Maintenance Landscaping Design

Water loving shrubs is a type of plant that thrives in moist soil and can even tolerate saturated or flooded soil conditions for short periods of time.

Popular name

• Swamp rose
  
• Water rose
  
• Bog rose
  
• Marsh rose
  
• Wetland rose

Basic info

• All water loving shrubs are thirsty plants and will require regular watering.
  
• Many water loving shrubs are also known as bog plants and love growing in wet, humid soil.
  
• These plants are often native to tropical or subtropical regions and can tolerate hot, humid weather.
  
• Water loving shrubs tend to have large, fleshy leaves that help them store water.
  
• Many of these plants also have extensive root systems that help them access water deep in the soil.
  
• Some water loving shrubs can grow quite large, so be sure to give them plenty of space to spread out.
  
• These plants are often very colorful, with brightly-colored flowers and leaves.
  
• Water loving shrubs are generally very easy to care for and are low-maintenance plants.
  
• These plants are often used in landscaping to create natural-looking water features.
  
• Many water loving shrubs are also excellent choices for container gardens.

Related plant:
Spirea Japonica Anthony Waterer

How to Grow

1. For water loving shrubs, first step is to choose the right plant. Some good options include: hydrangeas, gardenias, camellias, and azaleas.
   
2. The second step is to prepare the soil. Add organic matter to help with drainage and water retention.
   
3. The third step is to plant the shrub. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
   
4. The fourth step is to backfill the hole with soil and water the plant well.
   
5. The fifth step is to mulch the plant. This will help to keep the roots cool and moist.
   
6. The sixth step is to water the shrub regularly. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to help the plant establish.
   
7. The seventh step is to fertilize the shrub. Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
   
8. The eighth step is to prune the shrub as needed. This will help to promote new growth and keep the plant healthy.
   
9. The ninth step is to watch for pests and diseases. Treat as needed to keep the plant healthy.
   
10. The tenth and final step is to enjoy your beautiful water loving shrub!

Related plant:
Water Apple

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, water loving shrubs prefer evenly moist soils that are well-drained. They tolerate short periods of drought but will not survive in wet or soggy soil conditions. Most of these shrubs prefer slightly acidic soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Light condition

So, like the other plants, water loving shrubs need sunlight to grow. The amount of sun required depends on the species of shrub. Some shrubs need full sun, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Other shrubs need partial sun, which means they need at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. Still other shrubs can grow in full shade, which means they need no direct sunlight at all.

The Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for water loving shrubs are those that are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. shrubs that enjoy being in water will do best when they are in an area that receives full sun. However, they can also tolerate some shade. When the temperature gets too hot, these shrubs will start to wilt and will eventually die.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is when the air is constantly moist, but not soggy. Water loving shrubs prefer an environment with a lot of moisture in the air so they can stay hydrated. If the air is too dry, the plant will start to wilt and the leaves will begin to drop off.

The Fertilizer

The fertilizer, this type of plant needs to be placed in an area with water drainage. If the drainage is not adequate, the roots may rot. Some of the best places to grow water-loving shrubs are near a water garden or rain garden. Most of these shrubs also do best in full sun.

About light

Pruning is essential to keeping your water-loving shrubs healthy and looking their best. By pruning away dead or diseased branches, you improve air circulation and allow sunlight to reach the inner branches. This promotes strong growth and prevents pests and diseases from taking hold.

The Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Water loving shrubs can be propagated in several ways, including taking cuttings, layering, and division. Taking cuttings is the easiest and most common way to propagate water loving shrubs. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, new growth in the spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and have at least 2-3 sets of leaves. Cuttings can be rooted in a propagating tray filled with moist sand, peat, or vermiculite. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots filled with potting soil. Layering is another easy way to propagate water loving shrubs. Layering involves bending a low-growing branch down to the ground and covering it with soil. The branch will eventually rooted and can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into a new location. Division is a third way to propagate water loving shrubs. Division can be done in the spring or fall. To divide a plant, simply dig up the entire plant and carefully separate the roots into two or more sections. Each section should have several healthy shoots. Plant the divisions in individual pots filled with potting soil and water well.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively fast when compared to other types of plants. This is due to the fact that they have adapted to thrive in their natural environment which is often abundant with water. Many of these shrubs can grow up to several feet in a single growing season and some can even double their size in a single year. This makes them ideal for use in landscaping projects where a quick turnaround is needed.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are over watering and underwatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can lead to wilting and stressed plants. To avoid these problems, water your shrubs regularly and deeply, but don't allow the roots to sit in water.

Growing Tips

• Remember to water your water loving shrubs regularly, especially during hot weather.
  
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  
• Fertilize regularly using a high-quality fertilizer designed for water loving plants.
  
• Prune regularly to encourage new growth and maintain the desired shape of the plant.
  
• Place the plant in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  
• Protect the plant from strong winds to prevent damage.
  
• Check the plant regularly for pests or diseases and take appropriate action if needed.
  
• Give the plant plenty of room to grow by planting it in a large pot or in the ground.
  
• Be patient – water loving shrubs can take several years to reach their full potential.
  
• Have fun experimenting with different varieties of water loving shrubs to find the perfect one for your garden!

Substitution

• Bog rosemary
  
• Bogbean
  
• Bugleweed
  
• Sweetflag
  
• Cranberry
  
• Marsh marigold
  
• Meadowrue
  

Source:
Watering Shrubs and Trees | Home & Garden Information Center
Watering Trees and Shrubs - University of Illinois Extension
Watering newly planted trees and shrubs | UMN Extension