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A Fabulous Plant Combination for Wet Soils: Water Iris, Carex and Primroses

Perennial Combinations, Plant Combinations, Flowerbeds Ideas, Spring Borders, Summer Borders

AGM Award
Garden Ideas, Border ideas, Perennial Planting, Perennial combination, Spring Borders, Summer Borders, Water Iris, Iris Laevigata, Carex Elata aurea, Bowles Golden sedge, Plant combinations for wet soil

Elevate damp and shady corners of your garden with this exceptional trio of plants, designed to dazzle from late spring through early summer. This combination features the ethereal beauty of Candelabra Primroses (Primula pulverulenta), known for their intricate, tiered blossoms. Paired with them are the vivid bluish-purple blooms of Water Irises (Iris laevigata), which add a vertical element to the mix. Complementing both are the glowing golden foliage of Bowles’ Golden Sedge (Carex elata ‘Aurea’), bringing light and texture to the understory.

All three plants have earned the esteemed Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, underscoring their excellent performance and value in the garden. This curated planting scheme is not only eye-catching but also straightforward to cultivate and maintain. Furthermore, each component of this delightful ensemble has proven to be deer-resistant, adding another layer of appeal to the setup.

Whether situated near a pond, in a bog garden, or any moisture-rich, shaded area, this well-balanced collection of plants offers a feast of color, form, and texture. Their compatibility with wet and clay-heavy soils makes them an ideal choice for challenging garden conditions. In addition, the trio’s resistance to deer nibbling ensures that the visual spectacle remains intact throughout the season.

If you’re looking to imbue your garden with a splash of coordinated color, a touch of botanical elegance, and a dollop of horticultural resilience, then this late spring to early summer border is an excellent choice. Enjoy this stunning garden display with the added peace of mind that it’s both easy to care for and deer-resistant!

Garden Information

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 3 - 8
Climate Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 17
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage

Plants In This Garden

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Carex (Sedge) Primula (Primrose)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Primula x bulleesiana (Candelabra Primrose)
Primula bulleyana (Candelabra Primrose)
Primula beesiana (Candelabra Primrose)
Primula japonica (Japanese Primrose)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Garden Information

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 3 - 8
Climate Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 17
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Carex (Sedge) Primula (Primrose)
Get Garden Design Ideas
Search Gardens

Similar Garden Ideas

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