{"title":"Wet Feet","description":"\u003ch1\u003ePlants for Wet Feet \u0026amp; Heavy Clay Soils\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot every garden is blessed with free-draining soil. Some of us inherited a section where winter rain seems to linger for months, the lawn squelches underfoot, and every hole you dig quickly turns into a muddy puddle. If that sounds familiar, don't worry – you're not alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePoor drainage and heavy clay soils are among the most common gardening challenges in New Zealand. The good news is that while some plants hate having wet feet, others absolutely thrive in these conditions. Instead of battling nature, the easiest solution is often choosing plants that naturally enjoy moisture-rich soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur collection of wet feet tolerant plants has been selected for gardeners dealing with heavy clay, seasonal flooding, low-lying areas, pond edges, rain gardens, and damp parts of the landscape where other plants struggle. These are plants that can handle conditions that would quickly send many popular garden favourites into decline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Does \"Wet Feet\" Mean?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen gardeners talk about plants having \"wet feet,\" they're referring to roots sitting in saturated soil for extended periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost plants need oxygen around their roots. In waterlogged soil, air spaces become filled with water, effectively suffocating the root system. This often leads to root rot, poor growth, yellowing foliage, and eventually plant death.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, some plants have evolved to cope with these conditions. Many originate from wetlands, riverbanks, swamp forests, marshes, or areas that experience regular flooding. These species have adapted root systems that can tolerate lower oxygen levels and prolonged moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your property experiences any of the following, you'll likely benefit from selecting plants from this collection:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Heavy clay soils\u003cbr\u003e- Waterlogged garden beds\u003cbr\u003e- Seasonal flooding\u003cbr\u003e- Low-lying sections\u003cbr\u003e- Pond margins\u003cbr\u003e- Swales and rain gardens\u003cbr\u003e- Areas where water sits after rain\u003cbr\u003e- Difficult drainage around downpipes\u003cbr\u003e- Damp corners of the garden\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUnderstanding Heavy Clay Soils\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClay soils often get a bad reputation, but they're not all bad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn fact, clay soils are naturally rich in nutrients and can hold moisture exceptionally well. The challenge comes from their tiny particle size, which slows drainage and can make the soil difficult to work with during wet periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring winter, clay can become saturated and sticky. During summer, it may bake hard and crack. This creates a challenging environment for many plants, particularly those that prefer dry conditions or sharp drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than constantly trying to improve large areas of clay soil, selecting suitable plants can dramatically reduce maintenance while improving success rates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of New Zealand's toughest native plants evolved in difficult conditions and have no problem coping with heavier soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNew Zealand Native Plants for Wet Areas\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the best performers in damp conditions are New Zealand natives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cjsplants.co.nz\/products\/dacrycarpus-dacrydioides\" title=\"kahikatea plants for sale\"\u003eKahikatea\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKahikatea is New Zealand's tallest native tree and naturally grows in swamp forests throughout the country. In the wild, it is often found in permanently damp or flooded areas where many other trees simply cannot survive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you've got a wet paddock edge, low-lying section, or large damp area, Kahikatea is one of the ultimate wet-feet champions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cjsplants.co.nz\/collections\/flaxes\" title=\"NZ Flax\"\u003eHarakeke or Phormium\u003c\/a\u003e (New Zealand Flax)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew plants are as versatile as Harakeke. Found naturally throughout wetlands, riverbanks, and coastal environments, New Zealand Flax thrives in moist conditions and handles heavy soils exceptionally well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts bold architectural foliage provides year-round structure while requiring very little maintenance once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of our Phormium varieties inherit this toughness, making them excellent choices for difficult sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cjsplants.co.nz\/products\/phormium-cookianum\" title=\"NZ Mountain Flax\"\u003eMountain Flax\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMountain Flax is slightly more adaptable to varying conditions but still performs extremely well in moisture-retentive soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts softer growth habit makes it a fantastic option for modern gardens where strong form and texture are important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cjsplants.co.nz\/products\/cordyline-australis\" title=\"Cabbage Tree\"\u003eCabbage Trees\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew plants scream \"New Zealand landscape\" quite like the Cabbage Tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNaturally found in wetlands and low-lying ground, they cope with damp conditions remarkably well while providing a strong vertical feature in the landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey're also incredibly hardy, handling frost, wind, coastal exposure, and poor soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cjsplants.co.nz\/search?q=carex\u0026amp;_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=carex\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" title=\"Carex Range of plants\"\u003eCarex\u003c\/a\u003e and Native Sedges\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarex species are among the most useful plants for difficult wet sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey provide movement, texture, erosion control, and year-round interest while happily growing where many other plants fail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey're particularly useful around ponds, rain gardens, and areas where drainage is poor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cjsplants.co.nz\/products\/juncus-blue-dart\" title=\"Juncas Blue Dart\"\u003eJuncus Blue Dart\u003c\/a\u003e – One of the Toughest Wet-Site Plants\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're looking for a plant that genuinely enjoys wet conditions, Juncus Blue Dart is hard to beat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis striking rush features upright blue-grey foliage that creates strong architectural interest throughout the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many ornamental grasses, Blue Dart is perfectly happy growing in heavy clay, damp soils, and even areas that experience occasional standing water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a fantastic choice for modern landscapes, rain gardens, pond edges, and difficult low spots where other plants struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blue foliage also provides excellent contrast against green shrubs and flowering perennials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cjsplants.co.nz\/collections\/hydrangea\" title=\"Collection of Hydrangea's\"\u003eHydrangeas and Moisture Retentive Soils\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHydrangeas are often surprisingly successful in heavier soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile they don't like permanent flooding, they appreciate moisture-retentive ground that stays consistently damp through the growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn fact, many hydrangeas perform better in heavier soils than in sandy soils that dry out quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir large flowers and lush foliage make them an excellent choice for areas that receive regular moisture but still drain slowly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlants That Hate Wet Feet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnowing what not to plant can be just as important as knowing what will thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome popular garden plants prefer excellent drainage and may struggle or fail in heavy clay soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants that generally dislike wet feet include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Lavender\u003cbr\u003e- Rosemary\u003cbr\u003e- Gaura\u003cbr\u003e- Many succulents\u003cbr\u003e- Most Mediterranean herbs\u003cbr\u003e- Cistus\u003cbr\u003e- Rock roses\u003cbr\u003e- Some grevilleas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese plants are often adapted to dry climates and can quickly suffer root rot when exposed to prolonged moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're gardening in heavy clay, it's often best to avoid forcing these plants into unsuitable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTips for Gardening in Wet Soils\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven when selecting suitable plants, a few simple techniques can improve success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Slightly Higher\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen planting into heavy clay, position the root ball slightly above the surrounding soil level. This improves drainage around the crown and reduces the risk of rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdd Organic Matter\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompost and organic matter help improve soil structure over time, encouraging better drainage and healthier root growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvoid Overwatering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany gardeners continue watering despite naturally wet soils. Always check soil moisture before reaching for the hose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMulch Generously\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic mulch helps regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and improve soil health over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eChoose the Right Plant for the Right Place\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe biggest secret to success is matching the plant to the site conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than fighting wet ground, embrace it by selecting species that naturally thrive there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTurn a Problem Area into a Feature\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany gardeners view wet areas as a challenge, but they can become some of the most interesting parts of the landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoisture-loving plants often have dramatic foliage, unique textures, and strong architectural forms that create visual interest throughout the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA damp corner that once struggled to grow anything can become a thriving feature filled with flaxes, sedges, rushes, hydrangeas, native trees, and wetland plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of battling drainage issues season after season, choose plants that naturally enjoy wet feet and let nature do the hard work for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our collection of wet feet tolerant plants and discover species that are perfectly suited to heavy clay soils, damp gardens, rain gardens, pond edges, and challenging wet areas throughout New Zealand.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cordyline-australis","title":"Cordyline Australis","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eKnown as the Cabbage Tree, this New Zealand native is tough as nails, shrugging off everything—even fierce frosts! It grows upright and fits snugly into tight spots, eventually reaching about 8 meters tall.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elliotts Retail","offers":[{"title":"1.5L","offer_id":42324286275668,"sku":"coaus","price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3L","offer_id":42324319436884,"sku":"coaus","price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5809\/4932\/files\/cordylineaustralis_2.jpg?v=1754961364"},{"product_id":"alnus-glutinosa","title":"Alnus Glutinosa","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAlnus Glutinosa - Common Alder - loves soggy spots and soggy soils! With deep roots and a knack for fixing nitrogen, it’s tough enough to handle salty breezes, heavy clay, and really wet areas. This cold-hardy deciduous tree is ready to thrive in a number of situations!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elliotts Retail","offers":[{"title":"pb18","offer_id":42324287914068,"sku":"alglu","price":55.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5809\/4932\/files\/Alnusglutinosa.jpg?v=1764794115"},{"product_id":"carex-virgata","title":"Carex Virgata","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis vibrant sedge is a real water-lover, thriving in damp spots and looking absolutely stunning beside ponds or streams. With its cheerful green tones and elegant, flowing form, it brings a touch of natural grace to any moist garden setting. Perfect for creating that lush, refreshing vibe near water features.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elliotts Retail","offers":[{"title":"1.5L","offer_id":42324303118420,"sku":"cavir","price":7.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5809\/4932\/files\/CarexVirgata.jpg?v=1777948112"},{"product_id":"plagianthus-regius","title":"Plagianthus Regius","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePlagianthus Regius or Ribbonwood is a native gem perfect for fast shelter or turning into a lovely little tree. It’s pretty adaptable and thrives even in dry, windy spots, showing off a tidy column shape. Being semi-deciduous, it brings a bit of seasonal charm too!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elliotts Retail","offers":[{"title":"1.5L","offer_id":42324303413332,"sku":"plreg","price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"pb18","offer_id":42324310425684,"sku":"plreg","price":40.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3L","offer_id":42944630554708,"sku":"plreg","price":17.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5809\/4932\/files\/Plagianthus_Regius.jpg?v=1761268832"},{"product_id":"juncus-blue-dart","title":"Juncus Blue Dart","description":"\u003cp\u003eJuncus Blue Dart brings a splash of cool blue-green colour with its stiff, upright foliage that's perfect for adding structure to garden beds and mixed containers. Whether you dip it in a pond or let it soak up the sun in a dry garden spot, this versatile plant stays tough and charming. It’s like the reliable friend of your garden, ready to jazz up any space with its bold, upright style!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elliotts Retail","offers":[{"title":"3L","offer_id":42324306821204,"sku":"jublud","price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5809\/4932\/files\/JuncusBlueDart_418880ee-cbad-4dc6-ad6b-52ed6ddb50fa.jpg?v=1761679779"},{"product_id":"carex-secta","title":"Carex Secta","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA lush native grass with tall thick foliage.  A true green grass that bronzes off when planted in full sun.  Makes a statement when planted en masse, creating a wispy sea that rolls in the wind. One of our taller grasses.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elliotts Retail","offers":[{"title":"1.5L","offer_id":42324309573716,"sku":"casec","price":7.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5809\/4932\/files\/CarexSecta.jpg?v=1768875269"},{"product_id":"salix-caprea-kilmarnock","title":"Salix Caprea ‘Kilmarnock’","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis playful weeping Pussy Willow flaunts long, grey catkins with cheerful yellow tips in early spring. It’s tolerant of soggy spots and makes a charming addition to any small garden!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elliotts Retail","offers":[{"title":"pb40","offer_id":42324317208660,"sku":"sakil","price":140.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5809\/4932\/files\/salixkilmarnoch.jpg?v=1764801009"},{"product_id":"pyrus-calleryana-kea","title":"Pyrus Calleryana Kea","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis multi-branched tree shows off lovely willow-style leaves with shiny green hues that pop in any garden. Come spring, it’s covered in loads of creamy white blossoms.  Makes a stunning specimen tree.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elliotts Retail","offers":[{"title":"25L","offer_id":42324317536340,"sku":"pykea","price":140.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5809\/4932\/files\/PyrusCalleryanaKea.jpg?v=1760644671"},{"product_id":"cornus-alba-sibirica","title":"Cornus Alba Sibirica","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis super tough shrub sports vivid crimson stems all winter long. Come spring, those bright red branches pop beautifully against fresh green leaves. Tiny white flower clusters bloom in spring, followed by white berries in autumn. It’s happy almost anywhere you plant it!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elliotts Retail","offers":[{"title":"3L","offer_id":42324321337428,"sku":"cosib","price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"pb18","offer_id":46321086758996,"sku":"cosib","price":40.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"amelanchier-canadensis","title":"Amelanchier canadensis","description":"\u003cp\u003eAmelanchier canadensis - Shad Bush - is a multi-season tree that transforms from delicate white blooms and coppery spring foliage into a fiery autumn spectacle. Growing as an elegant shrub or petite tree with a graceful spreading habit, it's the perfect choice for gardeners seeking year-round visual interest. Tough as nails, tolerant of drought, frost, and soggy soil, making it ideal for challenging spots. Plus, it trims beautifully into a striking hedge. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elliotts Retail","offers":[{"title":"25L","offer_id":42324321992788,"sku":"amcan","price":140.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5809\/4932\/files\/Amelanchiercanadensis.jpg?v=1764809448"},{"product_id":"melaleuca-bracteata","title":"Melaleuca Bracteata","description":"\u003cp\u003eA small tree not unlike Kanuka in its foliage.  White, bottle-brush type flowers are produced in Spring.  Used for its wood, essential oils and erosion control.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elliotts Retail","offers":[{"title":"3L","offer_id":42525529243732,"sku":"Mebra","price":20.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5809\/4932\/files\/Melaleucabracteata.jpg?v=1761276054"},{"product_id":"dacrycarpus-dacrydioides","title":"Dacrycarpus Dacrydioides","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"421\" data-start=\"86\"\u003eDacrycarpus dacrydioides, commonly known as Kahikatea or White Pine, is New Zealand’s tallest native tree and one of the country’s most iconic forest species. Revered for its elegant upright growth and soft feathery foliage, Kahikatea creates a graceful long-lived feature in native gardens, shelter plantings and restoration projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"722\" data-start=\"423\"\u003eYoung plants display delicate fine-textured foliage before maturing into stately trees with layered branches and distinctive bark. In natural conditions, Kahikatea can grow into an impressive forest giant and is often associated with wetlands and fertile lowland environments throughout New Zealand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1122\" data-start=\"724\"\u003eAs a native conifer, Dacrycarpus dacrydioides provides excellent habitat and food for native birds. Mature female trees produce small fleshy fruit that attract kererū and other wildlife, making this an outstanding choice for biodiversity-focused planting. Elegant, hardy and steeped in New Zealand heritage, Kahikatea is ideal for creating long-term structure and native character in the landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elliotts Retail","offers":[{"title":"pb18","offer_id":46321532862548,"sku":"dadac","price":55.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5809\/4932\/files\/Dacrycarpusdacrydioides_commonlyknownasKahikateaorWhitePine.jpg?v=1781059937"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5809\/4932\/collections\/JuncusBlueDart_418880ee-cbad-4dc6-ad6b-52ed6ddb50fa.jpg?v=1781132409","url":"https:\/\/www.cjsplants.co.nz\/collections\/wet-feet.oembed","provider":"CJ's Plant Farm","version":"1.0","type":"link"}