Pond plants

Waterside planting around the pond

Waterside plants are the first zone among aquatic plants. We put these on the edge (the bank) of the pond. The loveliest aquatic plants can grow in moist soil in and around the water (banks and marshes). They are often used to conceal the pond's edge in a natural way. Remember that the soil next to an artificial pond is not necessarily much wetter than the rest of the garden. A number of waterside plants can therefore be planted in both dry and moist soil. Some waterside plants can even be used as garden plants in the border. Varieties that also grow well in dry soil near a pond include purple loosestrife, marsh spurge or various other perennials. We can of course also use pond liner sheeting next to the pond to create a real swamp zone next to the pond to accommodate waterside plants that prefer moist soil. For example, we can choose profusely flowering plants such as the bearded iris.

Marsh plant in low-water

Zone 2 of the pond is the marsh plants that reach a depth of 40 cm. These are often, just like the waterside plants, luscious bloomers that make our pond radiant. Marsh plants smooth the transition from the bank to the pond. There are 3 different varieties of swamp plants that grow in different depths: plants that must be in soggy soil but not underwater, plants that must be in a layer of water and plants that can grow in both dry soil and water.

The water lily, the queen of the pond

Water lilies look gorgeous in a pond and are therefore also known as the 'queens of the pond'. These beauties can be found in all kinds of different colours. We plant water lilies at a depth of about 120 cm. Water lilies reach the depth in zone 4. Aside from water lilies brightening up our pond, they are also good for biodiversity in the pond. Creatures like frogs and dragonflies like to cool off in the shade of water lily leaves. Water lilies themselves need a lot of sun to bloom well; at least 5 hours a day. A remarkable fact about water lilies is that they ’ go to sleep at night, just like people. The flower closes and opens slowly again at sunrise.

Clear water in the pond

Aquatic plants play a crucial role when it comes to the creation or preservation of clear pond water. They keep algae from growing so quickly, which saves us a lot of work! Algae like a nutrient-rich, warm environment. By putting oxygenating aquatic plants in the pond we make the water 'nutrient-poor'. In addition, aquatic plants block sunlight, so the water does not get too warm. Water lilies and floating plants are especially ideal for blocking sunlight. Frogs and useful insects will often use the shade of these plants to cool down.

Oxygenating plants are a pond's foundation

For good results, be sure that a light, quite sunny spot is available for your aquatic plants. The best planting time for aquatic plants is between April and June. Oxygenating plants, such as mare's tail and parrot's feather, are the foundation for every pond. After positioning the pond and filling it with water, we plant oxygenating plants as soon as possible (preferably within 24 hours). This way we do not give algae the opportunity to grow in the water. For each thousand litres of water, 4 bushes or potted plants in pot are enough. Only once the oxygenating plants have been planted is it the time to place decorative aquatic plants, such as water lilies.

Plant aquatic plants in baskets

In large, natural ponds we can plant aquatic plants simply in the soil, both along the banks and in the water. Cover up to a third of the pond bottom with plants so that they have enough space. Water lilies in particular like space to grow. With smaller ponds, it is especially important that we prevent the plants from spreading out too much. By using pond baskets, the plants stay in place better and can be moved easily. We cover the basket with a piece of jute and fill it with special pond soil (never ‘regular’ potting soil, which is a feast for algae). Then we carefully remove the aquatic plants from the pot and put them in the basket. Fill with earth and cover everything with the remaining jute. Sprinkle with a layer of gravel or sand and place the basket at the correct depth (pond zone) in the pond. The correct instructions are always printed on the plant label. What if you don't have a shallow swamp area? Then we can put the baskets on a stack of stones. All the necessities for planting aquatic plants can be found in our pond products range.


Would you like more tips on planting or caring for aquatic plants? Then check out our garden advice page’s.

And be sure to check out the following interesting products:

• Border plants
• Care and maintenance
• Flower bulbs
• Bedding plants
• Indoor plants
• Potted plants