creamy-white flowers. It needs plenty
of space- set plants 2-1/2 ft. apart and cut the stems down an inch or two
above ground level in late autumn. Choose a spot which receives some shade
during the day. A dioicus is too large for most bog gardens and the lobed
leaves cast a lot of shade- pick the variety
'Kneiffii'
(2 ft.) where space is limited. Flowers creamy-white, looks rather like an
Astilbe. Propagation: Divide clumps in
autumn.
Astilbe-
Astilbe Astilbe
is one of the most widely grown and best bog plants available, and no sizeable
bog garden is complete without one.The foliage is deeply cut and often coppery
in spring, and the flowers are tiny. What the blooms lack in size they make
up for in quantity. Between June and August large feathery plumes appear
which are clothed in a multitude of flowers. The popular varieties belong
to
Astilbe
arendsi-
height 2-3 ft. spread 1-1/2 ft. Look for
'Bressingham Beauty'
(pink)
'Fire'
(red) and
'Deutschland'
(white). Others include
'Fanal'
(deep red) and
'White
Gloria'.
The plumes are not always erect.
'Ostrich
Plume'
(pink) bears pendant flower-heads. For dwarf plants grow
A.
simplicifolia 'Sprite' (1ft pink) or A. crispa 'Lilliput'
(
6 ft. pink) Propagation: Divide clumps every 2-3 years in
spring.
Cardamine-
Cuckoo Flower Cardamine pratensis
(Lady's
Smock) is a native plant which will flourish in sun and partial shade in
the bog garden. The mounds of pale green ferny foliage quickly spread and
may have to be kept in check- in April and May the 1 ft. flower-stalks appear.
The single blooms are pale lilac and are borne in great numbers. Most people
choose the variety
'Flore
Pleno'
which is rather shorter and less invasive. The flowers are fully double and
the plant can be propagated only by division. Much less common is
C.
latifolia
which
has Watercress-like leaves and bears its lilac flowers in May and June. It
is a larger plant than
C.
pratensis-
the stems of this evergreen grow about 1 ft. and spreads 2
ft. Propagation: Sow seeds of the species in spring or divide
clumps in late autumn.
Eupatorium-
Boneset Several species and varieties
are available for the bog garden, but plant with care as most are large with
coarse leaves and out of place in a small pot.
Eupatorium
cannabinum
is our native Hemp Agrimony, a downy plant with stems growing 2-4 ft. tall
and bearing clusters of reddish-purple flowers at the tops in late summer
or autumn. It self-seeds very freely. Cut down to nearly ground level after
flowering.
E.
purpureum
( Joe Pye Weed) is even larger, reaching 6 ft. or more and with large flat
heads of rose-purple flowers in late summer. The dark green leaves are borne
in whorls- for purple leaves choose the variety
'Atropurpureum'.
One of the smallest species is
E.
fraseri
( 2 ft. white flowers) Propagation: Divide clumps in early
spring.
Filipendula-
Dropwort The leaves are often fern-like
and the stems bear terminal clusters of small flowers. With some types the
foliage is the main attraction and the flowers are removed- with others the
blooms are attractive enough for garden display.
Filipendula
ulmaria
is the meadowsweet which grows wild along streams and in ditches. It
grows about 3 ft. high and bears feathery spires of fragrant creamy-white
flowers in June-August. The variety
'Aurea'
is grown for its yellow foliage. remove flowersas they form.
F.
palmata
( 2-3 ft )produces large flat heads ofrosy flowers in midsummer.
F.
rubra
'Magnifica'
is the giant- 5-6 ft. high with wide heads of pink feathery
flowers. Propagation: Divide clumps in autumn or
spring.
Geum-
Water Avens Geum
is a very popular plant in the herbaceous border, but it is much less common
in the bog garden. There reason may be that there is not much variety- there
is just one species.
Geum
rivale
is a native plant with feathery foliage- but with flowers in late spring
early summer which are quite different from the popular garden varieties.
These nodding blooms are bell-shaped and the pink petals are backed by prominent
purple sepals. Water Avens grow about 1- 1/2 ft. high and has a spread of
about 1- 1/2 ft. Choose a variety.
'Jeannie
Ross'
(pink) and
'Leonard's
Variety'
( large open orange-pink flowers).
'Lionel
Cox'
is golden yellow. All varieties thrive in sun or light shade. Divide every
few years. Propagation: Divide clumps in autumn or
spring.
Gunnera-
Prickly Rhubarb With
Gunnera
manicata
it is a matter of once seen never forgotten, but it is not for you unless
you have a large tract of unoccupied boggy land next to a lake or stream.
It is the largest hardy herbaceous plant, with vast Rhubarb-like leaves which
are 5 ft. or more across and grow 8 ft. high. In late summer the 3 ft. high
cone-like flower-head appears, and in autumn it in necessary to protect the
crown against winter's frosts by bending the old leaves over a straw or bracken
cover.
G.
scabra
is a somewhat smaller plant, but the real novelty for the garden pond is
G.
magellanica,
a miniature species which grows no more than 3 in. high and bears rounded
leaves and reddish florets on a 3 in. flower-head. It is only
semi-hardy. Propagation: Divide crowns in early
spring.
Hemerocallis-
Day Lily Day Lilies make
excellent bog plants with a long flowering season and thriving in sun or
partial shade. No longer is the gardener restricted to dull yellow and orange
shades. Modern hybrids are available in colors from palest yellow to richest
red. Clumps of arching strap-like leaves give rise to branching stalks which
bear trumpet-shaped blooms from June to August. Each bloom lasts a single
day, but new buds appear continually during the flowering season. There are
1-1/2 ft. dwarf's and 4 ft. giants. Examples are
Hemerocallis
'Pink
Damask'
(pure pink) and
H.
'Stafford'
(yellow-eyed
red). Others include
H.
'Luxery
Lace'
(green-throated lavender) and H.
'Canary
Glow'
(Velvety yellow). Propagation: Divide clumps in autumn
or spring.
Hosta-
Plantain Lily A dual purpose plant, grown
for its spikes of trumpet-shaped flowers as well as its attractively-shaped
leaves which are often variegated or distinctly coloured. It is a popular
subject for a shady spot in the bog garden and it has just one drawback.
Slugs find the young foliage irresistible. You will find a large selection
in catalogues and garden centres, with leaves varying from near-blue to almost
pure yellow. Basic details are height 1-1/2 to 3 ft. spread 2 ft. flowering
period July-August. Some popular ones include
Hosta
'Royal
Standard'
(green leaves, white flowers),
H.
fortunei 'Aureomarginata'
(gold
edge dark green leaves, purple-tinge white flowers),
H.
ventricosa
(dark green leaves, lilac flowers) and
H.
undulata
(white-splashed green leaves). Propagation: Divide clumps
in spring.
Iris-
Bog Iris There are several species
that will flourish in the damp soil or a bog garden, but only two are really
popular and neither of them likes over-wet soil in winter.
Iris
kaempferi
is
the delightful Japanese Clematis Iris - sometimes listed as
I.
ensata.
basic details are height 2-1/2 ft. flowering period June-July, acid soil
essential. The foliage is broad and the flowers large and flattened. Varieties
are available in purple, blue mauve, and white.
I.
sibirica
is an easier plant to grow which does not demand lime-free conditions. The
leaves are narrower and the flowers smaller, but there is a host of beautiful
varieties in a range of sizes from
'Perry's
Pygmy'
(1-1/2 ft. violet) and
'Perry's
Blue'
(3 ft. sky-blue). If the ground remains very wet in winter, grow
I.
ochroleuca
(White and gold flowers). Propagation: Divide clumps immediately
after flowering.
Ligularia-
Golden Rays The larges leaves
of this plant cover the ground and effectively smother weeds, and in summer
the flower-heads appear. Each individual bloom is a yellow or orange daisy,
but the size and arrangement depend on the variety. Choose a shady spot,
cut back the stems when flowering is over and divide the clumps every three
years. The popular species is
Ligularia
dentata
(L. clivorum), someties listed under "Senecio'. The3-4 ft.
stems bear large, spreading heads of flowers between Julyand September and
the heart-shape leaves are purplish ('Desdemona') or red
('Othello') underneath.
L.
stenocephala
(L. przewalskii) 'The Rocket' ( 5 ft.) bears its small flowers
on erect spikes rather than wide heads.
L.veitchiana
is another spike-bearing species. Propagation: Divide clumps
in autum or spring.
Lobelia-
Lobelia The Marginals
Lobelia
cardinalis
and
fulgens
have already been described in the
Marginals
section - both of them can be grown in the bog garden. There are a few
other varieties which are readily available for bog garden use only- they
cannot tolerate water logged soil for long periods. The most popular one
is
Lobelia
syphilitica-
a shade-loving plant with green leaves and spires of blue flowers in late
summer. It grows about 2-1/2 ft. high and is rather short-lived. For white
flowers choose the variety alba.
L.
vedrariensis
grows a little taller (3-4 ft.), its leaves are flushed with purple and the
long spires of violet flowers appear in late summer. The hybrid
L.
gerardii
is
not easy to find. Violet-purple flowers on strong 4ft.
stems. Propagation: Sow seeds under glass in
spring.
Lychnis-
Ragged Robin The rockery types of
Lychnis
are small plants for sunny spots in rock gardens, sinks and between paving
stones. There is just one species which can be grown in the bog garden- the
Ragged Robin
(Lychnis
flor-cuculi), which
grows wild in wet areas throughout Europe. It is not a choice plant and is
described in very few books on water gardening, but you will find it in many
catalogues and it is an excellent subject for the area surrounding a wildlife
pond. The stems grow about 2 ft. high clothed with narrow leaves and in summer
with a crown of numerous pink-flowers. Several varieties are available, including
the low-growing 'Nana', white flowered 'Alba' and the double
pink 'Rosea plena'. Propagation: Divide clumps in
autumn.
Lysichiton-
Skunk Cabbage Lysichiton
(also
known as Lysichitum) is not difficult to grow in either the bog garden or
covered with an inch or two of water on the marginal shelf. It is a bold
and eye-catching plant, and so it is surprising that you will have to seach
for a supplier. The lack of popularity may be due to it's size or unpleasant
smell- hense the common name.
Lysichiton
americanum
produces 1ft. high Arum-like flowers with a yellow spathe in April. The blooms
are followed by 3 ft. long leaves. The seeds germinate readily so self-sown
seeding can be a problem. Where space is limited it is better to grow the
oriental variety
L.
camtschatcense.
The flowers are smaller and the spathes are white. It grows about 3ft. high.
With both species you may have to wait several years before flowers
appear. Propagation: Sow fresh seeds in late
spring.
Lysimachia-
Loosestrife The old favorite
Creeping Jenny
(Lysimachia
nummularia)
found previously in our
Rock
Garden Plants Section is equally suitable in the bog garden. Choose
the yellow-leaved variety
'Aurea'.
This is a sprawling plant for use below taller specimens. An upright Loosestrife
for the bog garden is
L.
punctata
which grows up to 3 ft. high. From June to August the leafy stems bear whorls
of yellow, starry flowers which have a reddrish tinge at the base of the
petals.
L.
vulgaris
has
a similar appearance, but is too invasive for the average bog garden.
L.
clethroides
(Chinese Loosestrife) is quite different. It bears curved spikes of
tiny white flowers and lance-shaped leaves which gives it the appearance
of a small Buddleia. Height 2ft., spread 2 ft., flowering period
August-September. Propagation: Divide clumps in autumn or
spring.
Lythrum-
Purple Loosestrife A good choice.
The leaves are dark green and elongated- above them rose the narrow flower
spikes, densely packed with pink, red, or purple starry blooms from July
to September. These spikes are colorful, prolific and long-lasting. The basic
species is
L.
salicaria-
a 4-5 ft. high wild flower which grows a long streams. The hybrids are shorter
and more attractive- popular ones include 'The Beacon' (3 ft. crimson),
'Ladysackville' (4 ft. rose-pink), 'Robert' (2-1/2 ft. clear-pink)
and 'Firecandle' (3 ft. rose-red). For an average-sized bog garden
it is better to grow the more restrained
L.virgatum
which has daintier spikes and grows 1-1/2 to 2 ft. high. Choose one of the
popular named varieties. Look for 'The Rocket' (deep pink), 'Dropmore
purple' (rose-purple) and 'Rose Queen'
(rose-pink). Propagation: Divide clumps in
autumn.
Matteuccia-
Ostrich Feather Fern As any garden designer
can tell you, ferns have an important part to play in a large bog garden,
but use them in moderation to add occasional points of interest amongst the
flowering plants.
Matteuccia
struthiopteris
is one of the most attractive- green feathery fronds are arranged around
the woody crown like the feathers of a shuttlecock. The outer 'feathers'
are sterile- the shorter fertile fronds appear later to produce an inner
ring. It is an upright plant, growing about 3 ft. high but only 1-1/2 ft.
wide, the rather delicate appearance belying the fact that it is extra hardy
and extremely tough. It spreads by means of underground rhizomes. The rare
variety
pennsylvanica
grows 6-8ft. high. Propagation: Divide crowns in
spring.
Mimulus-
Monkey Flower Mimulus; is great
for a rock garden (
Garden
Plants A to Z Section ) they are also an excellent choice for the bog
garden. The 6-9 in. mounds of
Mimulus
cupreus
varieties flower from June to September and most come true from seeds. Bronze
and red are the usual flower colors. The dwarf
M.
'Whitecroft Scarlet'
(4
in.) is a popular choice. Mimulus is also found amonst the
(Marginals
Section ) and one of them is (M. luteus) will thrive in wet soil.
The most popular bog Mimulus is
M.
cardinalis-
an erect plant with 1-1/2 to 2 ft. stems and spires of orange-red blooms
between July and September.
M.
bartonianus
is rather similar and
M.
lewisii
is
a popular rose-pink species.
M.
'Hose-In-Hose'
(1
ft.) has one flower within another. Propagation: Divide clumps
or sow seeds under glass in spring- take cuttings in
autumn.
Onoclea-
Sensitive Fern Onoclea
sensibilis
is one of the few ferns which can be grown either in the bog garden or the
shallow water at the edge of the pond. Below ground it spreads by means of
black rhizomes- above ground the foliage changes color with the seasons.
In spring the new fronds appear; pink at first and then changing to pale
green as spring turns into summer. The triangular fronds grow 2 ft. high-
the toothed leaflets (pinnae) arranged in herringbone fashion. In autumn
the fronds turn russet brown, completing the round of color changes. These
brown fronds are sometimes cut for flower arranging. Onoclea is offered by
some but not by the majority of aquatic plant suppliers. If you buy one then
remember that it can be spread very rapidly in its favorite situation of
shade and very wet soil. Propagation: Divide clumps
in spring.
Osmunda-
Royal Fern There
is common agreement that Osmunda is the most impressive of the hardy ferns.
Osmunda
regalis
grows 4-6 ft. high, its tall lime-green fronds changing to bronze with the
onset autumn. The spore-bearing fronds are quite different- they are smaller,
greenish-brown and borne on stalks, giving a rather flower-like appearance.
Cover the crown with its dead leaves and straws during winter and early spring.
For something rather different choose the purple-tinged variety
'Purpurascens'. Both these plants need plenty of space and they will
not tolerate lime in the soil . Where space is limited you can consider the
smaller varieties. 'Cristata' grows 3-4 ft. high and bears twisted
fronds with curiously tasselled ends.
O.
undulata
(3-4 ft.) has fronds with cockscomb-like
tips. Propagation: Divide crowns in
spring.
Peltiphyllum-
Umbrella Plant Peltiphyllum
peltatumis a good plant to choose if you have a bare area of rich wet soil to
cover. It grows 3-4 ft. high so plenty of space is needed. In early spring
the 2 ft. high leafless flower stalks appear, topped with globular heads
of small pink blooms in April and May. These Saxifrage-like flowers are followed
by the umbrella-like leaves in the summer. Tall green stalks bearing 1 ft.
wide round leaves which are serrated and lobed around the edges. During the
growing season the foliage has a bronzy-green color but this changes to red
and browns in autumn. A good choice as it provides spring flowers and autumn
tints, but too large for the average bog garden. Choose the variety
'Nanum' ( 1-1/2 ft.) where space is
limited. Propagation: Divide rhizomes in
spring.
Primula-
Bog Primula Primula is considered by
many gardeners to be the queen of the bog garden plants. There is a large
range of species which will flourish in rich and moist ground but not in
constantly wet soil. By choosing wisely you can have flowers from early spring
to late summer in a wide variety of colors. The general height range is 6
in. (2 & 1/2 ft.) and most will grow in sun or shade. Mulch in spring,
dead-head faded blooms and divide the clumps every two or three years. The
flowering year begins in March with
Primula
rosea
(6 in/), a Primrose-like plant with rose-pink flowers. A month later the
Drumstick Promrose
(P.
denticulata)
is a bloom. small yellowed-eyed lavender flowers crowded on 3 in. wide globular
heads. White, blue and pale purple varieties are available. Between May and
July the largest Primula group is a bloom- the Candelabra Primroses. The
flowers are borne as a series of whorls up the stem- some of the more popular
speciecies is listed in catalogues. Propagation: Sow seed
under glass or divide clumps in spring.
Polygonum-
Knotweed You will find the Knotweeds
on offer as Bog plants at garden centers and in catalogues, but experienced
pond gardeners know that you have to choose with care. Nearly all types are
invasive and many can quickly become weeds The most popular ones are
Polygonum affine and its varieties such
'Donald
lowndes'
and
'Dimity'.
Long lasting poker-like heads of tiny flowers are produced on 6 in. 1 ft.
stems, pretty but invasive.
P.
milleti
(1
ft. bright red flowers) is not invasive. Another Knotweed which is easy to
keep under control in the bog garden is
P.
bistorta
'Superbum' (3 ft.) which bears 6 in. long spikes of pink flowers in
early summer.
P.
campanulatum
(pink, late summer) grows similar height. Propagation: Divide
clumps in autumn or spring.
Rheum-
Ornamental Rhubarb The most popular
and sucessful species is
Rheum
palmatum.
It needs plenty of space, as its large and wide spreading foliage can reach
6 ft. or more. In May and June the plumes of small fowers appear on top of
the stout stalks. The two varieties
'Atrosanguineum
('Rubrum')
and
'Bowles
Crimson'
are even more colorful. The leaves which are red when young have a purplish
cast when mature and the flowers are crimson.
'Tanguticum'
is another red-flowered variety, but with this one the foliage is deeply
cut. Rheum is not a difficult plant to grow under drier conditions than Gunnera.
It has to be used as a specimen plant, however, as little will grow under
its leaves- where space is limited grow 2 ft. high variety
"Ace
of
Hearts'. Propagation:
Divide crowns in spring.
Rodgersia-
Rodgersia These plants from China
and Japan are grown as ground cover, their large crinkled leaves carpeting
a wide area when the plant is fully established. In midsummer plumes of small
flowers are borne on top of 3-5 ft. high stems. Rodgersia thrives best in
a sheltered and partially shaded part of the bog garden. Leaf form and flower
color depend on the species. The most popular one is
Rodgersia
tabularis-
the circular leaves are up to 2 ft. across and the flowers are creamy white.
R.
pinnata
is quite different- the foliage is made up of paired leaflets and the flowers
are pink or white.
R.
aesculifolia
is another bronze-leaved species, but the foliage is Horse Chestnut-shaped
and the white flowers are followed by red seed
heads. Propagation: Divide clumps in autumn or
spring.
Schizostylis-
Kaffir Lily This South African
plant has flowers which have been described as similar to a Fressia, miniature
gladiolus or small Hemerocallis. They apear above grassy foliage remarkably
late in the season, the first buds opening in October aand the last blooms
fading in December. Despite this ability to extend the floral display in
the bog garden, schizostylis appears in none of the best seller lists and
is missing from many catalogues. The problem is that it is not fully hardy,
and should therefore be grown in a sheltered sunny spot. Mulch in winter.
The basic species
Schizostylis
coccinea
which grows 1-2 ft. high. A number of varieties are
'Grandiflorus'
produces red flowers like the species but they are larger.
'Mrs
Hegarty'
is rose-pink and
'Viscountess
Byng'
is pale pink. Propagation: Divide clumps in
spring.
Trollius-
Globe Flower Trollius is deservedly
a favorite plant for the bog garden. The mounds of dark green lobed leaves
are not invasive and the wiry stem which grows about 1-1/2 ft. high bear
large globular Buttercups in May and June. Mulch in spring and divide the
plants every three years. The usual choice is a variety of the hybrid
Trollius
cultorum-
a plant which produces showy yellow or orange blooms in great profusion.
'Earlies
of
All'
( bright yellow) is the first bloom, and the flower color of the other varieties
is usually obvious from their names. 'Alabaster' is cream, the yellow
ones include 'Canary Bird', 'Golden Queen', and 'Gold Cup'
and orange blooms are produced by 'FireGlobe', "Orange Globe'
and 'Orange Princess'. T. asiaticus is a bronze-leaved species-
the dwarf Trollius is
T.
pumilus
( 6 in. yellow). Propagation: Divide clumps in
autumn.
Water Garden & Serene Pond keeping is a journey: "We hope you
enjoy yours"!
There is a single
species-
Aruncus
dioicus,
usually sold as
A.
Sylvester,
it may take a year or two to become established, but given the right conditions
will reach 6 ft. or more. For a few weeks in June or July the tall stems
are crowned with large fluffy flower-heads. Each flower-head is about 8 in.
long and bears a multitude of tiny creamy-white flowers. It needs plenty
of space- set plants 2-1/2 ft. apart and cut the stems down an inch or two
above ground level in late autumn. Choose a spot which receives some shade
during the day. A dioicus is too large for most bog gardens and the lobed
leaves cast a lot of shade- pick the variety
'Kneiffii'
(2 ft.) where space is limited. Flowers creamy-white, looks rather like an
Astilbe. Propagation: Divide clumps in
autumn.
Astilbe
is one of the most widely grown and best bog plants available, and no sizeable
bog garden is complete without one.The foliage is deeply cut and often coppery
in spring, and the flowers are tiny. What the blooms lack in size they make
up for in quantity. Between June and August large feathery plumes appear
which are clothed in a multitude of flowers. The popular varieties belong
to
Astilbe
arendsi-
height 2-3 ft. spread 1-1/2 ft. Look for
'Bressingham Beauty'
(pink)
'Fire'
(red) and
'Deutschland'
(white). Others include
'Fanal'
(deep red) and
'White
Gloria'.
The plumes are not always erect.
'Ostrich
Plume'
(pink) bears pendant flower-heads. For dwarf plants grow
A.
simplicifolia 'Sprite' (1ft pink) or A. crispa 'Lilliput'
(
6 ft. pink) Propagation: Divide clumps every 2-3 years in
spring.
Cardamine pratensis
(Lady's
Smock) is a native plant which will flourish in sun and partial shade in
the bog garden. The mounds of pale green ferny foliage quickly spread and
may have to be kept in check- in April and May the 1 ft. flower-stalks appear.
The single blooms are pale lilac and are borne in great numbers. Most people
choose the variety
'Flore
Pleno'
which is rather shorter and less invasive. The flowers are fully double and
the plant can be propagated only by division. Much less common is
C.
latifolia
which
has Watercress-like leaves and bears its lilac flowers in May and June. It
is a larger plant than
C.
pratensis-
the stems of this evergreen grow about 1 ft. and spreads 2
ft. Propagation: Sow seeds of the species in spring or divide
clumps in late autumn.
Several species and varieties
are available for the bog garden, but plant with care as most are large with
coarse leaves and out of place in a small pot.
Eupatorium
cannabinum
is our native Hemp Agrimony, a downy plant with stems growing 2-4 ft. tall
and bearing clusters of reddish-purple flowers at the tops in late summer
or autumn. It self-seeds very freely. Cut down to nearly ground level after
flowering.
E.
purpureum
( Joe Pye Weed) is even larger, reaching 6 ft. or more and with large flat
heads of rose-purple flowers in late summer. The dark green leaves are borne
in whorls- for purple leaves choose the variety
'Atropurpureum'.
One of the smallest species is
E.
fraseri
( 2 ft. white flowers) Propagation: Divide clumps in early
spring.
The leaves are often fern-like
and the stems bear terminal clusters of small flowers. With some types the
foliage is the main attraction and the flowers are removed- with others the
blooms are attractive enough for garden display.
Filipendula
ulmaria
is the meadowsweet which grows wild along streams and in ditches. It
grows about 3 ft. high and bears feathery spires of fragrant creamy-white
flowers in June-August. The variety
'Aurea'
is grown for its yellow foliage. remove flowersas they form.
F.
palmata
( 2-3 ft )produces large flat heads ofrosy flowers in midsummer.
F.
rubra
'Magnifica'
is the giant- 5-6 ft. high with wide heads of pink feathery
flowers. Propagation: Divide clumps in autumn or
spring.
Geum
is a very popular plant in the herbaceous border, but it is much less common
in the bog garden. There reason may be that there is not much variety- there
is just one species.
Geum
rivale
is a native plant with feathery foliage- but with flowers in late spring
early summer which are quite different from the popular garden varieties.
These nodding blooms are bell-shaped and the pink petals are backed by prominent
purple sepals. Water Avens grow about 1- 1/2 ft. high and has a spread of
about 1- 1/2 ft. Choose a variety.
'Jeannie
Ross'
(pink) and
'Leonard's
Variety'
( large open orange-pink flowers).
'Lionel
Cox'
is golden yellow. All varieties thrive in sun or light shade. Divide every
few years. Propagation: Divide clumps in autumn or
spring.
With
Gunnera
manicata
it is a matter of once seen never forgotten, but it is not for you unless
you have a large tract of unoccupied boggy land next to a lake or stream.
It is the largest hardy herbaceous plant, with vast Rhubarb-like leaves which
are 5 ft. or more across and grow 8 ft. high. In late summer the 3 ft. high
cone-like flower-head appears, and in autumn it in necessary to protect the
crown against winter's frosts by bending the old leaves over a straw or bracken
cover.
G.
scabra
is a somewhat smaller plant, but the real novelty for the garden pond is
G.
magellanica,
a miniature species which grows no more than 3 in. high and bears rounded
leaves and reddish florets on a 3 in. flower-head. It is only
semi-hardy. Propagation: Divide crowns in early
spring.
Day Lilies make
excellent bog plants with a long flowering season and thriving in sun or
partial shade. No longer is the gardener restricted to dull yellow and orange
shades. Modern hybrids are available in colors from palest yellow to richest
red. Clumps of arching strap-like leaves give rise to branching stalks which
bear trumpet-shaped blooms from June to August. Each bloom lasts a single
day, but new buds appear continually during the flowering season. There are
1-1/2 ft. dwarf's and 4 ft. giants. Examples are
Hemerocallis
'Pink
Damask'
(pure pink) and
H.
'Stafford'
(yellow-eyed
red). Others include
H.
'Luxery
Lace'
(green-throated lavender) and H.
'Canary
Glow'
(Velvety yellow). Propagation: Divide clumps in autumn
or spring.
A dual purpose plant, grown
for its spikes of trumpet-shaped flowers as well as its attractively-shaped
leaves which are often variegated or distinctly coloured. It is a popular
subject for a shady spot in the bog garden and it has just one drawback.
Slugs find the young foliage irresistible. You will find a large selection
in catalogues and garden centres, with leaves varying from near-blue to almost
pure yellow. Basic details are height 1-1/2 to 3 ft. spread 2 ft. flowering
period July-August. Some popular ones include
Hosta
'Royal
Standard'
(green leaves, white flowers),
H.
fortunei 'Aureomarginata'
(gold
edge dark green leaves, purple-tinge white flowers),
H.
ventricosa
(dark green leaves, lilac flowers) and
H.
undulata
(white-splashed green leaves). Propagation: Divide clumps
in spring.
There are several species
that will flourish in the damp soil or a bog garden, but only two are really
popular and neither of them likes over-wet soil in winter.
Iris
kaempferi
is
the delightful Japanese Clematis Iris - sometimes listed as
I.
ensata.
basic details are height 2-1/2 ft. flowering period June-July, acid soil
essential. The foliage is broad and the flowers large and flattened. Varieties
are available in purple, blue mauve, and white.
I.
sibirica
is an easier plant to grow which does not demand lime-free conditions. The
leaves are narrower and the flowers smaller, but there is a host of beautiful
varieties in a range of sizes from
'Perry's
Pygmy'
(1-1/2 ft. violet) and
'Perry's
Blue'
(3 ft. sky-blue). If the ground remains very wet in winter, grow
I.
ochroleuca
(White and gold flowers). Propagation: Divide clumps immediately
after flowering.
The larges leaves
of this plant cover the ground and effectively smother weeds, and in summer
the flower-heads appear. Each individual bloom is a yellow or orange daisy,
but the size and arrangement depend on the variety. Choose a shady spot,
cut back the stems when flowering is over and divide the clumps every three
years. The popular species is
Ligularia
dentata
(L. clivorum), someties listed under "Senecio'. The3-4 ft.
stems bear large, spreading heads of flowers between Julyand September and
the heart-shape leaves are purplish ('Desdemona') or red
('Othello') underneath.
L.
stenocephala
(L. przewalskii) 'The Rocket' ( 5 ft.) bears its small flowers
on erect spikes rather than wide heads.
L.veitchiana
is another spike-bearing species. Propagation: Divide clumps
in autum or spring.
The Marginals
Lobelia
cardinalis
and
fulgens
have already been described in the
The rockery types of
Lychnis
are small plants for sunny spots in rock gardens, sinks and between paving
stones. There is just one species which can be grown in the bog garden- the
Ragged Robin
(Lychnis
flor-cuculi), which
grows wild in wet areas throughout Europe. It is not a choice plant and is
described in very few books on water gardening, but you will find it in many
catalogues and it is an excellent subject for the area surrounding a wildlife
pond. The stems grow about 2 ft. high clothed with narrow leaves and in summer
with a crown of numerous pink-flowers. Several varieties are available, including
the low-growing 'Nana', white flowered 'Alba' and the double
pink 'Rosea plena'. Propagation: Divide clumps in
autumn.
Lysichiton
(also
known as Lysichitum) is not difficult to grow in either the bog garden or
covered with an inch or two of water on the marginal shelf. It is a bold
and eye-catching plant, and so it is surprising that you will have to seach
for a supplier. The lack of popularity may be due to it's size or unpleasant
smell- hense the common name.
Lysichiton
americanum
produces 1ft. high Arum-like flowers with a yellow spathe in April. The blooms
are followed by 3 ft. long leaves. The seeds germinate readily so self-sown
seeding can be a problem. Where space is limited it is better to grow the
oriental variety
L.
camtschatcense.
The flowers are smaller and the spathes are white. It grows about 3ft. high.
With both species you may have to wait several years before flowers
appear. Propagation: Sow fresh seeds in late
spring.
The old favorite
Creeping Jenny
(Lysimachia
nummularia)
found previously in our
A good choice.
The leaves are dark green and elongated- above them rose the narrow flower
spikes, densely packed with pink, red, or purple starry blooms from July
to September. These spikes are colorful, prolific and long-lasting. The basic
species is
L.
salicaria-
a 4-5 ft. high wild flower which grows a long streams. The hybrids are shorter
and more attractive- popular ones include 'The Beacon' (3 ft. crimson),
'Ladysackville' (4 ft. rose-pink), 'Robert' (2-1/2 ft. clear-pink)
and 'Firecandle' (3 ft. rose-red). For an average-sized bog garden
it is better to grow the more restrained
L.virgatum
which has daintier spikes and grows 1-1/2 to 2 ft. high. Choose one of the
popular named varieties. Look for 'The Rocket' (deep pink), 'Dropmore
purple' (rose-purple) and 'Rose Queen'
(rose-pink). Propagation: Divide clumps in
autumn.
As any garden designer
can tell you, ferns have an important part to play in a large bog garden,
but use them in moderation to add occasional points of interest amongst the
flowering plants.
Matteuccia
struthiopteris
is one of the most attractive- green feathery fronds are arranged around
the woody crown like the feathers of a shuttlecock. The outer 'feathers'
are sterile- the shorter fertile fronds appear later to produce an inner
ring. It is an upright plant, growing about 3 ft. high but only 1-1/2 ft.
wide, the rather delicate appearance belying the fact that it is extra hardy
and extremely tough. It spreads by means of underground rhizomes. The rare
variety
pennsylvanica
grows 6-8ft. high. Propagation: Divide crowns in
spring.
Mimulus; is great
for a rock garden (
Onoclea
sensibilis
is one of the few ferns which can be grown either in the bog garden or the
shallow water at the edge of the pond. Below ground it spreads by means of
black rhizomes- above ground the foliage changes color with the seasons.
In spring the new fronds appear; pink at first and then changing to pale
green as spring turns into summer. The triangular fronds grow 2 ft. high-
the toothed leaflets (pinnae) arranged in herringbone fashion. In autumn
the fronds turn russet brown, completing the round of color changes. These
brown fronds are sometimes cut for flower arranging. Onoclea is offered by
some but not by the majority of aquatic plant suppliers. If you buy one then
remember that it can be spread very rapidly in its favorite situation of
shade and very wet soil. Propagation: Divide clumps
in spring.
There
is common agreement that Osmunda is the most impressive of the hardy ferns.
Osmunda
regalis
grows 4-6 ft. high, its tall lime-green fronds changing to bronze with the
onset autumn. The spore-bearing fronds are quite different- they are smaller,
greenish-brown and borne on stalks, giving a rather flower-like appearance.
Cover the crown with its dead leaves and straws during winter and early spring.
For something rather different choose the purple-tinged variety
'Purpurascens'. Both these plants need plenty of space and they will
not tolerate lime in the soil . Where space is limited you can consider the
smaller varieties. 'Cristata' grows 3-4 ft. high and bears twisted
fronds with curiously tasselled ends.
O.
undulata
(3-4 ft.) has fronds with cockscomb-like
tips. Propagation: Divide crowns in
spring.
Peltiphyllum
peltatum
is a good plant to choose if you have a bare area of rich wet soil to
cover. It grows 3-4 ft. high so plenty of space is needed. In early spring
the 2 ft. high leafless flower stalks appear, topped with globular heads
of small pink blooms in April and May. These Saxifrage-like flowers are followed
by the umbrella-like leaves in the summer. Tall green stalks bearing 1 ft.
wide round leaves which are serrated and lobed around the edges. During the
growing season the foliage has a bronzy-green color but this changes to red
and browns in autumn. A good choice as it provides spring flowers and autumn
tints, but too large for the average bog garden. Choose the variety
'Nanum' ( 1-1/2 ft.) where space is
limited. Propagation: Divide rhizomes in
spring.
Primula is considered by
many gardeners to be the queen of the bog garden plants. There is a large
range of species which will flourish in rich and moist ground but not in
constantly wet soil. By choosing wisely you can have flowers from early spring
to late summer in a wide variety of colors. The general height range is 6
in. (2 & 1/2 ft.) and most will grow in sun or shade. Mulch in spring,
dead-head faded blooms and divide the clumps every two or three years. The
flowering year begins in March with
Primula
rosea
(6 in/), a Primrose-like plant with rose-pink flowers. A month later the
Drumstick Promrose
(P.
denticulata)
is a bloom. small yellowed-eyed lavender flowers crowded on 3 in. wide globular
heads. White, blue and pale purple varieties are available. Between May and
July the largest Primula group is a bloom- the Candelabra Primroses. The
flowers are borne as a series of whorls up the stem- some of the more popular
speciecies is listed in catalogues. Propagation: Sow seed
under glass or divide clumps in spring.
You will find the Knotweeds
on offer as Bog plants at garden centers and in catalogues, but experienced
pond gardeners know that you have to choose with care. Nearly all types are
invasive and many can quickly become weeds The most popular ones are
Polygonum affine and its varieties such
'Donald
lowndes'
and
'Dimity'.
Long lasting poker-like heads of tiny flowers are produced on 6 in. 1 ft.
stems, pretty but invasive.
P.
milleti
(1
ft. bright red flowers) is not invasive. Another Knotweed which is easy to
keep under control in the bog garden is
P.
bistorta
'Superbum' (3 ft.) which bears 6 in. long spikes of pink flowers in
early summer.
P.
campanulatum
(pink, late summer) grows similar height. Propagation: Divide
clumps in autumn or spring.
The most popular
and sucessful species is
Rheum
palmatum.
It needs plenty of space, as its large and wide spreading foliage can reach
6 ft. or more. In May and June the plumes of small fowers appear on top of
the stout stalks. The two varieties
'Atrosanguineum
('Rubrum')
and
'Bowles
Crimson'
are even more colorful. The leaves which are red when young have a purplish
cast when mature and the flowers are crimson.
'Tanguticum'
is another red-flowered variety, but with this one the foliage is deeply
cut. Rheum is not a difficult plant to grow under drier conditions than Gunnera.
It has to be used as a specimen plant, however, as little will grow under
its leaves- where space is limited grow 2 ft. high variety
"Ace
of
Hearts'. Propagation:
Divide crowns in spring.
These plants from China
and Japan are grown as ground cover, their large crinkled leaves carpeting
a wide area when the plant is fully established. In midsummer plumes of small
flowers are borne on top of 3-5 ft. high stems. Rodgersia thrives best in
a sheltered and partially shaded part of the bog garden. Leaf form and flower
color depend on the species. The most popular one is
Rodgersia
tabularis-
the circular leaves are up to 2 ft. across and the flowers are creamy white.
R.
pinnata
is quite different- the foliage is made up of paired leaflets and the flowers
are pink or white.
R.
aesculifolia
is another bronze-leaved species, but the foliage is Horse Chestnut-shaped
and the white flowers are followed by red seed
heads. Propagation: Divide clumps in autumn or
spring.
This South African
plant has flowers which have been described as similar to a Fressia, miniature
gladiolus or small Hemerocallis. They apear above grassy foliage remarkably
late in the season, the first buds opening in October aand the last blooms
fading in December. Despite this ability to extend the floral display in
the bog garden, schizostylis appears in none of the best seller lists and
is missing from many catalogues. The problem is that it is not fully hardy,
and should therefore be grown in a sheltered sunny spot. Mulch in winter.
The basic species
Schizostylis
coccinea
which grows 1-2 ft. high. A number of varieties are
'Grandiflorus'
produces red flowers like the species but they are larger.
'Mrs
Hegarty'
is rose-pink and
'Viscountess
Byng'
is pale pink. Propagation: Divide clumps in
spring.
Trollius is deservedly
a favorite plant for the bog garden. The mounds of dark green lobed leaves
are not invasive and the wiry stem which grows about 1-1/2 ft. high bear
large globular Buttercups in May and June. Mulch in spring and divide the
plants every three years. The usual choice is a variety of the hybrid
Trollius
cultorum-
a plant which produces showy yellow or orange blooms in great profusion.
'Earlies
of
All'
( bright yellow) is the first bloom, and the flower color of the other varieties
is usually obvious from their names. 'Alabaster' is cream, the yellow
ones include 'Canary Bird', 'Golden Queen', and 'Gold Cup'
and orange blooms are produced by 'FireGlobe', "Orange Globe'
and 'Orange Princess'. T. asiaticus is a bronze-leaved species-
the dwarf Trollius is
T.
pumilus
( 6 in. yellow). Propagation: Divide clumps in
autumn.