Six moisture-loving native species selected for their water-filtering abilities, seasonal blooms, and wildlife value.
Boneset (Eupatorium Perfolitum)
White fuzzy flower clusters bloom in late summer, providing essential nectar for migrating monarchs and other pollinators. This moisture-loving native thrives in wet conditions and has been valued for generations for its ecological and traditional uses.
Height: 3-6 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to October
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 150 seeds per pack, covers 40 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at depth stated on packet. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia Cardinalis)
Brilliant scarlet flower spikes create stunning vertical drama from mid-summer through fall, attracting hummingbirds from across the garden. This showstopper thrives in consistently moist soil and partial shade, making it perfect for rain gardens.
Height: 1-3 feet tall
Sunlight: Part Sun to Full Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to August
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: 200 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 4-9
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Square-Stemmed Monkey Flower (Mimulus Ringens)
Delicate lavender-blue snapdragon-like blooms appear throughout summer along distinctive square stems. This adaptable native flourishes in wet areas, filters water naturally, and provides nectar for bees and butterflies.
Height: 2 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Blooms June to September
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: Over 300 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*Benefits from wet and cold stratification, but not strictly necessary. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall or spring.
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias Incarnata)
Fragrant pink flower clusters bloom in mid-summer, serving as a critical host plant for monarch caterpillars and nectar source for countless pollinators. Unlike common milkweed, this species thrives in wet conditions and won't spread aggressively.
Height: 2-5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms August to September
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 75 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Blue Vervain (Verbana Hastata)
Slender purple-blue flower spikes rise elegantly above the foliage from mid-summer through fall, beloved by butterflies and native bees. This tough wetland native tolerates both standing water and occasional drought once established.
Height: 2-5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Bloom Period: Blooms July to September
Soil Moisture: Medium to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: Over 200 seeds per pack, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8
*Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at depth stated on packet. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Canada Anemone (Anemone Canadensis)
Cheerful white flowers with golden centers bloom in late spring to early summer, brightening shady rain garden edges. This groundcover spreads to form attractive colonies that stabilize soil and prevent erosion in wet areas.
Height: 1 foot tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms May to June
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 30 seeds per pack, covers 10 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-8
*Double wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Remove from refrigerator and store at room temperature for 6-8 weeks. Put seeds back in refrigerator for a second 6-8 week cold moist stratification. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter for two seasons.
