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Adding water plants to your pond doesn’t just beautify the space; it enhances the ecosystem, balances the water quality, and provides a habitat for aquatic life. Whether you’re a seasoned water gardener or just starting, these 12 good pond plants are must-haves to create a vibrant, healthy, and eye-catching water garden. This guide is here to make pond plants less of a mystery and more of a delight with a dash of humor to keep things lively!
(pinterest)
Zones: 3-10 | Sun: Full to Partial
Creeping Jenny’s lush, bright green leaves provide a soft edge to ponds, cascading beautifully over rocks and blending with aquatic landscapes. Think of it as the plant world’s version of a cozy throw blanket for your pond. This fun, viny creeper is also available with yellow leaves under the name Golden Creeping Jenny.
Moneywort is a native aquatic plant and thrives in ponds, shorelines and wetlands alike so there is no risk of this plant casting damage to any adjacent local wetlands.
Height: Approximately 2 inches.
Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading saturated soils
Appearance: Bright green leaves, (or yellow leaves), yellow flowers.
Excellent for softening rocky pond edges.
Thrives in shallow water or damp soil.
Perennial in most zones.
Requires regular trimming to maintain shape.
Adds vibrant color and texture.
Attracts pollinators like bees.
Plant in moist soil along the pond edge.
Trim excess growth regularly.
Combine with taller plants for a layered look.
(fineartamerica.com)
This is one of my personal favorites, Pickerel Plant (or Pickerel Weed) is a fabulous summer-blooming native aquatic. You are gonna love this one.
The Pickerel plant is your pond’s answer to a statement necklace. With its spiked flowers in shades of blue, white, or pink, it’s impossible to ignore. Plus, it’s a fish favorite — who doesn’t love a plant that doubles as a hideout?
Height: 24-30 inches.
Growth Habit: Upright saturated soils - 8-10in water
Appearance: Heart-shaped leaves, spiked flowers.
Long-lasting blooms.
Tolerates a range of water conditions.
Easy to maintain.
Requires full sun for optimal blooming.
Needs regular thinning in smaller ponds.
Enhances the vertical structure of ponds.
Provides shade and shelter for aquatic life.
Ducks and other birds love the seeds that this plant produces
Excellent shallow water habitat
Use pots submerged near the pond edge.
Pickerel likes 4-12 inches of water depth in a quiet spot in your pond
Plant in clusters for a bold visual effect.
Deadhead flowers to encourage new growth.
(pinterest)
This remnant of the Paleozoic era is a 100 million-year-old genus of primitive plants that can hang just about everywhere. They love sunny banks and pond edges.
Horsetail Reed is like the minimalist friend who always looks chic. Its segmented reeds bring a modern, architectural vibe to your pond. But beware — it has a tendency to overstay its welcome if not kept in check.
Height: Up to 24 inches.
Growth Habit: Upright, segmented.
Abundant stems, thick growing
Appearance: Dark green, bamboo-like stems.
Adds a unique vertical element.
Hardy and adaptable to various conditions.
Low maintenance.
Can spread aggressively if not contained.
Requires regular thinning.
Ideal for modern pond designs.
It acts as a natural filter.
Use submerged pots to prevent spreading.
Thin out regularly to control growth.
Pair with shorter plants for contrast.
(livepondplants.com)
Taro isn’t just for tropical recipes; it’s also a showstopper in ponds! With its large, dramatic leaves, it brings the vacation vibe straight to your backyard. This tropical tuber is fast-growing and available in multiple colors and leaf sizes
Height: Up to 48 inches.
Growth Habit: Upright.
Appearance: Large, heart-shaped leaves.
Striking visual appeal.
Tolerates full to partial sun.
Thrives in shallow water.
Sensitive to frost.
Requires overwintering indoors in colder climates.
Provides shade for fish and aquatic life.
Adds a tropical ambiance.
Plant in shallow water or damp soil.
Overwinter indoors in colder zones.
Ensure ample sunlight for lush growth.
Another native gem, Cardinal Flower is a wetland prairie flower with striking red blossoms that brighten up any late summer rain garden or wetland shoreline.
If there were a prom for pond plants, Cardinal Flower would definitely win Best Dressed. Its vibrant red blooms and burgundy foliage make it a standout in any water garden.
Look for its wet prairie buddy the Great Blue Lobilia, too.
Height: Up to 3 feet.
Growth Habit: Upright moist soils
Appearance: Red flowers, burgundy leaves.
Attracts birds and pollinators.
Thrives in moist conditions.
Adds bold color to ponds.
Needs consistent moisture, but not too much moisture
May require staking in windy areas.
Creates a dynamic focal point.
Supports local wildlife.
Plant along pond edges.
Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.
This plant needs to re-seed itself every few years, allowing volunteers to thrive and enjoy the summertime blossoms.
Combine with green foliage plants for contrast.
(pondinformer.com)
Soft Rush is another native plant that can bring interest to your pond’s edge. A true rush, its cylindrical stems grow in nice clumps in moist soil. A hardy creature this one… The Soft Rush is native to all continents except Antarctica.
Other rushes that are good: Softstem Bulrush (taller 4ft+ and spreading) Hardstem Bulrush, and Corkscrew Rush (a curly-stemmed cultivar of Soft Rush)
Growth Habit: shoreline - spiky clumps.
Appearance:Light green cylindrical stems densely clumped together
18 - 30in max height - normally 16-20in
Easy to grow and propagate.
Provides a spiky aesthetic
Does not overcrowd or spread aggressively
Nutlets and dense cover for pond wildlife
Requires trimming in fall
Cannot be planted in open water
Excellent shoreline planting
Stabilizes shoreline sediments
Adds texture and greenery.
Plant in moist soil or media adjacent to any waterbody
Split as necessary
Trim off declining stems to promote good growth
This is also one of my personal favorites. The most interesting plant you’ll have in your pond… the Arrowhead is a versatile and hardy workhorse of the pond ecosystem. Named for its arrowhead-shaped leaves, it is also known by other monikers: Duck Potato, Wapato, Indian Potato, and others.
Arrowhead will absorb/assimilate more nutrients per pound of plant biomass than any other species of native pond plants. Do you want a biofilter for your pond? Plant a bunch of Arrowhead.
Arrowhead prefers saturated soils to 6-8in of water and will produce a tuber late in the summer to early fall. This tuber is edible (though I don’t recommend it) and is a favorite of just about every herbivorous critter this land can produce. So, plant a ton of it, cuz it's going to get eaten… a lot….
Growth Habit: Emergent upright, saturated soils - 8in water
Appearance: Red and green mosaic-like leaves, and yellow flowers.
Eye-catching and unique.
Provides shade and hiding spots for fish and pond wildlife
Much desired food source for a plethora of wildlife
Efficient pond filter
Easy to grow, will propagate itself
Replanting is common due to herbivory
Enhances visual appeal.
Adds depth and variety to the pond.
SUPER cool awesome plant
Easy to grow
Efficient pond filter component
Place in shallow, still water.
Protect roots until established
Watch for tubers in fall,
They float and can be collected and planted in desirable locations
Also one of my very favorite plants!
This is the plant that started my family's foray into pond care as a business. We grew these flowers (among several others) in my mom’s back yard as a supplement to my budding career as a professional Freshwater Biologist. The Blue Flag Iris is a native perennial and a symbol of French royalty (the Flur-de-lis is a Blue Flag Iris) and the floral emblem of Quebec.
(ar.inspiredpencil.com)
It is a regal little flower and a hardy addition to any pond’s edge.
The Blue Iris is the perfect blend of elegance and resilience. With its tall, graceful stems and vibrant blue-to-purple flowers, it adds a touch of sophistication to any pond.
Height: Up to 4 feet.
Growth Habit: Upright moist soils to 2in water
Appearance: Long green stems with striking flowers in May/June.
Blooms early in spring, adding seasonal interest.
Thrives in wet soil or shallow water.
Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
May require staking in windy areas.
Spreads slowly compared to other plants.
Needs splitting every 3 yeast or so.
Adds height and drama to the pond.
Helps prevent erosion along pond edges.
Plant in shallow water or damp soil.
Trim back foliage in late fall.
Divide clumps every few years to encourage new growth.
(horomidis.gr)
Sweet Flag is a native wetland plant with tall, green lance-shaped leaves. Another cultivar known as Variegated Sweet Flag, is a cheerful addition to any pond with its bright yellow and green striped foliage. It’s as versatile as it is vibrant!
Very strong plant with thick roots - great for shoring up a bank or creating habitat along a windy wet landscape.
Height: Up to 36 inches.
Growth Habit: Clumping, upright
Moist soil to 4in of water
Appearance: Bright green or Variegated foliage with a grassy texture.
Adds a pop of color and brightness.
Tolerates both wet soil and shallow water.
Easy to maintain and propagate.
Not suitable for deep water.
May require regular thinning to prevent overcrowding.
Prevents soil erosion along pond edges.
Stays visually appealing all season long.
Plant in shallow water or damp soil.
Divide plants every few years to maintain vigor.
Waterlilies are the crown jewels of pond plants. Their wide floating leaves and vibrant blooms create a classic, tranquil look that’s simply irresistible. These floating beauties are available in a multitude of colors and hardiness levels. Be sure to check the hardiness of the particular water lily that you purchase. Some water lilies can survive an arctic winter, others will give up their ghost as soon as the first frost touches their leaves.
Bloom Size: 2-12 inches in diameter.
Growth Habit: Floating.
Appearance: Round green leaves and colorful flowers.
Provides shade and cooling for fish.
Helps reduce algae growth by blocking sunlight.
Available in a wide range of colors.
Requires fertilization for consistent blooming.
Needs calm, still water to thrive.
Most of the most colorful varieties will not survive a northern winter
Enhances the pond’s natural beauty.
Improves water quality by reducing sunlight exposure.
Use aquatic soil and plant in pots submerged at the pond bottom.
Plant Pond lilies in 2ft or less of water depth. Allow them to spread to where they want to be.
Position in full sunlight for best blooms.
Regularly remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves.
Protect from koi - they will eat your lilies….
Here are a couple of hardy, native water lilies for you to try out. These Water Lilies will really spread out if they like their new home…
Yellow pond Lily (aka: Cowslip, Spatterdock)
White Water Lily
(3dtree.info, blogspot)
The Lotus is a symbol of beauty and serenity, and for good reason. With its majestic blooms and large, waxy leaves, it’s the showstopper every pond deserves. As with water lilies, there is a wide variety of lotus available for purchase. Be sure to know if the lotus you are getting can survive the winter or not. Most lotus with colorful (non-white) blossoms and/or leaves with serrations (i.e. rippled edges) are tropical and must be overwintered indoors in order to survive any level of freezing temps.
Native, winter hardy Lotus are as tough as they come (they have the white-ish blossoms in the above picture), be sure to keep them contained. Native Lotus can spread around your pond quickly and are tough to cull.
Height: Up to 6 feet.
Growth Habit: Upright.
Appearance: Large round leaves and exotic flowers.
Adds height and drama to the pond.
Produces edible seeds and roots.
Thrives in sunny, warm conditions.
Requires deep, still water.
Needs regular fertilization to bloom well.
Acts as a focal point in any water garden.
Provides shade and shelter for aquatic life.
Plant in large containers submerged in deeper ponds.
Plant in 2ft of depth or less - Plant can spread to depths around 5-6ft
Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
Overwinter in a protected area in colder climates.
Aquatic or Water Forget-me-nots are lovely short growing, drapey plants with tiny pale blue flowers that bloom much of the summer. Plant them between rocks along a stream or at the pond’s edge and watch them crawl all over rip rap and between other plantings. They will not crowd out anything so they are great gap fillers and wonderful habitats for butterflies and honey bees.
Growth Habit: Trailing.
Height: 6-20in
Appearance: Oblon leaves on a long stem that normally lays flat against rocks, clumping together nicely. Pale blue / sky blue groups of tiny flowers - blooms from May until 1st frost.
Provides excellent landscape blending for rocky shorelines and streams
Excellent pollinator attractor
Easy to grow and maintain.
Fill gaps in plantings and loves to drape over landscaping
Adds texture and visual interest.
Blooms most of the summer
Plant in moist soil/ media between rocks or along the shoreline.
Trim to encourage branches and dense flower coverage
Plant between taller plants or in rocky streams to blend stone into other landscaping
Combine plant types: Use a mix of floating, emergent, and marginal plants for a balanced ecosystem.
Monitor water quality: Avoid nutrient overload that can lead to algae growth.
Plan for seasonal interest: Choose plants that bloom at different times of the year.
Incorporate wildlife-friendly options: Attract birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects with flowering plants.
Aquatic plants are awesome but they do need tending as would any other flower garden.
Allow Plantings to thrive: Aquatic plants take up nutrients that would otherwise grow algae. Let these little workhorses do their job AND beautify your backyard pond.
By selecting the right mix of aquatic plants for ponds, you can create a picturesque water garden that’s as functional as it is beautiful. Start building your dream pond today with the best pond plants and enjoy the tranquility and vibrancy it brings to your outdoor space!
