Six moisture-loving native species selected for their water-filtering abilities, seasonal blooms, and wildlife value.
Spotted Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium Maculatum)
Majestic dusty-rose flower clusters tower up to 6 feet tall in late summer, creating a dramatic focal point that butterflies and bees adore. This architectural native thrives in moist soil and provides exceptional wildlife value with minimal maintenance.
Height: 4-6 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to September
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet
Seeds Per Packet: Over 200 seeds per pack, covers 50 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*Moist and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a reusable container or 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.
Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia Siphilitica)
Vibrant blue tubular flowers line tall spikes from late summer through fall, offering critical late-season nectar for hummingbirds and bumblebees. This moisture-loving native brings rare true-blue color to rain gardens and tolerates both wet and average soils.
Height: 1-3 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to September
Soil Moisture: Medium to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: Over 200 seeds per package, covers 30 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*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 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.
Flat-Topped White Aster (Doellingeria Umbellata)
Clusters of small white daisy-like flowers create a flat-topped display in late summer and fall, attracting diverse pollinators and beneficial insects. This shade-tolerant native excels in moist woodland edges and provides important fall forage when few other plants bloom.
Height: 2-5 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms July to September
Soil Moisture: Medium to Moist
Seeds Per Packet: 200 seeds per pack, covers 50 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
*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 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.
Bottle Gentian (Gentiana Andrewsii)
Unique deep blue bottle-shaped flowers that never fully open bloom in late summer and fall, accessible only to strong bumblebees who pry them apart. This rare and striking native thrives in consistently moist conditions and adds an element of mystery to any rain garden.
Height: 1-2 feet tall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Period: Blooms August to October
Soil Moisture: Dry to Medium
Seeds Per Packet: Approx. 100 seeds per pack, covers 20 ft²
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-6
*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.
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.
