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Category 1: Water Lilies
The most beautiful of pond plants, water lily pads are available in many colors. Colors available include red, pink, white, orange and peach. Water lilies are vigorous growers so ensure that only a max of 2/3 of the pond surface is covered. Water lilies will offer both shade from the mid-day sun as well as cover from predatory birds for your fish, tadpoles or other aquatic life living in your pond.
Category 2: Oxygenators and Floaters
These pond plants provide essential pond aeration. They float around your water garden’s surface or grow from a submerged plant. Some examples include Parrot’s Feather, Water Clover, Water Lettuce and the beautifully blooming Water Hyacinth.
Category 3: Marginals
These are the most common type of pond plant and are found in the shallow areas of your water garden. They are sometimes referred to as bog plants because they are more than capable of existing in muddy (boggy) areas. These plants offer a variety of heights, colors and textures to the edges of your water garden. A few favorites include the Fiber Optic Plant, Horsetail, purple and pink blooming Cordatas, and the impressive Thalia.
Category 4: Bog plants
These can be shrubs, trees or herbaceous plants that usually live in muddy, damp and shady areas where the maximum water coverage is about two inches. These plants can be used to flank waterfalls, hide pump houses or filter boxes, or offer a beautiful backdrop to the outer far edge of your pond. Some examples include Canna Lilies, Cattail, Hibiscus, and Elephant Ears.
Choosing a combination of water plants that include all four of the categories described above will give you a healthy, functional, and beautiful water garden full of striking textures, shapes, heights, and blooms.
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