I've had a garden installed for about three years now, and we're heading into our fourth spring. I consulted a master gardener who designed the layout, which included a row of snakeroot plants. However, these plants haven't really thrived—I'm starting to think the spot they're in might be too warm and dry for them. I'm looking for alternative plants with similar color and texture that would work better in my garden. I'm in zone 6a in New England. It's interesting, though, because a hydrangea planted right next to the snakeroot is doing really well.
2 Answers
You might also want to try plants like little bluestem, Monarda punctata, or Coreopsis. They do well in sandy soil and I rarely water them. You didn't mention how much sunlight the area receives, so that's worth considering too! For some local native options, check out Wildflower.org/collections to find what works best in your state.
Snakeroot generally prefers moister soil and some shade for optimal growth. If you're looking for similar options, consider late boneset, which might do better in your situation. Also, common yarrow could work since it's pretty resilient and thrives in sunnier, drier spots.
Thanks for the tips! I'm guessing the area isn't shady enough, and the plants definitely need more water than they're getting. They’re still hanging on, but after three summers with barely any blooms, I think it's time to relocate them.