Marsh plants - Page 2

Zone 1, waterside plants, grow on land and are a fantastic way to finish the pond's edge. Zone 2, marsh plants, love moist soil and often grow just beyond the pond's edge. Zone 3, water plants, love plenty of water. Often it is only the flowers that peek just above the water's surface. Zone 4, water lilies, might be the most well-known aquatic plants. Water lilies are also known as the 'queen of the pond'. Zone 5, oxygenating plants, are essential for the health of the pond and preventing algae. Zone 6, floating plants, are decoratively placed on the top of the water. The leaves of floating plants also function well as shade for aquatic life, like frogs. Waterside and marsh plants look like normal garden plants. Some types can also be planted in the garden as perennials. Water plants, water lilies and oxygenating aquatic plants are always planted underwater.

Marsh plants

Marsh plants are mostly used in ponds as ornamentals. They absorb carbon from the water to some degree, but not as much as other aquatic plants do. Marsh plants, as the name suggests, prefer a moist environment. They are planted at a depth of 0 to 20 cm. We can divide marsh plants into those that grow in the water, those that need to be planted in open ground, or both.

Planting marsh plants

Marsh plants can be planted in different ways: directly in the soil of the pond or in special pond baskets. Marsh plants like to have plenty of space, so we recommend planting them in the ground at first. Construct walls of earth to make a well around the desired position and fill it with soil after placing the plant. Plant just one type of plant in a hole. This keeps the different types of plants from getting in each other's way. Otherwise they might really battle one other. Once the marsh plants have been planted in special aquatic soil for ponds, top them off with gravel or clean sand. This is how we keep the plant's roots from loosening or the water from becoming murky.
The method of planting in pond baskets is not that different from the above method. Use a large pond basket because marsh plants need plenty of room. Then place the plant's root ball in the basket and fill up the holes with aquatic soil. We also top off the basket with gravel or coarse sand. You can find everything you need to plant marsh plants at Bakker.com. View our range at pond products.

Care of marsh plants

Marsh plants extract their food through their roots and leaves. It is important to keep the balance of the aquatic environment stable. For good nutrition, add nutrient salts, minerals and bacteria that are beneficial to the water. Marsh plants often grow more quickly than other aquatic plants. As a result, they will have to be pruned earlier. Prune marsh plants in the autumn by cutting off the dead flowers and stems. You can also cut back the plants to your desired height. We always use sharp and clean secateurs to reduce injury to the plant. Always trim to the surface of the water and never beneath the surface or the stems may rot. Read more information about pruning aquatic plants in our article about pruning.
Have a look at the following interesting products, too:

• Flower bulbs
• Perennials
• Indoor plants
• Pots