Water plants help to foster a healthy aquatic environment. They shade the water, reduce algae growth and provide a safe haven for fish.
Let me begin by saying that many of the plants discussed in this article are for ornamental pond use only. These plants should never be released into natural water sources as they may choke out native species, threatening the diversity of our local aquatic environments.
If at all possible, keep your pond from being deeply shaded from above – most pond plants prefer some sunlight. However, to suppress algae growth you will want to regulate the amount of sunlight entering your pond. This is typically accomplished using water plants! We recommend that you partially cover the pond’s surface with floating or aquatic plants – no more than 50% of the surface area - and that submerged plants be added to further shade and oxygenate the water. There are three categories of water plants available for your pond – aquatic/bog, submerged and floating:
Water Lily – the water lily is deep water aquatic, anchoring its roots in the pond’s bottom and stretching its stems to the top of the pond where the leaves float on the surface. They produce large, stunning flowers that are available in a variety of colors. They are available in both hardy and tropical varieties.
Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’) – The Chameleon plant has lovely tri-color foliage, displaying shades of green, yellow and red. It can be submerged in up to 4” of water and is typically used at the pond’s edge on pond shelves.
Corkscrew Rush (Juncus effucus ‘spiralis’) – Is a unique addition to a gardener’s bog or pond edge. It can stand in 4” of water and it features clumps of cylindrical stems that spiral upward. It can grow to 24” tall and is available in green or variegated varieties. Very tiny green flowers bloom at the stem tips in the summer.
Parrot’s Feather (Myriophyllum proserpinacoides) – This very aggressive submerged plant has delicate, feathery, bright green leaves that grow in profusion. It can be beneficial in garden ponds, isolated in its own pot. Parrot’s Feather acts as a water clarifier, oxygenator and provides shelter for newly hatched fry.
Anacharis (Egeria densa)- is the most common of the submerged plants. This bright green oxygenator is easy to grow – it is sometimes nicknamed the “beginner plant.”
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) – Hornwort is a dark green oxygenator with sturdy hair like foliage. It is a vigorous grower.
Common Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) – This popular, annual floating plant grows striking, fragrant violet flowers that form on a central spike. They reproduce quickly sending out runners that develop new plants. Water hyacinth is a wonderful addition to the garden pond. However, because of its vigorous growth, it is sometimes necessary to dispose of excess plants. These plants should be put in the garbage or composted but should never be thrown into natural water sources.
Duckweed (of the genus Lemnaceae) – Duckweed is a tiny flowering floating pond plant. It covers the surface of your pond like a delicate mat and acts as a food source for your fish!
Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) - This is one of few shade loving water plants. As the name suggests, water lettuce looks like a floating open head of lettuce! It has dull green, hairy ridged leaves and it reproduces quickly, sending runners that form new plants.