Guides: Ponds and Streams
Hardiness
Zantedeschia (Calla Lily)
Native to South Africa, Zantedeschia lilies have become popular garden or household plants. Mainly grown for their magnificent, chalice-shaped flowers (spathe) surrounding a yellow finger-like stalk (spadix), and their arrow-shaped, spotted leaves, they are not true lilies, but are arum (Jack-in-the-pulpit) family members. Whether used in borders, containers or as cut flowers, they always provide a spectacular effect with their rich, cheerful colors.
Irises for the Water Garden
Blooming from late spring to mid-summer, depending upon the cultivar and geographic location, water irises make an attractive backdrop for any pond thanks to their architectural foliage and colorful flowers in shades of white, blue, purple, lavender, red, or yellow.
Dwarf and Miniature Hardy Water Lilies
Dwarf and Miniature Hardy Water Lilies are ideally suited to growing in small ponds, tubs or container gardens in a sheltered, sunny site. Blooming from early summer to early fall, they grow mainly in 6-18 in. of water (15-45 cm).
Medium to Large Hardy Water Lilies
Medium to Large Hardy Water Lilies are ideally suited to growing in large or medium-sized garden ponds in a sheltered, sunny site. Blooming from early summer to early fall, they grow mainly in 12-36 in. of water (30-90 cm).
Profuse Blooming Hardy Water Lilies
These hardy water lilies are profuse bloomers that work well in small, medium or large ponds. To promote more blooms, make sure you follow these rules
Free-Floating Pond Plants
Floating plants add visual interest to ponds or water gardens in terms of color, texture or flowers. These plants develop extensive root systems that filter dissolved mineral salts and other nutrients directly from the water and are often used as part of an algae-control regimen.
Waterlily-Like Pond Plants
Waterlily-like pond plants are attractive aquatic perennials with leaves and flowers floating on the water, just like water lilies. They produce rhizomes, tubers and roots that grow in soil several inches to several feet below the water surface. They hold their small flowers on or above the water surface. However, they are not technically members of the waterlily family (Nymphaea). They differ in plant shape and habit, flower size and color.
Shade Tolerant Hardy Water Lilies
Most water lilies typically need a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight in order to produce their spectacular blooms. However, some will flower in part shade with between 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. None grow in deep shade with less than 3 hours of sunlight each day.
Submerged Aquatic Pond Plants
As their name suggests, submerged aquatic plants are macrophytes that grow primarily below the water’s surface. Some species are rooted to bottom sediments and others are free-floating. They come in all shapes and sizes and perform several vital functions in water gardens. They provide habitat for fish and wildlife, increase water clarity by successfully competing with green algae for nutrients, increase or decrease dissolved oxygen concentrations, depending on abundance and the availability of light.
Marginal Aquatic Plants for 2 inches (5 cm) of Water
Marginal aquatic plants, also known as emergent plants, thrive in shallow water near the edges of ponds and water gardens. Their roots grow under water but their foliage and flowers emerge above. Useful to add splashes of color throughout the growing season with their lush foliage, variegated leaves or showy flowers, marginal aquatic plants can be quite specific about the depth of water they need. Here is a list of marginal aquatic plants that can grow in standing water up to 2 in. (5 cm) deep.
Marginal Aquatic Plants for 6 inches (15 cm) of Water
Marginal aquatic plants, also known as emergent plants, thrive in shallow water near the edges of ponds and water gardens. Their roots grow under water but their foliage and flowers emerge above. Useful to add splashes of color throughout the growing season with their lush foliage, variegated leaves or showy flowers, marginal aquatic plants can be quite specific about the depth of water they need. Here is a list of marginal aquatic plants that can grow in standing water up to 6 in. (15 cm) deep.
Marginal Aquatic Plants for 10 inches (25 cm) of Water
Marginal aquatic plants, also known as emergent plants, thrive in shallow water near the edges of ponds and water gardens. Their roots grow under water but their foliage and flowers emerge above. Useful to add splashes of color throughout the growing season with their lush foliage, variegated leaves or showy flowers, marginal aquatic plants can be quite specific about the depth of water they need. Here is a list of marginal aquatic plants that can grow in standing water up to 10 in. (25 cm) deep.
Water Garden Plants
When creating a water garden you must consider the needs of the plants you will use, the chemistry of the water and the requirements of other living creatures (fish, frogs and others). Not all aquatic plants are alike. There are 5 main groups of plants. Here is a simplified list to help you create a beautiful water garden.
Hardy US Native Hibiscus to Grow
There are about 31 species of native hibiscus in the United States. Prized for their huge, flamboyant flowers, they add exotic, tropical punch in the garden, patio or containers. Though they conjure up images of the tropics, some native hibiscus species can withstand cold winter temperatures.
Candelabra Primulas (Primroses)
Candelabra primulas are majestic perennial plants noted for their eye-catching flowers carried in numerous whorls up their strong stems, like a wedding cake. Very hardy and long-lived, they enjoy a long flowering season extending from late spring to midsummer, depending on the varieties. Clump forming, they grow up to 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm) and self-sow profusely, ensuring that your display continues year after year. They are happiest in bog gardens, near ponds and streams, and grow well in damp shady borders. USDA Zones: 4-8.
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