Shrubs That Like Wet Soil And Full Sun: 15 Varieties You Need to Know

Are you struggling to find the perfect shrubs for your garden that can tolerate wet soil and full sun exposure? Look no further! In this article, we will introduce you to 15 different varieties of shrubs that can thrive in these conditions.

Shrubs are a great addition to any garden, providing year-round interest and structure. However, not all shrubs can tolerate wet soil and full sun exposure. If you have a garden with these conditions, you need to choose your plants carefully to ensure they thrive.

In this article, we will provide you with a list of 15 different shrubs that like wet soil and full sun. We will also discuss their growing requirements, characteristics, and how to care for them.

1. Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

The buttonbush is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 12 feet tall. It has unique, round flower clusters that resemble buttons, giving it its name. This shrub prefers moist to wet soils and full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is also a great attractor of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

To grow a buttonbush, plant it in a location with well-draining soil and plenty of water. Water regularly during dry spells and fertilize once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

2. Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

The red twig dogwood is a hardy shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It is known for its bright red stems that add color to the winter landscape. This shrub prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

To grow a red twig dogwood, plant it in a location with well-draining soil and plenty of water. Prune it regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

3. Swamp Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum)

The swamp azalea is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It has fragrant, white or pink flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. This shrub prefers moist soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

To grow a swamp azalea, plant it in a location with well-draining soil and plenty of water. Water regularly during dry spells and fertilize once a year in the spring with an acid-based fertilizer.

4. Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)

The summersweet is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 8 feet tall. It has fragrant, white or pink flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. This shrub prefers moist soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

To grow a summersweet, plant it in a location with well-draining soil and plenty of water. Water regularly during dry spells and fertilize once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

5. Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)

The sweetshrub is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 9 feet tall. It has fragrant, maroon flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. This shrub prefers moist soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

To grow a sweetshrub, plant it in a location with well-draining soil and plenty of water. Water regularly during dry spells and fertilize once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

6. Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

The ninebark is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It has white or pink flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer, followed by red or brown seed pods. This shrub prefers moist soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

To grow a ninebark, plant it in a location with well-draining soil and plenty of water. Prune it regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

7. Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)

The Virginia sweetspire is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It has fragrant, white flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer, followed by red or purple fall foliage. This shrub prefers moist soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

To grow a Virginia sweetspire, plant it in a location with well-draining soil and plenty of water. Water regularly during dry spells and fertilize once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

8. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

The winterberry is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 12 feet tall. It has bright red berries that persist throughout the winter, providing food for birds. This shrub prefers moist soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

To grow a winterberry, plant it in a location with well-draining soil and plenty of water. Prune it regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

9. Inkberry (Ilex glabra)

The inkberry is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that can grow up to 8 feet tall. It has small, black berries that persist throughout the winter, providing food for birds. This shrub prefers moist soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

To grow an inkberry, plant it in a location with well-draining soil and plenty of water. Prune it regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

10. Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)

The arrowwood viburnum is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It has white flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer, followed by blue-black berries in the fall. This shrub prefers moist soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

To grow an arrowwood viburnum, plant it in a location with well-draining soil and plenty of water. Prune it regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

11. American Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum)

The American cranberrybush is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall. It has white flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer, followed by red berries in the fall. This shrub prefers moist soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

To grow an American cranberrybush, plant it in a location with well-draining soil and plenty of water. Prune it regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

12. Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)

The black chokeberry is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It has white flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer, followed by black berries in the fall. This shrub prefers moist soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

To grow a black chokeberry, plant it in a location with well-draining soil and plenty of water. Prune it regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

13. Dwarf Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii)

The dwarf fothergilla is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It has white flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer, followed by red or orange fall foliage. This shrub prefers moist soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

To grow a dwarf fothergilla, plant it in a location with well-draining soil and plenty of water. Prune it regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

14. Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)

Blueberries are deciduous shrubs that can grow up to 10 feet tall. They have white or pink flowers that bloom in the spring, followed by sweet and juicy berries in the summer. Blueberries prefer moist, acidic soil and full sun.

To grow blueberries, plant them in a location with well-draining, acidic soil and plenty of water. Prune them regularly to maintain their shape and encourage new growth.

15. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

The swamp milkweed is a perennial herbaceous shrub that can grow up to 5 feet tall. It has pink or purple flowers that bloom in mid to late summer, attracting bees and butterflies. This shrub prefers moist soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

To grow a swamp milkweed, plant it in a location with well-draining soil and plenty of water. Water regularly during dry spells and fertilize once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Shrubs that like wet soil and full sun can be challenging to find. However, there are many different varieties available that can thrive in these conditions. When choosing your plants, make sure to consider their growing requirements, characteristics, and how to care for them.

Remember to plant your shrubs in a location with well-draining soil and plenty of water. Water regularly during dry spells and fertilize once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Prune your shrubs regularly to maintain their shape and encourage new growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What kind of soil do shrubs that like wet soil and full sun need?

Shrubs that like wet soil and full sun prefer moist, well-draining soil. If your soil is not naturally moist, you can add organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve its water-holding capacity.

Q2. How often should I water my shrubs?

Shrubs that like wet soil and full sun require regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply at least once a week to ensure the soil is moist to a depth of 6 inches.

Q3. Can I grow shrubs that like wet soil and full sun in containers?

Yes, you can grow shrubs that like wet soil and full sun in containers. However, make sure the container has drainage holes and use a potting mix that retains moisture but drains well.

Q4. What kind of fertilizer should I use for shrubs that like wet soil and full sun?

Shrubs that like wet soil and full sun benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied once a year in the spring. You can also use an organic fertilizer such as compost or fish emulsion.

Q5. How often should I prune my shrubs?

Shrubs that like wet soil and full sun should be pruned regularly to maintain their shape and encourage new growth. Prune them once a year in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Q6. Do shrubs that like wet soil and full sun attract wildlife?

Yes, many shrubs that like wet soil and full sun attract wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and birds. Some shrubs also provide food and habitat for these animals.

Q7. Can I mix different varieties of shrubs that like wet soil and full sun in my garden?

Yes, you can mix different varieties of shrubs that like wet soil and full sun in your garden. Just make sure to choose plants with similar growing requirements and characteristics.

Q8. Do shrubs that like wet soil and full sun require mulch?

Shrubs that like wet soil and full sun benefit from a layer of organic mulch such as shredded leaves or bark chips. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.

Q9. What are some common pests and diseases that affect shrubs that like wet soil and full sun?

Shrubs that like wet soil and full sun can be susceptible to pests and diseases such as aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, and root rot. To prevent these problems, keep your shrubs healthy and well-maintained.

Q10. Can I propagate shrubs that like wet soil and full sun?

Yes, you can propagate shrubs that like wet soil and full sun by taking cuttings or dividing the plant. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer and rooted in moist soil. Divisions should be made in the fall or early spring when the plant is dormant.