Water features can be transformed with the help of various types of plants. Besides helping to keep water clear, they also provide excellent habitat for native wildlife. Insects and other insects will appreciate the nectar-producing flowers of native plants. Native plants that feature berries or foliage will also be welcomed by birds. This list of best plants for around a pond is sure to make your water feature look stunning.
Water lilies
While lotus and water lilies are both beautiful aquatic plants, water lilies are a more practical choice for a smaller pond. Water lilies are a beautiful way to add color and character to any pond. To plant one around your pond, you’ll need to pot its roots before submerging them in the pond. The soil should be a mix of sand and clay. Putting down some gravel around the base of the pond will help to keep the soil in place.
Other plants that are great for a pond include cattails and water iris. Water iris is a great upright plant that tolerates some shade but blooms in full sun. Pickerel rush is a low-growing annual that adds shade to your pond and complements water lilies. Pitcher Plant, which features thin, spiked foliage, is another good choice.
It’s important to plant water lilies in a pot made specifically for water lilies. Regular potting soil contains organic matter that can harbor bacteria and contribute to algae blooms. Potted plants need heavy clay soil, and you should cover them with a heavy river rock or fist-sized rocks. This way, fish can’t root in the soil and smother the plant.
You can choose water lilies of different sizes to match the size of your pond. Small-leafed lilies are ideal for small water features, while large-leafed varieties can be grown as large plants. However, water lilies need warm temperatures to bloom properly. The most popular variety, called large-leaf water lilies, will bloom throughout summer and fall. If you live in a warm area, you can expect blooming all year long.
When selecting a water lily, it is important to choose a type that grows deep in the water. Night bloomers tend to be more fragrant and open their flowers at dusk and last until morning the next day. Day-bloomers will only open their flowers during the weekend. Some varieties can bloom as early as 5:00 in the evening. Keep in mind that water temperatures must be over 70 degrees to give the water lilies the proper light they need.
Water lilies are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also provide essential habitat for pond fish. They filter out excess sunlight, providing shade for the fish and other water creatures. Furthermore, they also help maintain a pond’s ecosystem and prevent algae and other plants from gaining traction. They’re also ideal for northern climates, as they will regrow if water temperatures drop.
Water lilies come in two main types: hardy varieties that grow well in cold climates and tropical varieties that must be brought indoors during winter. Hardy varieties can be planted anywhere in the world, but tropical types will not survive in cold climates. Water temperatures of 70 degrees and above will help tropicals to bloom profusely and survive winter. Tropical lilies are also attractive to frogs, which can rest on their lily pads.
Egyptian paper rush
A tender marginal plant, Egyptian paper rush adds exotic architectural foliage to your pond. Its tall upright stems and tufted umbels make it a standout among other plants around your pond. This species grows well in shade, but you may want to grow it in a pot if you plan to leave it in the pond all winter. It is low-growing and has variegated cream, green, and red foliage.
Papyrus is historically important. It is mentioned in the Old Testament, and was used by Ancient Egyptians as a writing material until the 8th century, when parchment replaced it. It was also used for food, medicine, and construction. You can choose a variety of species to plant around your pond. It is hardy in most zones and is suitable for small ponds.
Papyrus is native to Africa, and is a very hardy plant in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones nine and 10. It will survive the winters in zone 8 as long as its roots are protected by mulch. If winters are mild in your region, it will regrow and produce more plants. Egyptian paper rush can be planted in soil and is best placed around the pond’s edge. However, it will grow aggressively and need some space.