Best plants for a rain garden

[george]

There's a downspout outside my apartment that carries hundreds of gallons of water every time it rains. It carries so much water that there's an erosion problem on that side of the building and everything is washed out in a big bowl shape around the outlet.

I was thinking about planting a rain garden in that area. That is, I'll fill the washed out area with humus (for water absorption) and then plant a bunch of plants to slow down the water flow. If they have deep and extensive root systems, these plants should survive the floodwaters and help divert moisture deep into the soil.

Here's the problem - most of the plants that I've read about planting in rain gardens require consistently high levels of moisture, and I live in Texas. Aquatic plants would do a good job in Seattle or other places with steady rain, but I'm worried that they would die between watering in the Texas summer. Are there any suitable plants for a Texas rain garden?

[cosmic_girl]

Hmm, I can't really say much about what's the best plant for your area. I live in a rather sunny and tropical climate so my plants & conditions are different. I did find some information and some suggested plants for rain gardens in Austin. City of Austin - City of Austin :: Grow Green :: Rain Garden Plants

I also came across this site from Sue Ellingson and it's very informative! Sue’s Rules for Rain Gardens. Hope that helps

[garden ann]

http://www.rainkc.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.search/index.htm

Try this link. This site was very helpful when I wanted to know what plants to choose for my rain garden. I will not suggest to you the plants because it will really depend on the existing conditions in your place.

[Luna]

garden ann is right. Native plants are generally recommended for rain gardens, as they're more tolerant of the climate & soil and other conditions. Plus, they don't really need fertilizer. Pick plants that grow naturally in your area and put them in your rain garden.

This might help you though. http://www.raingardens.org/docs/rain..._factsheet.pdf