Choosing the best pond plants can make a significant difference in the health and beauty of your garden water feature. The right plants will not only enhance the aesthetic of your pond but also contribute to its ecosystem by providing oxygen, shade, and habitat for wildlife.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of ponds—swimming, fish, Koi, and wildlife—and the best pond plants to have in each one.
Let’s start with the crème de la crème of ponds:
Natural Swimming Ponds
This type of pond is perfect for those who want to combine the beauty of a pond with the functionality of a swimming pool. The key to successful swimming ponds is the balance between the water and plant life.
Not only do aquatic plants help with natural filtration, but they also add to the aesthetic appeal of the pond. When it comes to plant selection for a swimming pond, you’ll want to look for plants that can withstand the occasional disturbance from swimming.
Think lily pads, water iris, and water hibiscus. These plants not only add to the visual appeal but also provide important shade and shelter for aquatic life.
And if you’re worried about pesky bugs ruining your swim, consider adding some fragrant water mint or lemon balm to repel them naturally.
1. Water Lilies (Nymphaea)
Water Lilies are a classic choice for any pond, offering large, vibrant flowers and broad leaves that float gracefully on the water’s surface. They are known for their beautiful pink flowers, which also come in various colours such as red, yellow, and white.
They provide shade, which helps to keep the water cool and suppress algae growth. Varieties such as the hardy Nymphaea ‘Marliacea Albida’ can thrive in natural swimming ponds, adding a touch of elegance.
2. Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)
Hornwort is an excellent submerged pond plant that plays a significant role in oxygenating the water. It helps to improve water clarity and provides a habitat for aquatic life. Hornwort can grow in a variety of conditions and does not root in the soil, making it easy to manage in swimming ponds.
3. Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)
Marsh Marigold is perfect for the marginal areas of your pond. Its bright yellow flowers bloom in early spring, adding a burst of colour after winter. This plant thrives in shallow water and boggy areas, ideal if you have a bog garden. It contributes to the natural filtration system by absorbing nutrients from the water.
4. Water Mint (Mentha aquatica)
Water Mint is a versatile plant that grows well in shallow water and moist soil. It has a pleasant minty aroma and attractive lilac flowers. Water Mint helps to oxygenate the water and can act as a natural repellent for some pests, making it a beneficial addition to your pond’s ecosystem.
5. Water Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis scorpioides)
Water Forget-Me-Not is an enchanting plant with small, delicate blue flowers that bloom from late spring to early autumn. It thrives in shallow water and along the pond edges, helping to prevent soil erosion. This plant also supports wildlife, attracting bees and butterflies.
Fish Ponds
If you’re more interested in keeping fish in your pond, a fish pond is the way to go.
Fish not only add life and movement to your pond, but they also serve as a natural insect control system.
When it comes to pond plant selection, you’ll want to look for plants that provide cover for your fish, such as water lilies, floating hearts, and hornwort. They also serve as natural oxygenators, helping to keep the water clean and clear.
1. Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
Water Hyacinth is a floating plant known for its beautiful lavender-blue flowers and lush green foliage. It provides excellent coverage for fish, offering them shade and protection. This plant also helps to improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and reducing algae growth.
2. Anacharis (Elodea canadensis)
Anacharis, also known as Canadian Pondweed, is an excellent oxygenator. This submerged plant grows quickly, providing hiding places for fish and helping to maintain clear water. Anacharis is easy to care for and can thrive in various pond conditions.
3. Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
Water Lettuce is another floating plant that resembles a head of lettuce with its rosette of light green leaves. It helps to keep the water cool and offers shelter for fish. Water Lettuce also plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption, helping to keep the pond clean.
4. Pickerel Weed (Pontederia cordata)
Pickerel Weed is perfect for the shallow edges of a fish pond. It produces striking blue-purple flowers that attract pollinators. This marginal plant helps to stabilise the pond’s edge and provides a natural filtration system by taking up nutrients from the water.
5. Water Clover (Marsilea quadrifolia)
Water Clover is a charming plant with clover-like leaves that float on the water’s surface. It grows well in shallow waters and can form dense mats, providing excellent coverage and shelter for fish. Water Clover also helps to oxygenate the water, promoting a healthy pond environment.
Koi Ponds
For those of you who are Koi enthusiasts, a Koi pond is a must-have. Koi ponds typically have deeper water and a larger filtration system to accommodate the needs of the fish.
When it comes to plant selection, you’ll want to choose plants that can withstand the nibbling of Koi, such as water lettuce and water hyacinth. These plants provide a natural food source for your fish and also help to keep the water clean and clear.
1. Water Lilies (Nymphaea)
Water Lilies are a favourite choice for koi ponds due to their stunning flowers and broad leaves. They provide much-needed shade, helping to keep the water cool and reducing algae growth.
Varieties such as Nymphaea ‘Attraction’ are particularly popular for their resilience and vibrant blooms. Water lilies also offer Koi fish a place to hide and feel secure.
2. Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
Lotus plants are known for their large, exquisite flowers and round leaves that float on the water’s surface. They thrive in Koi ponds, offering shade and helping to oxygenate the water. Lotus plants also have extensive root systems that filter the water, promoting a clean and healthy environment for the Koi.
3. Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
Water Lettuce provides excellent cover for Koi fish and helps to maintain water quality by absorbing excess nutrients. This plant is also easy to manage and can quickly spread, making it a practical choice for larger Koi ponds.
4. Anacharis (Elodea canadensis)
Anacharis offers numerous benefits to Koi ponds. It oxygenates the water, provides hiding spots for Koi, and helps to maintain clear water by absorbing nutrients. Anacharis is hardy and can withstand different pond conditions, making it a reliable addition to any Koi pond.
5. Parrot’s Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)
Parrot’s Feather is a versatile plant that can grow both submerged and emergent. It has feathery, bright green foliage that provides excellent cover and oxygenation.
Parrot’s Feather helps to stabilise pond edges and can be used to create natural barriers within the pond, offering Koi fish additional hiding spots.
Wildlife Ponds
Last but not least, a wildlife pond is perfect for those who want to attract a variety of wildlife to their garden. This type of pond is typically left more natural, with less maintenance required.
When it comes to plant selection, you’ll want to choose a mix of emergent, submergent, and floating plants to provide a variety of habitats for wildlife. Consider adding cattails and water lilies to create a diverse and thriving ecosystem.
Create a stunning wildlife pond like this:
1. Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)
Marsh Marigold is a fantastic choice for wildlife ponds, providing bright yellow flowers that bloom in early spring. This marginal plant grows well in shallow water and boggy areas, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its dense foliage offers shelter for small aquatic creatures, promoting a healthy pond environment.
2. Water Mint (Mentha aquatica)
Water Mint thrives in shallow water and moist soil, making it ideal for the edges of a wildlife pond. Water Mint attracts pollinators and provides excellent cover for pond inhabitants, contributing to a balanced ecosystem.
3. Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae)
Frogbit is a charming floating plant with small, round leaves and delicate white flowers. It provides cover and shade, helping to keep the water cool and reducing algae growth. Frogbit’s floating mats offer a safe haven for frogs and other small pond creatures, enhancing the biodiversity of your pond.
4. Broadleaf Pondweed (Potamogeton natans)
Broadleaf Pondweed is a submerged plant with broad, oval leaves that float on the water’s surface. It offers excellent oxygenation and habitat for aquatic wildlife. Broadleaf Pondweed helps to improve water clarity and provides a food source for many pond inhabitants, contributing to a healthy pond ecosystem.
5. Soft Rush (Juncus effusus)
Soft Rush is a robust marginal plant with cylindrical stems that grow in dense clumps. It is ideal for the edges of a wildlife pond, providing cover and nesting sites for birds and amphibians. Soft Rush helps to stabilise pond banks and absorb excess nutrients, maintaining water quality.
Categories of Pond Plants
Pond plants are categorised into four main types: floating, marginal, submerged, and oxygenating. Each type has its own unique role and benefits, helping create a balanced and healthy pond ecosystem.
- Floating Plants: Floating plants rest on the surface of the water. They help provide shade and reduce algae growth by blocking sunlight. Common floating plants include water lilies and duckweed. Floating plants also help reduce evaporation by covering the water surface.
- Marginal Plants: Marginal pond plants grow in shallow water or along the edges of the pond. Marginal plants include cattails, which are known for their tall, reed-like appearance, and water irises, which produce lovely blooms in colours ranging from blue to yellow. These plants help stabilise the pond’s edge and provide habitats for wildlife like frogs and insects.
- Submerged Plants: Submerged plants grow entirely underwater and are crucial for maintaining water quality. They absorb nutrients directly from the water, helping to prevent algae growth. Examples of submerged plants include hornwort and anacharis. These plants are vital for oxygenating the water and offering food and shelter to aquatic life.
- Oxygenating Plants: Oxygenating plants are a subset of submerged plants. These submerged plants produce oxygen particularly effectively. They play a key role in keeping the pond water clear and healthy. Hornwort and anacharis are again prime examples. Oxygenating plants offer additional benefits, such as providing energy for fish and other aquatic creatures by producing oxygen during photosynthesis. They also tend to be low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced pond keepers.
Designing and Building Your Dream Pond
Now that you know the best plants for each type of pond, you might be wondering where to start with designing and building your dream pond.
The team at Ponds by Michael Wheat are the experts in this area. We have the expertise and experience to design and build a pond that’s perfect for your needs, whether it’s a natural swimming pool/pond or a wildlife pond.
Of course, the cost of a swimming pond can vary depending on size, design, and location. But the benefits of having a pond in your garden are immeasurable. Not only does it add beauty and tranquillity to your outdoor space, but it also provides important habitats and ecosystems.
So, what are you waiting for?
Contact us today to learn more and take the plunge to transform your garden oasis with a beautiful, thriving pond.
Want to learn more? Check out Pondcast Series 7, where Tori talks about plants.