Bring On The Rain
Rainy days may keep us indoors, but for these plants? It’s their time to shine.
If you’ve got a yard that doubles as a swamp during Kentucky’s stormy stretches, don’t fret. We’ve rounded up a crew of 11 moisture-loving, rain-tolerating garden heroes that won’t just survive soggy soil—they’ll thrive in it.
Rain, rain, and more rain? Sounds like it’s time to lean into it—with plants that love a good soak.
So grab your galoshes and let’s jump into it! Welcome to our Bring on the Rain Edition!
11 Rain Friendly Plants to Add to Your Kentucky Garden:
SunPatiens
Sun: Full to part sun
Water: Moist, well-drained soil. But handles rain like a champ
Bloom Time: Spring to frost
Annual/Perennial: Annual
These aren’t your grandma’s impatiens. SunPatiens are the overachievers of the flower world—sun-loving, rain-tolerant, and always blooming! Basically, if your garden had a hype squad, SunPatiens would be the cheer captain. They’ll keep your garden looking lively even when you’re inside waiting out the thunder.
Verbena (Upright & Trailing)
Sun: Full sun
Water: Drier once established, but won’t freak out over a downpour
Bloom Time: Spring through fall
Annual/Perennial: Annual in KY (though some trailing types can overwinter in mild areas)
Verbena is the friend that shows up early to the party and stays until the last firefly fades. Upright varieties add structure, while trailing types add drama spilling beautifully from containers or beds. They’re happy to be part of any sunny space—even after a downpour.
Hibiscus (Hardy Types)
Sun: Full sun
Water: Loves the rain, bring it on
Bloom Time: Mid-to-late summer
Annual/Perennial: Perennial and annual variations
These giant blooms look like they belong in a vacation postcard. With a flair for the dramatic, hardy hibiscus handles wet soil and humidity like a spa day. Just give it sunshine and space to shine! Bonus: hummingbirds love these too!
King Tut (Eqyptian Papyrus)
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Very thirsty—thrives in standing water
Bloom Time: Grown for its funky foliage all season until frost
Annual/Perennial: Annual in KY
This papyrus isn’t just ancient—it’s artsy. King Tut is tall, funky, and looks like it came straight out of an ancient garden mystery. King Tut adds texture, height, and “What is that?!” curiosity to any soggy container or water feature. He turns any container or corner into a conversation piece. (Just don’t ask it to stay dry.)
Banana Trees
Sun: Full sun
Water: Loves it wet and humid
Bloom Time: Grown for foliage all summer until frost
Annual/Perennial: Mostly annuals, but some are perennial depending on species
Banana trees bring big jungle vibes to Kentucky gardens. Even though they don’t usually make fruit here in Kentucky, they still look like they belong in a jungle movie—and yes, they love the rain. These are perfect for creating a little summer getaway at home. If you’re planting a non-hardy variety (which most are), don’t worry—you don’t have to say goodbye at the end of the season! Before the first hard frost, you can dig up the bulb-like rhizome and store it over winter. Simply shake off excess soil, let it dry for a day or two, then tuck it away in a cool, dark, frost-free place like a basement or garage. Come spring, replant it once the soil warms up and watch it come back swinging!
Cannas
Sun: Full sun
Water: Soaks up rain like it’s on vacation
Bloom Time: Summer to frost
Annual/Perennial: Annual unless rhizome (bulb) is stored for winter
Cannas show up to your garden like they’re ready for a parade—bright colors, bold leaves, and zero fear of thunderstorms. Just lift the bulbs in fall unless you want to test their bravery. In Kentucky, they won’t survive a freeze, but you can easily save the bulbs—technically called rhizomes—for next year. After the first frost, trim back the foliage, dig up the rhizomes, gently shake off the soil, and let them dry for a few days. Then store them in a cool, dry place in paper bags, cardboard boxes, or peat moss. Replant them in the spring once the soil warms up, and they’ll be back and blooming in no time!
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
Sun: Full sun
Water: Tolerates rain but prefers to dry out between drinks
Bloom Time: Summer to fall
Annual/Perennial: Perennial
Blanket flower is bright, fun, and always ready to bloom. Blanket flower is low-maintenance, colorful, and blooms like it’s got nothing better to do. These are a great butterfly magnet!. Blanket flower thrives even when things get soggy, but it prefers a seat in the sun to dry out afterward.
Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Sun: Part sun to shade
Water: Likes moist conditions, tolerates occasional flooding
Bloom Time: Spring
Annual/Perennial: Perennial.
Ajuga is like the quiet kid in class who secretly throws the best birthday parties. It hugs the ground, spreads like a charm, and sends up pops of purple in spring. Great for damp, shady spots where grass gives up.
Siberian Iris
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Loves moisture—wet feet welcome
Bloom Time: Late spring
Annual/Perennial: Perennial
These graceful, upright bloomers love a good soak. These elegant irises are tough cookies. They can take on Kentucky clay soil, heavy rain, and still show up with graceful blooms and sword-like leaves. Siberian Iris adds elegance to even the swampiest garden bed. It is a classic with staying power!
Elephant Ears (Colocasia & Alocasia)
Sun: Part sun to shade
Water: Thirsty and dramatic—loves the rain
Bloom Time: Grown for foliage all season until frost
Annual/Perennial: Tender perennial
They don’t call them Elephant Ears for nothing—these plants make a huge impression. Elephant ears look like they could double as umbrellas—and honestly, they might in a pinch. They love the rain and bring instant drama (the fun kind) to any garden. Don’t let those giant leaves fool you—elephant ears aren’t fans of winter in Kentucky. But the good news? You can dig up their bulbs (technically corms) and keep them cozy until spring! Once the foliage dies back after the first frost, cut it down, carefully dig up the corms, and brush off the extra soil. Let them dry for a few days in a warm, airy spot, then store them in a breathable container (like a paper bag or box filled with dry peat moss or newspaper) in a cool, dark place. When spring rolls around, replant them and get ready for the big-leaf show to return!
Astilbe
Sun: Part shade
Water: Moist, rich soil is its happy place
Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
Annual/Perennial: Perennial
Astilbe is all about the fluff—its feathery blooms look like cotton candy for bees. It doesn’t mind the rain and shines in shady, damp areas where other flowers just won’t play nice. It’s a calm, peaceful plant that brings a touch of charm to any garden.
Conclusion: Rain? No Problem.
Let’s be honest: This year our Kentucky summer has been wetter than a sponge in a kiddie pool. But with the right plants, all that rain can turn your garden into a lush, flower-filled paradise.
When life gives your garden too much rain, plant something that thrives in it! These water-lovers are ready to put on a show no matter the forecast. With the right plants, even the soggiest Kentucky garden can be a lush, vibrant paradise. Choose a few of these rain-loving superstars, and instead of worrying about the weather, you’ll be watching your garden thrive—even during the next big storm.
Stay dry out there and as always, HAPPY PLANTING EVERYBODY!!!
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