Pond Plants
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An essential ingredient for an attractive and healthy pond is the addition of pond plants. There are many benefits to planting in and around your pond, as such these plants can:
- Regulate the temperature of the water by creating shade.
- Provide a breeding ground for your own pond-life as well as for local dragonflies.
- Eat up nutrients that leak into the pond from other plants and debris.
- Oxygenate the water naturally and efficiently.
Creating a natural looking, attractive area in and around your pond is easy with the addition of some or all of the popular pond plants mentioned here. All you need to do is decide what type of plants you like and what role the plants are to play in your pond. Depending on the look that you would like to achieve, height, spread and colour can also be deciding factors of which pond plants you choose.
There are four main categories of pond plants; each will provide specific looks and features:
Submerged Aquatics - Living totally below the surface of the water, these plants provide oxygen to the water in the pond. These underwater plants are often seen releasing a stream of air bubbles. This action is a clear indication that oxygen is being brought into your pond water. Submerged aquatics are a good investment to help keep your fish healthy and your pond alive and well. A good example that is easy to grow is:
- Pondweed - evergreen and rapid growing, there are no flowers but this will create a good underwater environment for your fish.
Deep water Aquatics & Water Lilies - Their roots are in the water, whilst their leaves and flowers rest on top. This provides shade and protection for the fish below, whilst also giving vital oxygenation properties. Available in many colours, the following are a perfect example of these plants:
- Water Lily - beautiful large flowers in a variety of colours, very popular. Water lilies prefer still water.
- Water Hawthorn - a good alternative to the Water Lily, as this white flower will thrive even in moving water.
Marginal Pond Plants - These plants like to grow in shallow water around the ponds edge. Plant in baskets and stand in a small amount of water. These are just some of the popular plants that are so loved in and around ponds:
- King cup (also called Marsh Marigold) - lovely yellow flowers in summer.
- Lobelia -upright plant with outstanding red flowers and dark foliage.
- Bulrush - classic brown heads surround reed style leaves.
- Arum Lily - elegant upright white Water lily, stunning in the summer.
Free Floating Plants - These plants will float and drift across the water, their roots hang below them, as they are not anchored to the floor of the pond. Great for creating shade and for the local dragonflies to land on and lay eggs.
- Water Soldier - spiky green plant with occasional white flowers, great for contrast and texture.
Man-made Pond Plants
Stopping your pond plants from being eaten by your Koi can be a constant challenge. You may also find that the addition of real plants into your pond, can quickly lead to them spreading and taking over. If you would like to provide interest and shade for your fish, without the risk of over-growth, consider installing man-made plants instead. Velda Replica Underwater Plants are a great example of this. They will not disintegrate or be eaten by fish, but they will still provide a lush, shady environment in your pond.