Step 6 - Selecting Plants for Your Rain Garden
 

● Background information on plant selection
● Designing with plants
● Consider these things when selecting plants
● Sample plant list (short & long versions)
● Additional information on native plants


Background Information:
Now that you have selected the location and determined the size of your rain garden take a few days to analyze the site you have selected. The success of your rain garden depends on this important information. Take notes and track what is happening at the site in the rain and on sunny days. Write down how much sun it gets – how many hours of afternoon sun? morning sun? Is there a reflection off of an adjacent building that provides more light or seems to make the heat more severe? Figure out if there are any unusual ‘microclimates’ at the site and then begin researching the plants that like these conditions.

Plant your rain garden with plants that thrive in that environment. Whether in the sun or shade, rain gardens can be planted with shrubs and flowers that are beautiful and low maintenance – as long as you select the plants that love those conditions. Native plants – or plants that grow naturally in this climate or region -- can thrive without a lot of care, extra water, or extra fertilizer.

This is an opportunity to learn more about the types of plants that love the sun, love the shade, love to have their ‘feet wet’ for a day or two, or don’t mind being dry for days on end. It is like a puzzle. See if you can pick out plants that are different heights, have different leaf color, and bloom different colors throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Remember that even in the winter, plants without leaves can provide berries for birds and have an unusual structure that can be accentuated in the snow.

Designing with Plants:
● Use a circle template (or ruler) to place plants in your rain garden
● Select several 4-6’ shrubs, a lot of perennials (flowers that come back every year), and depending on the size of the rain garden a medium-sized tree or two [15-20’ at full growth])
Refer to the sample drawing to help you.

Consider these things when selecting plants:
● Choose native plants when possible
● Avoid planting non-native invasive plants
● Choose fragrant or edible plants when possible
● Avoid toxic/poisonous plants
● Avoid plants that produce excessive pollen

Sample plant list for the Chesapeake Bay Region:
Short List
Long List [.PDF] - Courtesy Prince George's County, MD

If you DO NOT live in the Chesapeake Bay Region:
Contact your local Cooperative Extension office

Additional plant information:
Useful Links