Creating a bog garden is a great opportunity to introduce some new plants to your garden. Once it’s created and you’re ready to plant, there are plenty of plants to choose from that thrive in this environment. So, here are my top ten plants for a bog garden.
1. Iris ensata (Japanese water iris) ‘Rose Queen’
First is a beautiful iris that can grow to 1m tall with narrow green stems that are topped with pale pink flowers in summer. These plants can be propagated by division from summer to autumn too.
- Flowers in summer
- Fully hardy
- Grows to 1m tall
- Poorly drained
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed or sheltered
2. Acorus gramineus (variegated slender sweet flag)
Bring grasses into your bog garden with this semi-evergreen perennial that will undoubtedly add some texture to the setting. The narrow leaves that are green and creamy yellow can grow to 50cm tall.
- Semi-evergreen for foliage colour all year round
- Fully hardy
- Grows to 50cm tall
- Poorly drained
- Full sun
- Sheltered
3. Osmunda regalis (royal fern)
Next, is a robust fern that that attractive fronds for some soft texture in the mix. The foliage of this deciduous fern turns from green to a coppery red-brown in the autumn months.
- Green foliage in spring and summer that turns red-brown in autumn
- Fully hardy
- Grows to 2.5m tall and 1m spread
- Moist but well-drained or poorly drained
- Full shade, partial shade, or full sun
- Exposed or sheltered
4. Rodgersia aesculifolia (chestnut-leaved rodgersia)
These plants are moisture loving, making them a well-suited plant for your bog garden. The strongly veined leaves can be 25cm in length, which are joined by panicles of small white flowers in summer.
- Flowers in summer
- Fully hardy
- Grows to 2.5m tall and 1.5m spread
- Moist but well-drained or poorly drained
- Full sun or partial shade
- Sheltered
5. Euphorbia palustris (marsh spurge)
Bring some bright blooms to the bog garden with marsh spurge. The bushy perennial has fresh green leaves that can turn yellow or orange in autumn. The clusters of green-yellow flowers bloom in spring to brighten up the garden.
- Flowers in spring
- Fully hardy
- Grows to 1m tall
- Moist but well-drained
- Full sun
- Exposed or sheltered
6. Hosta (plantain lily) ‘Stiletto’
Next is a compact perennial with beautiful, waved leaves that are margined with a creamy white lining. In summer, purple, bell-shaped flowers bloom on long stems. The mix of foliage and flowers from this plant will be a wonderful addition.
- Flowers in summer
- Fully hardy
- Grows to 50cm tall
- Moist but well-drained
- Full sun or partial shade
- Sheltered
7. Gunnera manicata (giant rhubarb)
The large architectural leaves of Gunnera manicata are sure to bring something special to your bog garden. Tiny red flowers bloom in summer that can reach 1m in height. Protect the crowns in winter by mulching.
- Attractive foliage from spring to autumn
- Fully hardy
- Grows to 2.5m tall and 4m spread
- Poorly-drained
- Full sun or partial shade
- Sheltered
8. Astilbe chinensis (Chinese astilbe)
Another hardy pick is the Chinese astilbe which has dark green leaves that contrast with the pale pink flowers that appear in summer. Growing up to 1m, these are a marvellous choice for planting underneath Gunnera manicata to add some more impact.
- Flowers in summer
- Full hardy
- Grows to 1m tall
- Moist but well-drained or poorly drained
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed or sheltered
9. Primula (primrose) [Candelabra hybrids]
These stunning plants will bring cheery colour, with flowers that can be found in red, pink, purple, yellow, orange, as well as white. Blooming in spring and summer on top of tall stems, they can reach up to 1m in height.
- Flowers in spring
- Fully hardy
- Grows to 1m tall
- Poorly-drained
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed or sheltered
10. Ranunculus flammula (lesser spearwort)
Last is one of Britain’s four native spearworts. The pretty yellow buttercup flowers are perfect for near the pond, and not only can you enjoy them, but pollinators love them too.
- Flowers in spring
- Fully hardy
- Grows to 50cm tall
- Poorly-drained
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed or sheltered
So, bring some beauty to your bog garden with these picks that are sure to provide interest with their foliage and flowers.
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
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