Aquatic Plants for Water Gardens

Water gardening has become very popular throughout the years. Garden pools, waterfalls and fountains enable you to enjoy a place in your own backyard where you can go to soothe your soul and to spend countless hours enjoying wildlife and fascinating plants. Water in the garden can be as simple as an airtight container filled with several plants or as detailed as a large pond filled with plants, fish and waterfalls. Whatever your choice might be, there are few additions to the garden, beyond its botanical wonders, that can give as much as water.

In this article, we would like to introduce you to one element of a water feature: aquatic plants. There are many plants for the water garden which consist of three main groups: marginals (or bog plants), floaters and oxygenators (or submerged plants). Read on to learn more about these groups and various plants in each group.

Marginals
What are marginals (bog plants)? Marginals are plants that thrive in shallow water or very moist soil. They give vertical accent to the water garden and can be planted in a container, directly in your water feature (be sure to place at the correct water level), or if you have a pond, they can be planted at the edge of your pond. When planted in the ground, marginals grow lots of roots that add surface area for producing beneficial bacteria - thus, a plant that’s good for the overall water quality.

When shopping, choose plants according to their height, texture, leaf size/color, and for seasonal flower color. If you’re going to plant in a container, it is important to note that the size of the container determines how large the plant will grow, so be sure to check the growth habit of the plant and choose a container that is suitable for the plant. A wide shallow container is best for plants with spreading root systems, and a more *narrow container should work well for a plant with a more upright growth habit or smaller root system (*purchase a container that is large enough to allow your plant to grow). It is very important to make sure your container has drainage holes; not providing proper aeration can cause the roots to rot.

If you are planting in a constructed (man-made) pond, planting zones are usually incorporated along the perimeter of the water garden. These areas are built using underwater ledges that are lined with large rocks and backfilled with topsoil. Gravel can also be used in place of some of the soil, but for best results there should be some topsoil in the planting area (do not use all gravel). It is important that the soil is added to the planting area before the water is deep enough to cover the planting area. These planting areas can be built to any size and depth (to accommodate all of your plant choices) so the end result is most enjoyable to you.

It is very important that you use the proper soil when planting bog plants. Clay loam soil, much like what is found in a vegetable garden, is best for growing bog plants. Avoid using gravel, sand or soil substitutes in place of topsoil, and avoid lightweight amendments (like those found in potting soil), as they will float out during planting. Bagged aquatic plant soils are available and are a good substitute if natural soil is not available. If planting in a container, be sure to place one-half to one inch of small gravel over the soil surface. Doing so will keep the fish out and the soil in.

To produce the best flower and leaf growth, it is important to establish a monthly fertilizing schedule. Aquatic plant fertilizers (in tablet form) are the best option, as liquid plant stimulants are not adequate fertilizers by themselves. When fertilizing, simply push the tablets (read label for fertilizing amounts) to the bottom of the soil, making sure they are covered completely. By pushing the tablets to the bottom of the soil, you are preventing the fertilizer from contacting the tender roots. Your fertilizing schedule should conclude around early fall, as most water plants go dormant during the winter months. In addition to fertilizing, it is important that you maintain your bog plants like you would any other perennial garden: remove all dead or yellow leaves/stems completely and cut off the dead flowers (deadhead) to promote a prolong flowering period. In addition, be sure to repot container grown aquatic plants every two or three years, to keep the soil fresh.

Floaters
What are floaters? Floaters are plants that float freely on the surface of your water garden, shading the water and therefore aiding in algae control. Some floaters are rooted in containers at the bottom of your water garden, and the leaves grow to float atop your water feature. These plants aid in cooling the water for fish, while also providing a place for them to hide and spawn.

Oxygenators
What are oxygenators? (or submerged plants) Oxygenators are plants that grow below the water surface. They play an important role in the chemical and biological balance of your pond. They act as natural filters, making your water feature more resistant to algae and providing the environment required for fish to flourish.

No matter how large or small your water feature is (or will be), one thing is for certain, you will definitely find it enjoyable and relaxing. If you currently have a water feature or are thinking about creating one, stop by Fairview Greenhouses and Garden Center. You will find a good selection of hardy water plants at Fairview from spring through fall. Until next time, happy water gardening!



Listed below are some aquatic plant names listed in their proper category:

Marginals: Arrowhead, Arum, Banana Tree, Bloody Dock, Calla Lily, Canna, Cardinal Flower, Cattail, Creeping Jenny, Fiber Optic Plant, Forget-Me-Not, Giant Rhubarb, Ginger Lily, Hibiscus, Horsetail, Iris, Joe Pye Weed, Mazus, Lizard’s Tail, Loosestrife, Marsh Marigold, Pickerelweed, Pitcher Plant, Rush, Sweet Flag, Taro, Thalia, Umbrella Plant

Floaters: Water Hyacinth, Water Lettuce, Water Lilies

Oxygenators: Anacharis, Fiber Optic Plant, Mosaic Plant, Parrot’s Feather, Pennywort