Comarum: The Hardy Native Perennial Perfect for Wet Gardens
If you’ve been searching for a resilient native plant that thrives in those tricky wet spots of your garden, let me introduce you to comarum (Comarum species). This unassuming but incredibly hardy perennial might just become your new best friend for challenging growing conditions.
What Is Comarum?
Comarum, commonly known as comarum or purple marshlocks, is a native North American perennial that belongs to the rose family. As a forb—that’s gardener-speak for a non-woody flowering plant—comarum produces herbaceous growth that dies back each winter and returns reliably each spring.
This plant is a true North American native with an impressive range. It’s naturally found across Alaska, Canada (including Greenland), the lower 48 states, and even St. Pierre and Miquelon. Talk about a well-traveled plant!
Where Does Comarum Grow?
Comarum has one of the most extensive native ranges you’ll find, naturally occurring across a vast portion of North America. You can find wild populations in Alberta, British Columbia, Alaska, Manitoba, New Brunswick, California, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Colorado, Prince Edward Island, Connecticut, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Labrador, and Newfoundland.
Why Consider Comarum for Your Garden?
Here’s where comarum really shines—it’s the perfect solution for those wet, boggy areas where many other plants struggle or simply give up. This native beauty produces attractive small purple or reddish flowers and distinctive compound leaves that add texture and interest to wetland gardens, rain gardens, and naturalized areas.
As a native species, comarum provides excellent ecological benefits. It supports local wildlife and pollinators, including various bee species and flies that rely on native plants for sustenance. Plus, since it’s adapted to local conditions, it requires minimal intervention once established.
Garden Design and Landscape Role
Comarum works beautifully in several garden styles:
- Wetland and bog gardens
- Rain gardens and bioswales
- Native plant gardens
- Naturalized landscapes
- Pond edges and water features
Its low-growing habit makes it an excellent groundcover for wet areas, while its unique flowers provide seasonal interest without overwhelming more showy companions.
Growing Conditions and Care
The beauty of comarum lies in its adaptability to challenging growing conditions. This plant thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and can handle everything from full sun to partial shade. It’s particularly well-suited to acidic soil conditions, making it perfect for those areas where other plants might struggle.
Comarum is hardy across USDA zones 2-7, which means it can handle serious cold. This makes it an excellent choice for northern gardeners looking for reliable native options.
Planting and Care Tips
Here’s the wonderful truth about comarum: it’s refreshingly low-maintenance once you get it established. Here are some key points for success:
- Plant in spring or fall in consistently moist soil
- Ensure adequate moisture—this plant doesn’t like to dry out
- Little to no fertilizing needed (it’s adapted to lean, natural conditions)
- Minimal pruning required—simply remove dead growth in late fall or early spring
- Very few pest or disease issues when grown in appropriate conditions
Is Comarum Right for Your Garden?
Comarum is an excellent choice if you have wet or consistently moist areas that need coverage, want to support native wildlife and pollinators, or are looking for a low-maintenance perennial that can handle tough conditions. Its extensive native range means it’s likely well-adapted to your local climate.
However, if you’re looking for a drought-tolerant plant or have very dry garden conditions, comarum probably isn’t your best bet. This plant really needs that consistent moisture to thrive.
Overall, comarum represents the best of native gardening—beautiful, functional, wildlife-friendly, and perfectly adapted to its environment. If you’ve got the right growing conditions, this hardy native perennial could be exactly what your garden needs.
