I'm looking for a flowering perennial that will bloom most of the year, but can thrive in a very moist area. I have a picture posted so you can see the area I need to fill in. I'm trying to fill in the rectangular area. I had ginger here, but the roots were so big and strong, I was afraid they would crack the patio concrete over time. This area tends to hold water. It's shady most of the morning, but gets afternoon sun. Any ideas?
Since that's right up against your house, I would actually try and do something about your drainage before you worry about what to plant--it's not good to have moisture collecting around your foundation, that can cause all sorts of problems.
Cannas aren't perennials, but they would do good. I like helenium - some people don't.
here's a list of some perennials
http://www.backyardgardener.com/pren/prenlist6.html
Well I probably didn't explain it very well... it's not really that wet all the time. It's wet in the picture b/c I had just hosed off the patio. It tends to stay somewhat moist in the winter after a few heavy rains, but it does drain well b/c we had a drainage system put in a while back. We have a sprinkler system so when I use it that area gets wet quickly since it's so small, and it holds the water just a bit longer than the rest. But it does drain well.
The link from bigcityal is a good list. There are some ornamental grasses that will tolerate some moisture. The Carex (sedge) grasses as well as Calamagrostis (Karl Forester or Overdam) are both good. I've read that both Lord and Lady Baltimore Hibiscus will tolerate moisture but haven't tried them yet. There are also a few bulbs that will tolerate moist areas: camassia quamash and fritillaria meleagris.
I've got KF and Overdam - they are versatile.
I found my other link finally - it's down a ways.
http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1153.htm
Cannas are perennials where I am and probably where you are too. I planted them against the foundation of my house where I can't have any extra water and they have done very well in morning shade and afternoon hot sun. They actually take water up out of the ground (duh!!) but differently somehow, so that they are a good foundation planting. Do I sound like I'm rambling? Probably, but they have proven to do very well in a tough area of my yard.
I have planted verbena, dianthus and lantana in a different area that is backed up against a brick wall and fronted by an asphalt driveway--and that is SO hot with all day sun. All of those have done extremely well and add really pretty color in a bad area. You could also put in some spring blooming bulbs for early color. I chose Mr. Fokker anenomes for their bright purple color.
Good luck with your project. Keep sending pictures.
Diane
