Mother Nature's true filters, plants are great for adding character to a pond by providing color and texture, but from a filtration perspective, they are second to none. Thriving from the excess nutrients in a pond and depriving algae of its food source, the aquatic plants in a water garden, given proper coverage, are critical for the overall health of the ecosystem.
Types of water plants
- Water Lilies
- A favorite of pond owners. They come in a rainbow of colors and some are fragrant. Lilies are a staple in your pond providing shade, algae control, and food and shelter for fish. Fertilize water lilies about once per month for great blooms.
- Lotus
- A magnificent, hardy, flowering plant with large pads and fragrant, full blooms. Make sure to keep this plant in the container. Fertilize every 8-12 weeks.
- Marginal Plants
- These plants grow at the edges of the pond. They range from grasses to vibrant flowering plants. Fertilize every 8-12 weeks.
- Water Lily-like Plants
- These plants have floating pads and flower like lilies, but have different characteristics such as water depth levels. They tend to grow best in shallow waters.
- Floating Plants
- Water Hyacinths and Water Lettuce make up this group. These plants are fast growing and multiply before your eyes. They do not last in cold climates, but are their price makes it easier to accept. Their roots act as a filter, and they pull excess nutrients from your pond for clearer water. May be sensitive to sun.
- Submerged Plants
- These plants are planted completely under the water, usually at the bottom of your pond. They give off oxygen benefiting your bacteria and fish.
- Creeping Plants
- Not a great name, but it describes these plants to a tee. At Serenity we use these plants in streams and along the edges of our ponds. They “creep” as they grow and root themselves in the rocks. This helps shade the stream and filter the water as it passes through the stream.
- Hardy versus Tropical
- Wisconsin Hardy: Zone 4-5
- Tropical: 6+ (can be over wintered inside by window, in soil with pebbles)
- Planting Choices: aquatic baskets or bare roots tucked into rocks and pebbles.
