Plants for a Water Garden

Lilies are one of the most common types of plants found in all kinds of water gardens.

Water gardens are a type of garden that requires very specific choices when it comes to vegetation. A handful of basic categories for water plants exist and a harmonious integration of all types will result in the best kind of water garden. Look for floating plants, submerged plants, bog plants, companion plants and algae when putting together a list of plants for your water garden.

Water Lilies

Different varieties of water lilies make an appearance in many water gardens. They are available in a wide variety of colors. The tropical water lily, known as the dauben water lily, is a good choice for a water garden beginner because it is easy to raise and remains open longer than other types.

Companion Plants

Companion plants are those that help blend the vegetation between the shore and the water. Variegated sedge is an ornamental grass that provides a little height as it grows to 4 inches. False goat's beard is useful for providing some foliage around shaded edges of the water. Leucothoe is an evergreen that sports broad leaves that can add color as they emerge red then turn green or pink or cream before finally winding up either burgundy or bronzed colored.

Umbrella Palm

The umbrella palm is a traditional choice for water garden and can also act as a companion plant. This plant provides a sense of height around the garden and adds an element of movement during a breeze.

Floating Plants

Floating plants are designed to hover on the surface of the water garden. The floating fern is aptly named, though some of its fronds tend to get submerged. Keep an eye on this plant as it spreads quickly and can become invasive. An even more aggressive floating plant is fairy moss. This plant can cover the surface of a small pond and its aggression makes it a good choice for a small container mini-water garden.

Swampy Plants

A swampy effect can be achieved with your water garden through the introduction of plants that are naturally found in such conditions. Cattails and dwarf cattail can be used together to create a boggy ambiance. Planting bull rush and zebra rush at the edge of the pond lends a very natural appearance. Lizard's tail is also known as the American swamp lily as is a fine choice for a water garden.

Submerged Plants

Submerged plants are an important component to a successful water garden because they work to absorb minerals and pollutants as well as release oxygen into the water to help keep algae at bay. Among the submerged plants to consider for your water garden are fanwort, sword plants, parrotfeather and arrowhead.

References

• Garden-Pond-Plants.com: How to Select Aquatic Plants
• "Water Gardens: How to Create Beautiful Fountains, Ponds and Stream;" Eleanore Lewis; 2001
• "Instant Gardens;" Michael McKinley, Ed.; 2006