Plants for Ponds

PLANTS FOR PONDS FOR DIFFERENT DEPTHS, DEEP WATER PLANTS, OXYGENATORS AND SURFACE FLOATERS, AND MARGINALS AND BOG PLANTS

All too often you see a pond which has been well built, but which lacks the last, and most fundamental, ingredient – a good selection of plants. Yet there are so many plants available for different parts of the pond and different depths of water that there really is no excuse for such an omission.

If anything, the immense range available can be a handicap for beginners, and you may find it easier to start with a few favorites, then add to your collection gradually. With a combination of bold foliage and some well chosen flowering water plants and marginals, a faceless pond wills soon be transformed into a watery oasis you can be proud of.

Plants For Different Depths

Water and moisture loving plants all have their own preferred planting depth and are broadly classified as bog plants, marginals, deep-water plants, surface floaters, and oxygenators. Deep water plants need their roots to be in soil at a depth of up to 30in (90cm) underwater. Surface floaters are not rooted in soil at all, nor are most oxygenators – these help keep oxygen levels in the pond high and carbon dioxide levels low, boosting the health of other plants and water creatures. Maginals thrive at the edges of ponds with their roots jut covered with water and bog plants like constantly moist soil.

Planting Depths When constructing a new pond, try to include a range of different depths to accommodate water plants from every category. This medium sized pond includes the full range, from moisture loving bog irises, foxgloves, and golden meadowsweet to deep water species such as the waterlily

Planning What To Plant

Using plants from each category enables you to make the most of all areas of your pond and create a feature which looks good for most, or all, of the year. To make informed planting choices, it is well worth visiting an aquatic nursery or garden center several times over a number of months to see the greatest possible range of plants at different growth stages.

When planning what to plant do bear in mind the ultimate size of the plants – you don’t want to end up with a stately plant that looks tremendous but completely dwarfs the pond. Remember that some pond and marginal plants grow rapidly and are potentially invasive while others may be swamped by vigorous neighbors. Also check that the plants will survive local conditions – if you live in a cold region, you may well need a sheltered spot (such as a greenhouse) to keep tender plants during winter. As with all plant purchases, seek advice and read labels carefully before buying.

Modern Style Although sparse planting is popular in and around contemporary water features, it is not essential to the effect. This pond is bordered by a lush selection of marsh and bog plants, including primroses and irises, but architectural brick edging and a formal waterfall combine to create a thoroughly modern effect.

Plant Compositions

Unless you have a particular design style in mind, probably the most harmonious effect will be achieved by combining many different types of plants with a variety of contrasting leaf shapes – perhaps the pointed, strap-like foliage of Siberian iris (Iris sibirica) with the rounded leaves of clumps of hostas. A range of foliage color and texture will also improve the display, particularly if combined with the occasional splash of color flowering deep-water or marginal plants.

The plants you choose will be determined by the style of your pond. For a wildlife pond, native plants, such as marsh marigols (Caltha palustris) are ideal since they thrive with little attention and attract local wildlife. For a more formal or modern pond, plants such as cattails, bog irises, and others with angular leaves and compact shapes are more suitable.

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