Shrubs That Grow Best in Moist Conditions

Carolina Rhododendron

• The Carolina rhododendron (Rhododendron carolinianum) is suitable for use in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 and 7, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Some of the cultivars of this shrub though can withstand temperatures as low as 30 degrees below zero F. Carolina rhododendrons grow where the ground is damp, with an ability to develop in full or partial shade. Carolina rhododendron flowers during May, grows between 3 and 5 feet and has evergreen foliage.

Oakleaf Hydrangea

• Some specimens of oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) grow to 12 feet, but most are more manageable sizes between 4 and 8 feet. The oakleaf hydrangea requires rich, moist soils and shady situations in which to grow. Oakleaf hydrangea blooms in July, producing pyramids of white flowers in clusters up to 10 inches long. The fall foliage varies between reds and purples to orange shades. Oakleaf hydrangea is a native shrub in the wet parts of the Southeast, able to grow from zone 5 to the Gulf Coast.

Common Pearlbush

• The Chinese native shrub known as common pearlbush (Exochorda racemosa) takes its name from its partly opened flower buds, which resemble pearls. Common pearlbush does best in moist locations, growing to 15 feet in some cases. Common pearlbush flowers in April and May, it is appropriate as a privacy screen or specimen plant from hardiness zones 5 through 8. The shrub is deciduous, but lacks any notable fall color. The branches of the pearlbush often begin to arch over with age.

Virginia Rose

• Virginia rose (Rosa virginiana) grows wild from Ontario to southern states such as Alabama and North Carolina. Curved thorns, hairy stems, green compound leaves and pinkish June flowers make this an attractive shrub. Use Virginia rose for moist conditions in full sun around your property, creating hedges or covering slopes and banks with them. Tolerant of salt, the Virginia rose works well in seaside plantings, notes the University of Connecticut Plant Database. The shrub reaches maximum sizes of around 6 feet.